Davids Welcomes First Lady, Small Business Administrator to KS-03
KANSAS CITY, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids welcomed the First Lady Jill Biden and Small Business Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman to Kansas City, Kansas for a roundtable discussion with Hispanic small business owners and community members.
Davids joined the First Lady, Administrator Guzman, Governor Kelly, Mayor Alvey, and Former Mayor Marinovich at El Centro Academy for the final week of Hispanic Heritage Month. Davids highlighted her work on the House Small Business Committee and the importance of ensuring everyone is included in our economic recovery. Participants included Ari Rodriguez Boog, owner of Lenexa architecture practice Archifootprint, Pedro Zamora, Executive Director of the KC Hispanic Economic Development Corporation, Elizabeth Ramirez, CEO of Casa Sonada, a real estate agency in Overland Park, Olivia Caudillo, and Huascar Medina.
"It's always an honor to meet with Kansas business owners and community members, and an even greater honor to share that today with the First Lady, Administrator Guzman, and Governor Kelly," said Davids. "Every day I work to bring the voices of the Third District to Washington, whether that's advocating for Kansas business owners on the House Small Business Committee, or working to make sure every community is included in our economic recovery. But it's not every day that I get to bring folks home to hear from those voices themselves and see the Kansas City region's entrepreneurial spirit first-hand."
"I thank Rep. Davids for welcoming me to Kansas City today. It was a pleasure to experience such a proud, resilient, and vibrant community and hear stories of success and overcoming adversity during our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden," said Administrator Guzman. "I commend Rep. Davids for her tenacious advocacy on the House Small Business Committee— and I look forward to our continued partnership as we work to ensure all small business owners in Kansas City and across America have the tools and resources to rebuild and thrive."
"Our economy is stronger when everyone has a seat at the table, and our Hispanic and Latino-owned and operated small businesses are no exception," said Governor Laura Kelly. "I want to thank the First Lady and Small Business Administrator Guzman for joining Representative Davids and me at El Centro Academy today. My administration will continue to partner with, invest in, and support small businesses in every corner of our state to strengthen our growing economy."
"It's an honor to have so many inspirational leaders at El Centro Academy today. I'm grateful to Rep. Davids for bringing us together and uplifting our community's voices today," said Irene Caudillo, President and CEO, El Centro. "We spoke about the importance of supporting our business owners, students, and families, particularly in the Hispanic community, as we continue to rebuild and recover from this pandemic."
On the House Small Business Committee, Davids has worked tirelessly to ensure that small businesses continue to serve as the heart of our community. She introduced the SUPPLIES Act, which would promote manufacturing of personal protective and medical equipment at small and medium manufacturers here at home. She fought for relief for small businesses to stay afloat through the pandemic like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and successfully pushed SBA to extend the deadline for small businesses to repay COVID-19 disaster loans. She has also been a fierce advocate for women, minority- and tribal-owned businesses, working with SBA to ensure access to critical funds through PPP. She is Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access.
Davids also joined the First Lady upon her arrival in Kansas City to thank two health care heroes, Karla Garcia, a medical assistant at Vibrant Health, and Liz Minero, an environmental service associate at Saint Luke's Hospital, for their work to keep our community safe throughout the pandemic.
"Our frontline health care workers have faced impossible situations and demands throughout this pandemic, and they continue to tackle them with bravery and grace. They truly are heroes, and I am incredibly grateful to have met Karla and Liz and shared that gratitude in person," said Davids.