REP. LASHAWN K. FORD NAMED CHAIR OF SMALL BUSINESS & JOBS COMMITTEE

Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan announced appointment of Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (D-8) to chair the newest committee, the House Small Business Empowerment and Workforce Development Committee. This committee will focus on the state’s priority of creating new small businesses and empowering current businesses.
    Ford notes that small businesses across the state account for over 50% of the workforce. “We must bring small businesses to the table if we plan to create jobs,” Ford says. “Government has met with and bailed out Wall Street to stabilize the economy. Now we must have a plan to meet with small businesses.”
    Ford says, “The first order of business for the committee will be a hearing including the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Departments of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Employment Security, and small business owners.”
    “Job creation is a critical part of getting the state’s economy back on track, and the success of Illinois’ small businesses is a major component in achieving that goal,” declares Speaker Madigan. “Representative Ford and I share a long-standing commitment to working with small businesses, listening to their needs and concerns, and helping them address the challenges they face. We hope the creation of this committee is just another step in our ongoing efforts to revitalize our state and local economies,” concludes the Speaker.
    Rep. Ford has established two e-mail addresses: smallbusiness@lashawnford.com and workforce@lashawnford.com to gather input on preparing his committee’s legislative agenda.