STATEMENT
of the
Honorable Nydia M. Velázquez, Ranking Democratic Member
Floor Debate in the U.S. House of Representatives
on the Vocational and Technical Entrepreneurship Act
October 2, 2001

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks.

I want to thank my friend from Pennsylvania for introducing this innovative legislation.

At the core of H.R. 2666, the Vocational and Technical Entrepreneurship Act, is a great idea. Start with two of the most powerful forces for productivity and innovation in the American economy, join them, and then harness their combined energy.

This bill will join the productive powers of a skilled work force with the innovation of entrepreneurship. This act will help develop a curriculum that will help these workers get the training they need to build and grow their own small business.

There are many skilled workers out there who see a demand for more of their skills. They may be working for shops that have to turn away new jobs. So they decide start their own business to meet that demand.

But in many cases, they don't know where to start. Running your own business is complex and requires new skills — skills that can be taught and learned.

It is even more important now, as we enter less certain times, that we harness the talent and energy of this new entrepreneurial class. Small businesses form the backbone of our communities and our economy. In the past decade, small businesses realized unprecedented growth and job creation. We want to spur even more growth in this untapped sector of the economy at a time when we really need it.

Mr. Brady's bill will do just that by joining the innovation of entrepreneurship with the hard work of skilled labor. Combined, they build a new, strong force for our economy.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

 

 

 

 

---