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

June 25, 2019

Bustos Helps Pass Major Funding Package to Strengthen Water Infrastructure, Support Local Workers, Peoria Ag Lab, Rural Veterans & Military Projects

Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey Praises Bustos’ “Tireless Work” for Illinois’ 17th District With Critical Bustos Provisions Included, Five-Bill Appropriations Minibus Passes Full House WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped pass a major funding package out of the House of Representatives. The legislation is a five-bill minibus […]

Press Release

May 31, 2019

Bustos Applauds Long Overdue Final Rule for Year-Round E15

MOLINE – Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) – a member of both the House Appropriations and Agriculture Committees – released the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced their final rule to implement year-round E15, a fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol. “After years of fighting for year-round E15, today’s announcement is welcome […]

Press Release

May 23, 2019

Bustos Helps Pass Legislation to Strengthen Illinoisans Ability to Save for Retirement

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) voted in favor of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act. This legislation will help hardworking Illinoisans save for retirement by providing assistance to small businesses, home health workers and beyond. In addition, it corrects the damaging consequences the GOP Tax Scam has had on […]

Press Release

May 22, 2019

Bustos Scores Victories for Workers, Small Business and Water Infrastructure in Appropriations Bills

With Critical Bustos Provisions Included, Appropriations Bills Head to House Floor for Final Passage WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) helped pass a pair of robust funding bills out of the powerful House Appropriations Committee that includes multiple provisions pushed by Congresswoman Bustos. Both pieces of legislation will now head to the House floor […]