The National Federation of Independent Business, Georgia’ leading small business association, has presented Rep. Tom Graves of Ranger with its coveted Guardian of Small Business award.

The Guardian of Small Business award is the most prestigious honor that NFIB bestows on legislators in recognition of their efforts to support small business issues. NFIB/Georgia’ Leadership Council voted to honor Rep. Graves for his work in the General Assembly.

He has maintained a 100 percent NFIB voting record throughout his tenure in the Georgia House for supporting small businesses on key legislative issues. This spring, he sponsored the Jobs, Opportunity and Business Success (JOBS) Act of 2009, a bill intended to reduce the state’s jobless rate by creating tax incentives for businesses who hire applicants currently receiving state unemployment benefits.

Despite the bill’s overwhelming bipartisan support in the House and Senate, it was vetoed by Gov. Sonny Perdue. NFIB is urging lawmakers to override the governor’s veto.

Rep. Graves was first elected in 2003. He represents Georgia’s 12th House District, which is comprised of Pickens County and parts of Bartow and Gordon counties. He sits on the health and human services, information and audits, transportation and ways and means committees.

“Small business is the cornerstone of Georgia’s economy, and Tom Graves understands that,” said David Raynor, state director of NFIB/Georgia, the state’s largest small business association. “Small business is fortunate to have strong defenders such as Tom Graves in the General Assembly, and we’re pleased to recognize his efforts by presenting him with the Guardian of Small Business award.”