Washington Picture Diary

		Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-N.Y.), ranking member of the House Small Business Committee, discussed the tremendous impact small businesses have on both job creation and the U.S. economy.
		This panel of Democratic legislators discussed the health insurance options before Congress to address the skyrocketing cost of health care benefits and its impact on small businesses. Participants voiced their frustration with the rising costs and how it limits their ability to hire and keep employees.
		Rep. John F. Tierney (D - Mass) hosted a lunch meeting for Northeast region participants. Tierney asked for feedback on the forum. He also led a discussion on opportunities for small businesses to participate in the more than $1 billion government procurement program. He has sponsored several programs north of Boston to give business owners the tools and information to do business with the federal government.
		The two participants from Congressman Tierney's district were Ellen Kaplan, president of Possibilities@Work (left), and Fran Dichner, president of R&L Associates, a staffing firm based in Beverly.
		Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Democratic leader of the House of Representatives (right), initiated this forum. Small business is one of five key issues that are the focus of her leadership in Congress this year. She wanted to hear first hand from those directly affected by the bills in Congress.
		The program offered several panels during the day. The outsourcing and workforce panel, shown here, focused on the Congressional role in keeping American jobs from going overseas.

Press release: Peabody businesswoman speaks before congressional panel