Dusty Johnson: “Today, I proudly join with Senator Kerry and Senator Smith to reintroduce the Native American Small Business Development…”

“Today, I proudly join with Senator Kerry and Senator Smith to reintroduce the Native American Small Business Development Act. This important legislation is designed to help American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians to overcome barriers which inhibit business development and job creation. We greatly appreciate the support of the distinguished Senators who join us in sponsoring the legislation including Senators: Akaka, Baucus, Bingaman, Daschle, Cantwell, Murray, Stabenow. The communities served this initiative represent some of the most traditionally isolated, disadvantaged, and underserved populations in our country. Despite the unique and persistent challenges to business development in these areas, many of the supportive services the federal government provides to entrepreneurs are not available in these distressed regions. The Native American Small Business Development Act endeavors to develop and disseminate culturally tailored business assistance to assure Native American businesses may secure and sustain long-term success. Native American communities continue to struggle with the social, economic, and cultural repercussions derived from persistent and pervasive poverty and unemployment.”