AUSTIN (December 6, 2016)-- Today, Representative Reynolds Pre-filed House Bill 476 to be considered during the upcoming 85th Legislative session which will begin on January 10, 2017. The bill will require the comptroller and state agencies to give preferences to small businesses when purchasing goods or services with a value less than $500,000.00.

"I recognize that small businesses are critical to our economic strength and stability of this state, they are the backbone of our economy. This bill will provide crucial opportunities for our small businesses and will ensure that they can continue to expand and thrive", stated Reynolds.

Small businesses represent 98% percent of all employers and employ 46% percent of the private-sector labor force. Small businesses are crucial to the fiscal condition of the state and numbered 2.3 million. In addition they employ over 4 million people every year.

I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to move this bill forward so that we can develop good policies that will create more jobs and expand economic prospects for our small business owners", commented Reynolds.

Ron Reynolds represents Texas House District 27, which encompasses communities of Fort Bend County. Representative Reynolds currently serves as the Democratic Whip of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, and a member of the House Committees on Elections and Environmental Regulations.