LANSING – House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) announced today that the Michigan House Democrats have formed a task force that will promote small businesses and focus on job creation. The task force is a response to Michigan Republicans’ increasing support of big corporations without increasing employment rates in the state.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Michigan’s economy and the pride and joy of local communities. It’s a shame that Republicans continue to place their focus on big corporations — rather than the businesses being run by their own constituents — and break their promises of bringing new jobs to the state,” said Greimel. “It’s common sense that we need to focus on helping local businesses succeed, and on finding ways of creating new jobs in the process. The goal of this task force is to do just that.”

The task force will hold meetings with Michigan residents and business owners to investigate ways of supporting new and existing small businesses as well as methods of promoting job creation within the state. Task force members include Reps. Harold L. Haugh (D-Roseville) and David E. Nathan (D-Detroit), who will act as co-chairmen, and Reps. Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills), Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), Paul D. Clemente (D-Lincoln Park), Gretchen Driskell (D-Saline), Bill LaVoy (D-Monroe), Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), Woodrow Stanley (D-Flint) and Jim Townsend (D-Royal Oak).

“Each of these representatives has the appropriate knowledge and skills to make this task force successful,” Greimel said. “With the completion of their findings, I am sure we will have a better idea of what we need to do in Lansing to support small businesses statewide and empower small businesses to create more jobs for the hardworking Michiganders who are ready to get back in the game.”