Small Business
Jared grew up working on his family’s small business in Leeds and learning from his parents about the hard work it takes to keep a small business going these days. These operations provide more than half the jobs in our state, so he knows just how important they are to Mainers – particularly those in rural areas. From lobster boats to dairy farms to the remaining shops that line our local Main Streets, Maine has a proud legacy of independent, family-owned businesses that we must fight to preserve.
When Jared arrived in Congress he sought out a position on the House Small Business Committee, where he has been able to work directly on the issues that affect Maine small businesses. Jared has led the committee’s work to improve infrastructure for small businesses across the country and help them compete for federal contracts as the former chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure, and as the former chairman of the Subcommittee on Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Development.
In traveling throughout the Second District meeting with small businesses and convening roundtables, Jared listens to what small businesses owners say they need to succeed and grow. This means federal support for grants, training, advising, and mentoring services – all included in the Small Business Development Center program’s expansion he has championed through House passage.
This commitment also calls for investments in the long-neglected infrastructure small businesses rely on every day, regardless of industry. Along with securing $1.5 billion to rebuild Maine’s roads and bridges, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Jared voted for in 2021, dedicated over $100 million to high-speed internet expansion – an effort Jared has continued to focus on as part of the House Rural Broadband Task Force.
Jared knows Maine small businesses also need qualified, experienced workers, and he’s working to meet that need by improving the skills of Maine’s workforce through training and apprenticeship programs. Alongside this, he is fighting the types of federal regulations and private sector practices that work against small businesses – recently pushing for congressional action on Right to Repair legislation.
More on Small Business
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) today introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, which would establish a new program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support loggers who have lost income due to natural disasters.
WASHINGTON — In a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Maine’s Congressional delegation opposed the agency’s attempt to bypass Congress and close Job Corps centers nationwide.
WASHINGTON — In a letter to the Commerce Department leadership, Maine’s Congressional delegation last night urged the Trump Administration to reverse its decision to freeze nearly $35 million of federal funds designed to close the digital divide between rural and urban communities in the state.
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) on Friday reintroduced his bill to designate Bradley’s Maine Forest and Logging Museum (MFLM), located at the site of Leonard’s Mills along Blackman Stream, as the National Museum of Forestry and Logging History.
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today introduced the bipartisan Protecting Postal Performance Act to prevent the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from downsizing facilities in underserved areas, provide more oversight over modifications to delivery schedules, and increase public transparency on proposed changes.
WASHINGTON — Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today reintroduced the Future Logging Careers Act, which would develop the next generation of Maine’s forest products workforce by allowing young Mainers to safely train in their family’s logging business.
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement regarding President Trump’s imposition of new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China:
January 29, 2025: Congressman Jared Golden, ME-02, talks with Auburn School Nutrition Director Chris Piercey during tour of Edward Little High School.
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) met at Edward Little High School yesterday with staff from the Lewiston, Auburn and Lisbon school districts, as well as nonprofits Full Plates Full Potential and Maine Equal Justice, to discuss the districts’ effort to integrate more locally grown and harvested foods into school food programs.