HR0664 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0664 LRB098 14621 GRL 49431 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The government of the State of Illinois celebrates our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and communities; and

WHEREAS, According to the United States Small Business Administration, there are currently 28 million small businesses in the United States; they represent more than 99% of American companies, create two-thirds of net new jobs, and generate half of private gross domestic product; and

WHEREAS, Small businesses employ half of the employees in the private sector in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Eighty-nine percent of consumers in the United States agree that small businesses contribute positively to our State by supplying jobs and generating tax revenue; and

WHEREAS, Eighty-six percent of consumers in the United States have small businesses in their community that the consumers would miss if those small businesses closed; and

WHEREAS, Ninety-three percent of consumers in the United States agree that it is important for people to support the small businesses that they value in their community; and

WHEREAS, Ninety percent of consumers in the United States are willing to pledge support for a "buy local" movement; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy, and preserve our neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, Advocacy groups and both public and private organizations across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the date of November 30, 2013 as "Small Business Saturday" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the residents of our State to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.