Congresswoman Waters’ Statement on the Passing of Joe Debro

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) issued the following statement on the passing of Joseph "Joe" Debro, former director for the Office of Small Business for the state of California.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of my dear friend Joe Debro. Joe and I became friends when I was first elected to the California State Assembly in 1976. He had been appointed as the director for the Office of Small Business for the state of California, and I served as the Assembly's representative to the small business board. Joe taught me everything I know about minority business contracting, government procurement, investment banking, and the avenues of access to capital for small and minority business.

"Joe was well-known and respected for his work with the small business community, especially in the Bay Area. The lessons I learned from him equipped me with the skill to become one of the best advocates for small and minority business in the state of California. It was because of Joe that I was able to author and pass legislation that set aside 15 percent of all state contracts for minority-owned businesses and five percent for women-owned businesses in California.

"I worked with him on many important projects, including the founding of the Builders Mutual Surety Company. This company was the first minority-owned surety company in the country, which benefitted many people. Joe was not only a business expert, but he was an activist and advocate who put pressure on city, state, and federal level governments forcing them to open up opportunities for minorities and women in business.

"Joe will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. We all benefitted from his brilliance, his knowledge and experience and we are all better people because of him. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Anita, his children and the entire Debro family during this difficult time."

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