Issue Position: Economic Growth

Issue Position

Mike's top priority in Congress is economic development. He introduced and fought for the passage of legislation creating the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, which will create a federal-regional-local partnership to target resources to projects on a county-by-county level to fight unemployment and poverty. This commission will provide assistance to every county in our congressional district to help break the cycle of poverty that affects so many citizens.

Additionally, Mike has signed onto legislation to repeal the North American Free Trade Agreement ( NAFTA), which was passed before he was elected to Congress. The Act has cost too many jobs in Southeastern North Carolina and has eroded our industrial base.

Transportation infrastructure is a crucial element of economic growth, and Mike has been a champion for logistics improvements that will support commerce. The slogan which Mike promoted, "We'll get more with 74!," is becoming a reality as the new I-74 highway will open a new economic lifeline across the mid-section of our district. Federal monies for our airports as aviation gateways to our communities, as well as help for state highways, bridges, bike paths and ferries have all assisted in growth for our area. Mike is also actively fighting to bring passenger rail service to our area, increase access to capital for small business and minority business development, and ensure that our workers have adequate job-training programs.

As Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Rural Development, Mike supports the Microenterprise Business and Rural Entrepreneur Program to help businesses which employ less than 10 people and which are the fastest job generators of all small businesses across the country. He has worked very closely with USDA Rural Development on funding for town halls, public works facilities, day care centers, fire and rescue stations, police departments, courthouses, small businesses, housing assistance, health care facilities, hospitals and other public needs to improve the quality of life for our families in southeastern North Carolina.

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