Jobs, Economy & Small Business Archives - Congresswoman Cheri Bustos

Growing our economy and creating jobs

While America has rebounded from the depths of the great recession, too many hardworking families in the heartland are still waiting for the economic recovery to arrive.

For me, there’s nothing more important than making sure we’re doing all we can to grow Illinois’ economy by creating an economic environment where businesses can succeed. But, as we work to achieve these goals, we also need to make sure we’re doing it in a way that strengthens working families, grows our middle-class and creates good-paying jobs across Illinois.

Bringing 21st Century Manufacturing and Jobs to our Region

I’m working to help jump-start the next Industrial Revolution right here in Illinois. Recently, I was proud to help bring the first two Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute chapters to Rockford and the Quad-Cities. This program will help these communities position themselves as global leaders in advanced engineering by connecting local industries to advanced tools and expertise. Additionally, by partnering with government and academic institutions, the Digital Manufacturing Labs will help prepare our workers for 21st century manufacturing jobs.

I also worked to help the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council earn designation as one of just 12 regions in the country to be a part of the U.S. Commerce Department’s Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership Program. This collaborative effort will strengthen the earthmoving industry in Peoria by improving local parts supply chains, addressing infrastructure challenges that prevent existing businesses from expanding, and investing in workforce training to connect workers with the skills they need for local manufacturing jobs.

My vision for our region is simple – I believe that by focusing on revitalizing our manufacturing triangle region, we will help attract new employers and prepare our workers for the manufacturing jobs of the future. It’s not going to be easy, but nothing worth fighting for ever is.

Leveling the Playing Field

We have some of the best workers in the world, but far too often, we’re competing on an uneven global economic playing field that has resulted in too many good-paying jobs being shipped overseas to places like China and India. My standard for trade deals is pretty straight forward – if it doesn’t grow our economy and strengthen working families in Illinois, I won’t support it. But, I also think we need to take steps to eliminate any financial and tax incentives that make it easier for big corporations to outsource our jobs. Instead, we need to focus on ways to incentivize these companies to invest in our workforce and invest in American manufacturing. These are just a few of the reasons why I’m so proud to support the “Make It in America” jobs plan.

Helping Small Businesses Expand

Small businesses create two out of every three new jobs in America, so their ability to succeed is absolutely critical to our economic future. This is why I introduced a new bill that would help small and mid-sized manufacturers gain access to new markets to increase their business. The Boosting America’s Exports Act would help small businesses and startup entrepreneurs reach their full potential by connecting them with the tools and resources they need to begin exporting American-made products to consumers around the world. By helping them expand into new markets and increase American exports, we’ll create thousands of good-paying jobs and opportunities here at home.

Below are several recent updates about the work I’m doing to grow Illinois’ economy.

More on Jobs, Economy & Small Business

Press Release

May 18, 2022

Bustos Advances Legislation Combatting Inflation, Promoting Competition and Ensuring Supply Chain Resiliency

WASHINGTON — Today, during a House Agriculture Committee markup, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) helped advance six bipartisan bills to combat inflation, promote competition and shore up ag supply chains. Among the legislation passed was the Strengthening the Agriculture and Food Supply Chain Act, cosponsored by Bustos to create a dedicated task force focused on resolving issues in the food supply […]

Press Release

May 4, 2022

Bustos Announces $176,000 in Federal Funding for HomeStart

ROCKFORD — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee,announced that HomeStart, an organization based in Rockford and Freeport, will receive $176,000 in funding from NeighborWorks America to revitalize and sustain neighborhoods. “Homes are at the heart of each and every one of our communities. And ensuring every family has access to […]

Press Release

April 25, 2022

Bustos Announces Nearly $100,000 in USDA Infrastructure Grants for Morrison, Oquawka & Williamsfield

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced that nearly $100,000 in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rural infrastructure grants have been awarded to Morrison, Oquawka and Williamsfield, Illinois. “Our small cities and villages are the fabric of the Heartland and the drivers of our rural economy,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “Since I was elected to Congress nearly a decade ago, […]

Press Release

April 21, 2022

QUAD-CITIES: Bustos Presents $400,000 Check to WIU Quad-Cities Campus

MOLINE — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) visited Western Illinois University’s Quad-Cities Campus in Moline where she presented a $400,000 check for their small business programming. Bustos secured the federal investment through the Community Project Funding process. “Three years ago, I gathered community leaders from throughout the district I serve and held roundtables to hear directly from them […]