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

September 20, 2017

Congresswoman Bustos Statement on Washington Republicans’ revived effort to raise health care costs and limit coverage

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) denounced Washington Republicans’ effort to revive Trumpcare with their Graham-Cassidy bill. “I’m deeply alarmed that Washington Republicans are once again attempting to move forward with a plan that would lead to double digit premium rate increases, discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions and kick millions of Americans off […]

Press Release

September 19, 2017

Bustos, Durbin & Duckworth Announce nearly $3.3 million in federal funding for Quad City International Airport

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos and Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth today announced $3,294,751 in federal funding for the Quad City International Airport from the U.S. Department of Transportation. $2,974,751 of the funding will pay for the rehabilitation of the lighting systems for Runway 9/27 and Taxiway H that have both reached the […]

News

August 21, 2017

DURBIN, BUSTOS: FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN ROCKFORD AIRPORT IS CREATING JOBS AND GROWING LOCAL ECONOMY

ROCKFORD – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (IL-17) today toured construction of the Chicago Rockford International Airport passenger terminal, which will provide an additional 30,000 square feet for passenger check-in and additional Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) inspection lanes. Since 2015, Sen. Durbin and Rep. Bustos have helped to secure $18.2 million […]

Press Release

August 17, 2017

Bustos Announces Federal Funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Projects

MOLINE – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced $112,365 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The Rural Energy for America Program was established to increase American energy independence and lower the cost of energy for producers through energy-efficiency improvements and the development of renewable energy […]

12 3 4 5...10 20...›»