How Members of the 113th Congress Scored on Small Business Votes

SBE Council Releases Congressional Ratings

Who are the “Champions of Entrepreneurs and Small Business” in the House and Senate?

News Release from SBE Council October 2, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) released its scorecard for the 113th Congress on key legislative votes important to entrepreneurship and small business growth. According to SBE Council President & CEO Karen Kerrigan, the Congressional Scorecard for the 113th Congress reflects a wide range of issues important to strengthening entrepreneurship in the U.S. and helping small business owners survive and thrive under difficult economic circumstances.

• Hawaii's Congressional delegation ranked 49th with an average score of 11.8 out of 100.  Only Vermont is worse.
• Hirono and Schatz scored 0% each
• Gabbard scored 21%
• Hanabusa scored 26%

SBE Council’s Vote Ratings of the 113th Congress reflect an array of important votes to strengthen U.S. entrepreneurship and the environment for America’s small businesses.

“Entrepreneurship and startup activity remain at historical lows, and small business owners continue to face a very challenging economic environment. It’s more critical than ever that Members of Congress support legislation that lightens complex tax and regulatory burdens, and improves capital access for entrepreneurs. SBE Council appreciates the support and commitment of every ‘Champion of Entrepreneurs and Small Business’ in the U.S. Congress as they do much more than talk about the importance of small businesses, these members support job creators by how they vote on key small business issues,” said Kerrigan.

For the 113th Congress, SBE Council scored members of the U.S. Senate on 10 Key Votes, and members of the U.S. House of Representatives on 20 Key Votes. House and Senate members who score 80% or higher receive the “Champion of Entrepreneurs and Small Business” designation. Key Votes scored by SBE Council include tax issues important to small businesses, such as legislation to advance comprehensive reform and relief, and bills that would create more certainty for entrepreneurs by making investment incentives permanent. Regulatory reform votes that bring accountability and transparency to the federal agencies are also scored. Key Votes on health care are included, as the confusion, costs and new requirements imposed by the Affordable Care Act are adding to the burdens faced by entrepreneurs. Forty-two U.S. Senators and 205 U.S. House members scored a perfect 100 percent.

“Across the globe, many countries are advancing policies and reforms to encourage entrepreneurship, risk-taking and investment. Unfortunately, the U.S. business environment is deteriorating, which means less startup activity, diminished investment, slower innovation and fewer jobs being created. We appreciate the support of our ‘Champions’ who recognize the competitive global environment business owners face, and who consistently vote in favor of legislation that will bring back robust levels of entrepreneurship and economic growth to America,” added Kerrigan.

SBE Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting small business and promoting entrepreneurship. For more than 20 years, SBE Council has worked to improve and strengthen the ecosystem for entrepreneurs and small businesses. For more information, please visit: www.sbecouncil.org. Follow SBE Council on twitter: @SBECouncil   Like us on Facebook here.

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