Jobs, Economy & Small Business Archives - Page 29 of 50

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

July 25, 2017

VIDEO: Bustos, House and Senate Democrats Unveil “A Better Deal” for Hardworking Americans

“The truth is, across America, there are millions of hardworking men and women who have been left behind. They don’t want a handout, and they don’t want our sympathy. They simply want the government and corporations to stop working against them.” WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications […]

Press Release

July 18, 2017

New Democrat Coalition Sends Letter in Support of Apprenticeships to President Trump

Washington, DC – This week, 48 Members of the New Democrat Coalition sent a letter to President Trump calling for a robust commitment to apprenticeship programs. The letter, led by Reps. Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02), and Donald Norcross (NJ-01), outlines the importance of apprenticeships and urges the administration to […]

Press Release

July 14, 2017

Bustos Votes to Pass Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act

In addition to supporting Rockford’s defense industry and Peoria’s Air National Guard Base, Bustos successfully included two amendments to strengthen the Rock Island Arsenal through improved leasing and workload requirements WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted for the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act. This bill authorizes $621.5 billion in discretionary base budget authority, […]

Press Release

July 12, 2017

Bustos, LaHood Successfully Advocate for Peoria Agriculture Lab Appropriations Funding

WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced that the House Appropriations Committee included funding for the Peoria Agriculture Research Lab in their markup of the agriculture appropriations bill. Representatives Bustos and LaHood previously sent a letter urging the Appropriations Committee Chairman and Ranking Member to maintain federal funding for Peoria’s […]