While Jeanette Rishell’s supporters raved over the cupcakes at a Manassas bakery Tuesday, the House of Delegates candidate outlined how she would make life sweeter for small businesses.
In a short speech at Oh So Sweet Treats in Old Town, the Democrat said she’s running against incumbent Republican Jackson H. Miller to “strengthen our families, our communities and our commonwealth.”
“We need change from the tired old ideas of the party of ‘no,’” she said, recalling President Barack Obama’s “change” mantra while admonishing the GOP.
In addition, relevant to her location at the Battle Street establishment, the 50th District hopeful said that 75 percent to 85 percent of new job growth in Virginia is projected to come from small businesses.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate R. Creigh Deeds has mentioned this figure during his campaign against Republican Robert F. McDonnell.
And, in an interview after Tuesday’s event, Rishell said that, if elected, she would introduce legislation to carry out another one of the Bath County state senator’s economic plans.
Right now, Virginia’s small businesses can offset losses against income in two previous years. Deeds proposes allowing companies to expand that offset period to five years.
Rishell also said small businesses — those with 50 or fewer employees — should be able to offer their workers health care through the insurance plan used by state employees.
Del. Paul F. Nichols, a Lake Ridge Democrat, submitted a bill in January that would have done this, but it failed to get out of committee during the General Assembly session.
Nichols faces Republican Rich Anderson in the 51st District.
Staff writer Jonathan Hunley can be reached at 703-369-5738.
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