Virginia is home to more than 850,000 small businesses, employing 1.5 million people and accounting for 99.6% of all businesses in Virginia. Small Business Majority has created a comprehensive state policy agenda to ensure small business ownership and entrepreneurship are at the center of a robust, equitable, and competitive economy for the Commonwealth.
On January 15, Small Business Majority Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash submitted a comment letter to Virginia House Appropriations Chairman Luke E. Torian urging the Committee to pass HB 1724, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board established; drug cost affordability review.
Today, Public Policy Director, Awesta Sarkash, submitted a letter of support to the Virginia House Committee on Appropriations in support of HB 419, which would close the gap on childcare investments in the state. Prioritizing childcare, in all its forms, is an investment that will have greater returns for Virginians and small businesses alike.
On February 1, Small Business Majority's Virginia Council member Shirley Modlin, owner of 3D Design and Manufacturing LLC, testified before the Virginia House Labor and Commerce Committee in support of HB 570, legislation which would establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Virginia. Passing this legislation would help address the high cost of prescription drugs, which places a burden on small businesses and their employees.
On January 29, Small Business Majority's Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash submitted testimony before the Virginia Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. The bill would protect small employers, employees and other stakeholders within the healthcare system, particularly as small businesses are struggling with thin margins and high healthcare costs.
Today, Public Policy Director, Awesta Sarkash, submitted written testimony in support of HB 737, Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program in Virginia. Ahead of the House Labor and Commerce Committee hearing, Awesta underscored the need for a state-run leave program, which would allow small businesses to offer a modernized and robust benefits package to their employees.
Giovanni A Delfino is a dynamic small business advocate, accomplished business development consultant, educator, and influential public speaker. Since founding DelfinoCo in 2013, Giovanni has been dedicated to driving small business development, fostering the integration of Latino businesses, and advancing economic growth. With extensive expertise in business development, market behavior analysis, consumer behavior and decision-making, and economic policy, Giovanni has helped countless companies achieve their goals.
Today, Government Affairs Coordinator Quintin Reed, testified before the House Commerce and Energy Subcommittee #4 in support of HB 2035, which would create a paid family and medical program in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of accessing paid family and medical leave. Now more than ever, there is a need for a modernized and robust benefits infrastructure, which would greatly benefit small business owners and their employees.
Although Shirley Modlin plans on giving her manufacturing business, located in Powhatan, Virginia, over to her son in the next two years, she is nowhere near retirement. In fact, she is handing over her current business so she can start a new one and open a vocational center in the rural area of her town.
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