Rep. Gay-Dagnogo offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 373.

            A resolution to urge the Department of Talent and Economic Development to coordinate small business advancement efforts.

            Whereas, Small businesses are both the foundation of and innovators in Michigan's economy. Nearly half of Michigan's workers are employed at one of the more than 800,000 small businesses in the state. Nationally, small businesses accounted for nearly half of private, nonfarm gross domestic product in 2008. In Michigan, small businesses created 34,000 new jobs in 2014 alone; and

Whereas, Small businesses provide opportunities for people, have deep roots in local communities, and are engines of innovation; and

            Whereas, Public policy decisions from every corner of state government affect small businesses. Many small businesses face industry-specific regulations, as well as economic development, education, infrastructure, public safety, and taxation policy decisions that impact the small business environment in the state; and

            Whereas, Major directives and initiatives in the executive branch should take into account the concerns of small businesses. Having a principal executive department be responsible for coordinating policy, grantmaking, and minority business development related to small businesses would ensure that this vital segment of the economy can flourish in the state; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Department of Talent and Economic Development to coordinate small business advancement efforts; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Director of the Department of Talent and Economic Development.