BILL NUMBER: HR 18INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Price JUNE 1, 2009 Relative to small businesses. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST HOUSE OR SENATE RESOLUTIONS DO NOT CONTAIN A DIGEST WHEREAS, California's 3.4 million small businesses represent 99.2 percent of all employer firms in the state; and WHEREAS, California small businesses employ over one-half of all private sector employees and have generated 70 percent of net new jobs annually over the last decade; and WHEREAS, California's small businesses provide economic opportunities, create more than one-half of the gross domestic product, and bring innovative products and services to the marketplace; and WHEREAS, California's small businesses created 87.6 percent of the state's net new jobs from 2004 to 2005, and have generated 70 percent of net new jobs annually over the last decade; and WHEREAS, Locally owned businesses generate a 68 percent local premium in enhanced economic impact; and WHEREAS, California's small businesses enhance the quality of life in California by providing local jobs and local economic revenue, and account for the largest sector of the business community in the state; and WHEREAS, California's small business community provides opportunities to diverse groups of people, and comprises over 50 percent women-owned businesses and a significant growth of 41.6 percent in African American-owned businesses, 18.7 percent in Asian-owned businesses, 27.1 percent in Hispanic-owned businesses, and 1 percent in Native American/Alaskan-owned businesses; and WHEREAS, Small businesses are critical to the economic well-being of this state by creating new businesses and employment opportunities; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly recognizes the importance of small businesses to all Californians; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.