WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, Rhett Buttle, Senior Advisor, Small Business for America’s Future, called for an end to delays in the process for the U.S. Senate to confirm Julie Su, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next Secretary of Labor.
“Julie Su was nominated months ago for the role of Labor Secretary, and remains an exceptional candidate, which is why the small business community continues to champion her for the job. Small business owners know Su will provide the smart leadership needed to continue our economic recovery and want her confirmed without further delay.
“As we navigate the ongoing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, high-quality jobs are vital for ensuring an equitable comeback—and Julie Su is committed to creating them. Her influential role in deploying the Good Jobs Initiative underscores Su’s ability to ensure job access, equity, and quality in the implementation of major economic legislation, including the CHIPS and Science Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Her confirmation will not only bolster the resilience of small businesses and workers, but also ensure the continuity of our economic recovery. We urge the U.S. Senate to expedite her confirmation, for the prosperity and success of our small businesses hinges on strong and steady leadership.”
For months, business leaders from across the country have urged the U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm Deputy Secretary Su.
Here’s what the business community has been saying about Deputy Secretary Su’s nomination.
National Business Leaders:
CNBC: More than 250 business leaders back Julie Su for Labor secretary as nomination hangs in the balance
By Emma Kinery
The Coalition on Inclusive Economic Growth, including the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program; B Lab U.S. & Canada; Change Finance, PBC; Florida for Good; Oxfam America; Pacific Community Ventures; PolicyLink; Project Equity; Social Finance; and U.S. Impact Investing Alliance:
A dozen diverse business organizations, including the African American Alliance of CDFI; National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship; National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB); National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC); Pacific Community Ventures; Prosperity Now; Operation HOPE; Small Business for America’s Future; Snowy Mountain Development Corporation; Snowy Mountain Development Regional Port Authority; United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC); and Women Impacting Public Policy:
Over 20 groups representing Asian and Pacific Islander American businesses in communities across the country, including National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE); ACE NextGen; Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia (AACCGP) ; Asian American Executive Network; Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC); Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois; Asian Business Association; Asian Chamber of Commerce Colorado; Asian Chamber of Commerce Houston; Asian Chamber of Texas; Asian Corporate & Entrepreneur Leaders; California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian Chamber); Central Florida International Chamber of Commerce (CFICC); Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles; Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA); Filipino Chamber of the Pacific Northwest (FCCPNW); Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce; Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce (HWCC); International Leadership Foundation (ILF); Intramuros Community Development Partners; New American Business Association; Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR); and the US-China Chamber of Commerce, Dallas (USCCC).
“We write to you on behalf of the Asian American Pacific Islander small business and entrepreneurial community to express our support for Deputy Secretary Julie Su’s nomination to serve as the next Secretary of Labor. Su is the daughter of Chinese immigrants and small business owners, and is now being considered to serve in the President’s Cabinet. She’s a living example of the American Dream which so many who immigrate to this country strive for, for themselves and their children, offering her a perspective that is necessary to address workforce challenges and lead on labor policies.
“For the last two and a half years, Deputy Secretary Su has led the Department of Labor alongside Secretary Walsh and possesses the skills, experience and expertise necessary to continue the important work started under Secretary Walsh’s tenure. In this time, she has overseen seismic shifts in US labor, stemming from a global pandemic and ongoing impacts of the pandemic.
“If confirmed, she would be the first person of AAPI descent to serve as a Cabinet Secretary in the Biden Administration… we believe that it is crucial for AAPIs to have greater representation at the Cabinet level, particularly among leaders that deal directly with workforce issues."
Tammy Halevy, Executive Director, Reimagine Main Street:
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce:
Small Business Owners:
Regina Hunley, Printer Supplies and More, Hurricane, WV:
“It is a critical moment for our country's recovery and especially important for small business owners. Fair labor practices are crucial for a thriving economy and a stable workforce. Main Street needs a Labor Secretary that fights for workers and understands the needs of small businesses. We send elected officials to maintain and ensure that our needs are looked after. Dragging their feet for political points is not in the job description! Senators need to act swiftly and confirm Julie Su. She checks every box of the job description. Make it happen!”
Carling McManus, 84 Agency, Charleston, WV:
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and Julie Su’s nomination gives me confidence that our government will work to not only support small business owners but also advance racial and economic justice for workers. Both entrepreneurs and workers deserve all the support and resources they can get including a qualified Labor Secretary.”
Walt Rowen, Susquehanna Glass, Lancaster, PA:
“Julie Su's dedication to supporting workers and fostering a fair and just economy aligns perfectly with the needs of small businesses. Her experience enforcing these practices in California demonstrates her ability to excel as Labor Secretary. Our leaders must put politics aside and prioritize the well-being of American workers and small businesses by confirming Su."
Mas Torito, Kokoro Restaurant, Denver, CO:
“Small businesses thrive when workers are treated fairly and have access to good jobs. Julie Su excelled in her role as deputy secretary and her track record of supporting workers will make her well-suited for the role. We need the Senate to confirm Julie Su.”
Kristi Tally, KD7 Enterprises, Inc., Raleigh, NC:
“Julie Su’s nomination for Labor Secretary signals strong support for small businesses and their workers. As a small business owner, I believe her confirmation would be a positive step forward for our economy. I am confident in her ability to serve with a laser focus on yielding equity in the entrepreneurial landscape. We champion her confirmation.”
Christine Chin Ryan, Synergy Consulting, Inc., Portland, OR:
“Julie Su is qualified to serve as Labor Secretary. She has spent her whole career fighting for underpaid workers and civil rights. Her father was a small business owner and her mother was a teacher in the teacher's union. I urge Senators to put the needs of workers and small businesses first and confirm her nomination. Her experience advocating for workers’ rights and implementing legislation that ensures jobs are accessible and free from discrimination makes her an excellent choice.”
Marcella Medor, MarCom, LLC, Butte, MT:
"Small business owners are the backbone of our nation's economy, and Julie Su's track record of fighting for workers while understanding the needs of small business is precisely the kind of experience we need. I urge the Senate to support her confirmation."
Paul Branner, Georgetown Butcher, Georgetown, DC:
“Though our economy is showing signs of growth, it is fragile. Small business owners like me, would like the assurance of a Labor Secretary that will support workers, understand businesses, and implement legislation that ensures jobs are accessible and free from discrimination. I urge the Senate to confirm the nomination of Julie Su.”
Michael Stiggle, Timber Wolves Restaurant, Mars Hill, ME:
“As a small business owner, I recognize the importance of fair labor practices. Julie Su's nomination gives me hope that our government will prioritize the needs of workers and small businesses alike. I urge lawmakers to move forward and support her nomination.”
Symone Stewart, Triple A's Soul Food, Wasilla, AK:
“As a small business owner, strong labor protections are critical to our success. With Julie Su’s history of supporting workers, her nomination for Labor Secretary is a win for Main Street. I encourage the Senate to confirm her without delay.”
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