As the new session gets underway U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) has been named Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The committee oversees the Small Business Administration, small business trade and exporting, veterans and reservist employees, women and minority entrepreneurship, among others.

According to the Idaho Department of Commerce, small businesses make up an estimated 89% of all Idaho businesses, and are responsible for 44% of all Idaho jobs and 47% of all state income. The Chairmanship will allow Risch to advocate on behalf of these small businesses.

"I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship,” said Senator Risch. “Small businesses play a critical role in driving Idaho's and the nation’s economies and employing families. As Chairman, I look forward to advancing policies that will encourage entrepreneurs to expand operations and hire new workers. This includes reforming our broken regulatory system, tax code, and addressing the costs associated with health care.”

Risch will continue to serve on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Select Committee on Intelligence, Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Select Committee on Ethics.

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