Appropriations Committee Approves Schiff's Request for Funds for Two Local Small Business Assistance Programs

Appropriations Committee Approves Schiff’s Request for Funds for Two Local Small Business Assistance Programs

Washington, DC – Representative Adam Schiff helped secure federal funding for two small business assistance and job training initiatives in a spending bill approved by the Appropriations Committee last week.  Rep. Schiff, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, requested the funds in the Fiscal Year 2009 Financial Services Appropriations Act, which will now be sent to the House Floor for a vote before the full House.  The bill included $100,000 for the Verdugo Workforce Investment Board and $100,000 for the Valley Economic Center.

“This funding will help give local businesses the tools they need to succeed and thrive, and work to strengthen our local economy,” said Schiff.  “The Verdugo Workforce Investment Board and the Valley Economic Center have proven track records in helping small businesses, workers, and entrepreneurs succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

The Verdugo Workforce Investment Board provides business assistance, job training and job placement services to residents and businesses in the Burbank, Glendale, and La Canada region.  Many of the businesses receiving assistance from the Verdugo Workforce Investment Board are struggling to remain out of debt. The staff of the board conducts outreach, analyzes company needs, and refers the company’s management to resources and services to help companies remain stable.  The board focuses on small businesses of 25 employees or less and assists local businesses, workforce, and job seekers. 

Valley Economic Center (VEC) will use the funding to operate its Women’s Business Center (WBC) which provides technical assistance and access to capital to emerging and existing female entrepreneurs at its satellite facility in Glendale. In the last year VEC and WBC provided consulting to 672 clients, trained 5,138 clients, created 44 start-ups, and created 44 new jobs.

Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the House Judiciary Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.

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