Issue Position: Jobs & Economic Development
Issue Position
Today our Commonwealth faces the greatest economic challenges in a generation. With the severe downturn in the economy, Virginians are struggling with home foreclosures, mounting debt, and record job losses. Now, more than ever, Virginia needs a proven leader who understands the Commonwealth, who has a record of working tirelessly to better Virginia, and who knows how to create jobs and grow our economy. Brian Moran's first priority will be creating jobs and getting Virginia's economy back on track.
Brian has a solid record of accomplishments for Virginia. He understands Virginia's diverse economy because he has a long and successful history of making government work with industry to create jobs for the people of Virginia. Brian's record sets him apart as the best leader for Virginia's future.
Bringing New Jobs and Businesses Brian has a solid record of bringing good jobs to Virginia. He worked with Governor Mark Warner and Governor Tim Kaine to increase the incentives available to attract businesses to Virginia, resulting in economic development successes that brought thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in investment to Virginia. Together, they made Virginia the best state in the nation for business, according to forbes.com. He has crossed the globe to bring jobs to Virginia. As a member of the Governor's Trade Mission to India, he helped bring $100 million in investment back to Virginia. Brian also participated in a delegation to Israel, where he met with governmental, industry and trade leaders, using his understanding of how government and business must work together to lay the groundwork for economic opportunities with this key friend and ally nation. No one will work harder than Brian to bring good, high-paying jobs to Virginia.
Creating Green Jobs Brian understands that protecting our environment and creating jobs must go hand in hand. That is why he is committed to investing in the new green economy. He will create thousands of new green jobs and bring tens of millions of dollars to Virginia by investing in energy efficiency, renewable energy and new technologies. From scientists to carpenters, and engineers to farmers, this means new jobs for Virginians. Brian believes that Virginia has the resources, the ability and the talent to lead the nation in the new green economy.
Fighting for the Middle Class Brian understands that too often CEOs have taken huge profits while they cut wages and benefits to their workers, setting off a ripple effect that cripples our economy and destroys opportunity. Brian has built a strong record of strengthening the middle class in Virginia by fighting to raise the minimum wage and creating an earned income tax credit for Virginia's families. He supports President Obama's middle class tax cut and has helped to cut the food tax in Virginia. Brian also fought against the abusive driver fees in Virginia and supported their repeal. As governor, Brian will fight to protect homeowners from deceptive mortgages and to make health care and college affordable for Virginia's families.
Small Business Creation Brian knows that most jobs are created by small businesses and that small businesses need government to act as a partner, not a roadblock to their success. Brian comes to this belief with first-hand knowledge. As a small business person who had to make payroll, Brian understands the challenges that small businesses face. That is why he led the fight to create a one-stop online business creation program that strengthened entrepreneurship by cutting red tape and costs, making it easier to start a business in Virginia. As governor, Brian will continue working to make it easier to create and grow small businesses in Virginia.
Building an Electronic Infrastructure Brian understands that a 21st century economy requires 21st century electronic infrastructure. He supports expanding rural broadband deployment and wireless (WiFi) access to the Internet. Brian also supports expanding telecommuting and tele-work to help reduce traffic congestion and our dependence on foreign oil.
Accelerating Research & Development Virginia has some of the best public universities in the country. That's why it's completely unacceptable that there is more private university-sponsored research at Duke University alone than in the entire Virginia system. Brian knows that we can do better. That's why he will work tirelessly to bring private sector funding to Virginia's research universities to create new innovative technologies and strengthen our economy. He knows that Virginia can lead by developing new energy technology that will create thousands of new green jobs right here in the Commonwealth. As governor, he will focus not only on increasing private funding of research and development, but also focusing that research and development in areas that will create jobs and strengthen Virginia's economy.
Maintaining Fiscal Responsibility Brian knows that government has an obligation to invest taxpayer dollars wisely to bring a good return on their investment. With this philosophy, Brian stood with Governor Mark Warner in making the hard decisions to fix the Virginia budget's structural imbalance and save our best-in-the-nation AAA bond rating. He also championed legislation to bring increased transparency and accountability to state government. Brian is proud of his work with Governors Warner and Kaine to help Virginia become the best-managed state in nation and the best state for business.
Perhaps the best evidence of Brian's understanding of how government must work with industry to create a strong economy is the recognition Brian has received from the advocates of economic development. Brian has received the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce's Friend of Business Award and the Northern Virginia Technology Council's Tech Ten award. He has also consistently received high ratings from the Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education (Virginia FREE) and was named "Legislator of the Year" by the Commissioner of the Revenue Association of Virginia.
Brian's beliefs on how to build a strong economy are in part spelled out in a speech he gave on fiscal responsibility in Roanoke in August of 2008: http://www.brianmoran.com/2008/8/18/brian-moran-pledges-commitment-to-fiscal-responsibility.
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