The federal government's effort to put more money into the pockets of small businesses took a sudden dip last year, falling to its lowest level in 20 years.

The American Small Business League (ASBL) says government statistics show that small businesses received 17 percent of federal contracts in FY 2005, a 26 percent decline compared with the previous year. Under federal law at least 23 percent of federal contracts must go to small businesses. In FY 2004, SMBs received 23.9 percent.

"It's time for small business owners around the country to wake up and see what's happening and begin to fight," said Lloyd Chapman, ASBL founder and president.