COLUMBUS — The National Federation of Independent Business/Ohio, the state’s leading small business association, presented its prestigious Guardian of Small Business award to State Senator Dave Burke (Marysville) in recognition of his outstanding efforts to support small business issues in the Ohio Legislature. Since its inception in 1988, this award has been presented to less than 60 members of the state legislature.

“Sen. Burke has a distinguished record in the Ohio Legislature. During that time, he has been a steady and strong supporter of Ohio’s small businesses, maintaining a 97% lifetime voting record with NFIB” said Roger Geiger, vice president/executive director of NFIB/Ohio. “His work to curtail costly health insurance mandates means a great deal to the small business community. And, we know he understands these issues as the owner of Dave’s Pharmacy in Marysville, he is one of the 34 NFIB members currently serving at the Ohio Statehouse.”

During his time in the legislature, Burke has earned the recognition of being a Guardian of Small Business by:

• Maintaining his active membership with NFIB for the past 10 years;
• Serving as a key leader in fighting health insurance mandates, including being the lead sponsor of a bill prohibiting new mandates unless Medicaid also provides coverage, so the small business market is not singles out;
• Chairing the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee helping to reign in Medicaid spending, which is taxpayer dollars and;
• Leading the Republican Senate Campaign Committee, where he is responsible for recruiting pro-business candidates for Ohio Senate.

The NFIB/Ohio Leadership Council voted to present Burke with the Guardian of Small Business Award, the organization’s most prestigious honor, in recognition of his strong pro-small business record.

“As a small business owner and a proud member of the NFIB, I am honored to receive this award. Small businesses are what economically drive this country. The American dream is very much still alive today, and I applaud those who work hard in achieving their goals,” said Senator Burke.