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 22, 2017

Bustos Secures Commitment from Trump Administration to Work with Illinois to Complete Quad-City-to-Chicago Passenger Rail

Bustos Questioned Federal Rail Administration on the Project at a Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee Hearing WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) secured a continued commitment from officials at the Federal Rail Administration to work with the State of Illinois to finish the long-awaited Quad-City to Chicago passenger rail project. Associate Administrator Paul Nissenbaum committed […]

News

June 20, 2017

ICYMI: Christian Science Monitor Profiles Bustos’ Work in the Heartland

WASHINGTON – Today, the Christian Science Monitor profiled Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, for her success in the Heartland and outreach to rural voters. Highlights from the story are below: A Democrat shows how to win over Trump voters PEORIA, ILL. — On a sunny morning in May, Rep. […]

Press Release

June 16, 2017

Bustos Denounces President Trump’s Changes to Cuba Policy

Bustos, who visited Cuba twice, highlights how Trump’s proposal could hurt farmers and manufacturers by undermining economic development and trade potential MOLINE – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump announced he is rolling back recent progress between the United States and Cuba: “Instead of undermining the progress we’ve made […]

Press Release

June 13, 2017

Bustos, Graves Introduce Bipartisan FLIGHT Act

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) introduced the bipartisan Forward Looking Investment in General Aviation, Hangars and Tarmacs (FLIGHT) Act. A companion bill was also introduced in the U.S. Senate last week by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.). The FLIGHT Act will give General Aviation (GA) airports more […]

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