Small Business Group Honors Bates

Barrington's state senator has been named a "Friend of Small Business."

David Bates (R-32) has been recognized by the National Federation of Independent Business/Rhode Island office for the 2011-2012 General Assembly session.

Bill Vernon, NFIB/RI State Director, made the announcement. He said Bates was chosen for the recognition because of his “support of the pension, regulatory review and tax issues … consistent with the mission of NFIB to promote and protect our members’ right to own, operate and grow their businesses.”

 Bates, who is serving his 10th term, is the Minority Whip of the Senate. He is the secretary of the Senate Committee on Special Legislation and a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, Committee on Environment and Agriculture and Committee on Corporations.

In presenting the honor to Bates, the NFIB/RI thanked him for supporting issues, legislation and initiatives “to make it easier to do business in Rhode Island.”

NFIB is a leading small business association with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals.