Congressional Recess Advocacy Packet for July – June 29, 2017

Congressional Recess Advocacy Packet for July
June 29, 2017

Connie Evans

Dear AEO Members and Supporters:
This spring and into the summer, AEO has been especially active on Capitol Hill, advocating for robust funding for the CDFI Fund and SBA’s entrepreneurial development and lending programs.
On June 28, the House Agriculture, Rural Development and Food & Drug Appropriations Subcommittee held a mark-up on their FY2018 appropriations bill. This is the subcommittee of jurisdiction for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Committee funded the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) at $17.5 million. Allocations for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program and the Rural Business Development Grant Program will be released following the full Appropriations Committee’s mark-up following the one-week July 4 recess.
On June 29, the House Financial Services & General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee held a mark-up of their FY2018 funding bill. FSGG is the subcommittee of jurisdiction for the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Treasury Department’s CDFI Fund. The CDFI Fund was funded at $190 million, and Microloan Technical Assistance was funded at $31 million. The Microloan allocation reflects AEO’s budget request. Allocations for Women’s Business Centers, PRIME and SBDCs will also be released following the full Appropriations Committee mark-up.
On Friday, June 30, Congress adjourns for the one-week July 4 recess. Our work doesn’t end when Members of Congress leave Washington — this is where you come in. Representatives need to hear from their constituents, and the July 4 recess is a great opportunity to continue AEO’s important Congressional advocacy at home. Click here to find your Representative and contact their local office. Here is a guide of our FY2018 appropriations requests and letter templates you can use to reach out to your local Representatives related to SBA, CDFI and USDA funding.
We look forward to working with you to advocate on behalf of our nation’s entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Sincerely,

Connie Evans
President & CEO