Small Business Update
From Speaker of the House John Richardson
Wednesday, October 19, 2005

The needs of Maine’s small businesses, and what the Legislature has done and should do to address them, is the topic of the forum scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Damariscotta at the Great Salt Bay School on U.S. Business Route 1. The forum will be held in the school cafeteria.

At the forum Speaker of the House John Richardson and other legislators will provide an update on the Small Business Initiative, a package of 16 bills he spearheaded last year in an attempt to encourage small business growth in Maine.

So far, eight of the bills have passed the Legislature or found non-legislative solutions. Two were killed, and six remain pending before the Legislature. Full details on the status of the bills, and more information about the initiative can be found online at: www.speaker.maine.gov/business.

Then-Majority Leader Richardson convened a group of Democratic legislators in February 2003 to begin the work of drafting a Small Business Bill of Rights and identifying the needs of small businesses in Maine. The Working Group on Small Business Growth then met with over 200 small business professionals at seven forums around the state to get feedback. The legislative package was the result.

Business owners and professionals, as well as others interested in small business issues, are encouraged to attend. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. Pre-register by calling 287-1300 or going online to www.speaker.maine.gov/business.

Visit the SBI web site

We have recently updated the Small Business Initiative website. It contains updates on the legislative package, history of the SBI, members of the original Working Group on Small Business Growth, and more.

Visit the SBI web site.

Participating in the legislative process

The bills in this package have already had their public hearings, but the ones that were carried over may still come up for discussion in workshop sessions. Some of the "carryover" bills could be discussed by committees this fall. Be sure to contact your own legislator, or the members of the appropriate committees. You can find a list of committee members here or contact us in the Speaker's Office if you need help finding the right people.

You have a right and an obligation to make your voice heard in Augusta!

Testifying or submitting written testimony
Click here to learn more about testifying on a bill or submitting written testimony.

Contacting your legislator
Be sure to contact your legislator about small business legislation and let them know your opinion and suggestions.

Click here to find your local state representative or senator.

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www.mainehousespeaker.org/business.

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