2026-40 Resolution of the Council, re: National Small Business Week.

RESOLUTION

National Small Business Week 2026 Proclamation

WHEREAS: Small businesses are the engine of the American economy and the foundation of a free and prosperous nation, accounting for more than 99 percent of all private sector employers and creating nearly two out of every three new jobs nationwide, and

WHEREAS: From our farms and factory floors to the frontiers of technology, small businesses drive innovation, strengthen local economies, and provide the products and services that keep America competitive, secure, and strong, and

WHEREAS: In recent years, small business owners and workers endured an inflation crisis marked by rising prices and declining purchasing power, yet under President Donald J. Trump, inflation has come under control, real wages have begun to rise, and America's entrepreneurs are once again operating with confidence and optimism, and

WHEREAS: The America First economic resurgence has produced more than 500,000 new jobs, driven small-business optimism above its 52-year historical average, secured over $20 trillion in foreign investment commitments, and delivered strong GDP growth, and

WHEREAS: Our nation now stands at the threshold of a new golden era for Main Street-built on common sense, pro-growth policies that put our people, our workers, and our job creators first, and

WHEREAS: Prioritizing energy independence, secure borders, and fair trade is restoring economic strength, self-reliance, and opportunity, and

WHEREAS: The enactment of Working Families Tax Cuts makes the 199A small business deduction permanent, allows 100 percent expensing for new factories and equipment, expands Opportunity Zones, eliminates taxes and tips and overtime, and delivers meaningful tax relief that strengthens small businesses, empowers entrepreneurs, and fuels job creation in communities across Rhode Island, and

WHEREAS: Middletown shares the Trump Administration's commitment to cutting red tape, keeping taxes low, and fighting for the hardworking entrepreneurs who power our economy from the ground up, and

WHEREAS: National Small Business Week has been proclaimed by the President of the United States since 1963, honoring the vital role of small businesses in creating jobs, growing the economy, and anchoring our communities, and

WHEREAS: In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, known as Freedom 250, marking a historic opportunity to reflect on our nation’s founding principle of free enterprise.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED: That the Town Council of the Town of Middletown hereby proclaims May 3rd through May 9th, 2026, as NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK in the Town and calls upon all our citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions and businesses to join with us in its observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF we have hereunto set our hands and caused the seal of the Town of Middletown to be affixed this 20th Day of April A.D. 2026.

Paul M. Rodrigues
Paul M. Rodrigues, President
Middletown Town Council

Thomas W. Welch, III
Thomas W. Welch, III
Councillor

Peter D. Connerton, Sr.
Peter D. Connerton, Sr.
Councillor

Chrisopher M. Logan
Christopher M. Logan
Councillor

Charles R. Roberts
Charles R. Roberts
Councillor

Dennis B. Turano
Dennis B. Turano
Councillor

Barbara A. VonVillas
Barbara A. VonVillas
Councillor

APRIL 20, 2026
READ AND PASSED IN COUNCIL

Wendy J. W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk