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

January 1, 2020

2019 YEAR IN REVIEW: Bustos Continues to Deliver Real Results for Illinois Families

Washington – Throughout 2019, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos continued to fight for Illinoisans, securing a number of significant victories. From helping Gold Star families and injured veterans, to increasing rural access to healthcare, to working to lower prescription drug costs, Congresswoman Bustos worked across the aisle to deliver commonsense solutions for Illinois families. Highlights of this year’s […]

Press Release

December 16, 2019

Bustos Introduces Boosting America’s Exports Act

Bill would help small- and medium-sized businesses increase global exports WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) introduced the Boosting America’s Exports (BAE) Act, which will strengthen the economy and create good-paying American jobs by helping small- and medium-sized businesses increase their exports. Congressman John Rutherford (FL-4) is co-sponsoring the bill. “Small businesses are the backbone of […]

Press Release

December 10, 2019

BUSTOS STATEMENT ON HISTORIC USMCA DEAL

Washington – Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement on Speaker Pelosi’s announcement that House Democrats have reached an agreement on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). “Today’s announcement on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement represents real progress for our workers, our farmers and our country. During the past year, I have […]

Press Release

November 20, 2019

BUSTOS RAISES LOCAL BUSINESS SUCCESSION PLANNING CONCERNS TO SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Bustos Raises Questions After Hearing Concerns from Local Business Leaders WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) requested information from the Small Business Administration (SBA) regarding services they offer for business succession planning. Congresswoman Bustos raised these questions after listening to the experiences of community business leaders at economic roundtable discussions this year in Canton, […]