Finkenauer, Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Jumpstart Economic Development in Rural America

January 10, 2019
Press Release
Legislation is Finkenauer’s first bill

WASHINGTON, DC— Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) and Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) have introduced H.R. 246, the “Stimulating Innovation through Procurement Act of 2019.” The bipartisan bill, will bring federal investment to small businesses in rural America. This is Finkenauer’s first bill.

“The people of Iowa’s first district sent me to Washington to put partisan politics aside and work on commonsense solutions that help our hardworking families,” said Rep. Finkenauer. “That’s why I’m wasting no time getting to work on bipartisan legislation to help Eastern Iowa’s small businesses fuel innovation and create jobs along the way.”

To help put innovative small firms on the map, Congress created the Small Business Innovative Research program (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. These initiatives provide capital and other support to allow small businesses to engage in federal research and development with the goal of commercialization.

“To remain economically and globally competitive, it is critical that we continue promoting technological innovation, research, and development,” said Rep. Curtis. “I am proud to join with Representative Finkenauer in finding a bipartisan and commonsense solution to protect federal investments into small business innovation and technological research that will help innovators in Utah and across the country succeed." 

The bill would help more small businesses access the SBIR and STTR programs, especially in rural communities. Specifically, the bill would require acquisition personnel to conduct outreach so more small firms can benefit from the SBIR and STTR programs.

“The folks I’ve spoken with across the district want to be able to stay and build a life in the communities that raised them. When Washington talks about innovation, it can’t afford to just think about the Coasts. I grew up in rural Iowa and I know that small businesses are vital to the growth of communities across our state,” said Rep. Finkenauer. “I’m proud to introduce legislation that will help those businesses grow and allow the next generation of Iowans to innovate right here in our state.”

 

###