Though the usual suspects have tried again this year to get a few bizarre socio-cultural bills in front of lawmakers, the majority have displayed an impressive dedication to the goal set at the beginning of the session: put Jobs First — Opportunity Everywhere.

In fact Senate Bill 1, the Small Business Growth Act, made its way to the governor’s desk unusually quickly.

In a nutshell, the act establishes the West Virginia First Small Business Growth Program, with specialized growth funds collecting capital from investors to provide financing to eligible small businesses that maintain the majority of their operations and workforce within the state. Growth investors would in turn receive non-refundable tax credits that can be applied against their state tax liabilities starting in 2029.

For those of you wondering what that means for small businesses funded in other ways — generational family support, for example — state Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, did attempt an amendment. But given that lawmakers felt as though it was an apples to oranges situation, Tarr has been advised he can submit a separate bill.

“The intent is to help small businesses that don’t have access to capital,” said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley. “I know many of you, when you talk to small business owners across the state and in your districts, one of the biggest impediments they have to make further investment or to grow their business is access to capital. And that’s what this is about.”

A sense of urgency is good on these matters, so long as lawmakers keep up that kind of focus on other ideas as they emerge.

For now, SB 1 gives hope to some Mountain State small businesses; and Tarr’s idea lets others know they are not forgotten, either. It is both a refreshing pace and an encouraging sign that many lawmakers are more interested in doing their jobs for us than in scoring filthy political points this year.

Good. Keep it up.