R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Small businesses constitute a vital and dynamic 1-2 force in the economy of this state; their role in employment cannot 1-3 be overstated, for these entities comprise more than 95 percent of 1-4 Texas employers, and small businesses employ 42 percent of the 1-5 private workforce in the state; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Texas' smallest employers, those with fewer than 20 1-7 employees, create two-thirds of the state's new jobs, and the 1-8 positive impact and overall importance of the "mom-and-pop shop" 1-9 looms large, for such businesses are the engine that drives our 1-10 economy, and the entrepreneurs that own them risk personal capital 1-11 and devote their time, efforts, and talents to the creation of new 1-12 jobs, new businesses, new industries, and new technologies across 1-13 the state; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Small business owners' initiative and drive fuel 1-15 progress and growth in Texas, and they are indeed worthy of special 1-16 legislative recognition for their contributions to free enterprise 1-17 and their role in the prosperity of our state; now, therefore, be 1-18 it 1-19 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th 1-20 Legislature of the State of Texas hereby recognize February 17, 1-21 1999, as Small Business Day at the State Capitol and extend to all 1-22 small business owners warmest best wishes for great success in the 1-23 future. Brimer _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 220 was adopted by the House on May 31, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House