(Skokie, IL) July 28, 2010 – Illinois House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie) was honored yesterday with a “Champion of Small Business Award” from the National Coalition for Capital.

Lang, who also represents the north side of Chicago, and 25 fellow legislators and officials from across the nation were recognized for their leadership at the Annual National Coalition for Capital Awards Ceremony & Dinner on July 27th in Louisville, Kentucky.

“This award recognizes Representative Lang’s important work to preserve and create jobs through access to capital policy that helps Illinois small businesses grow and develop,” said Ben Dupuy, Executive Director of the National Coalition for Capital.

“Representative Lang has demonstrated he is a champion of small business, and his efforts will have an enduring positive impact on Illinois.”

”I am committed to attracting and keeping small and emerging businesses in Illinois,” said Lang. “I am honored to receive this Champion of Small Business Award from the National Coalition for Capital.”

Champion of Small Business Awards recognize individuals for demonstrating leadership in supporting policies and initiatives designed to promote access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those in economically distressed communities.

Lang, elected to the Illinois House in 1988, serves as a Chairman of the Task Force on Job Creation. As chair, Lang this year framed a debate on job creation that analyzed many facets of Illinois’ diverse economy through public hearings held across the state during the spring legislative session.

Several of the recommendations from the panel have already become law.