Rep. Reynolds has filed HB 278, which 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. He recognizes that small businesses are critical to our economic strength and stability of this state. This bill will provide crucial opportunities for our small businesses and will ensure that they can continue to expand and thrive. 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.