Issue Position: Creating Jobs and Growing Michigan's Economy

Issue Position

Senator Debbie Stabenow's top priority is turning Michigan's economy around and making it easier for Michigan businesses to create good-paying jobs. Whether it is fostering our advanced battery and clean energy sectors, leveraging the strength of Michigan agriculture to create even more jobs, unleashing the entrepreneurial talent of our small businesses, or standing up to countries like China when they cheat on trade deals, Debbie is using every tool at her disposal to fight for Michigan jobs.

Leadership in the New Economy - Advanced Batteries and Alternative Energy

Debbie Stabenow championed the effort to create incentives to boost the research, development and production of advanced batteries and other high-tech products in Michigan. These industries have created thousands of jobs and promise to create tens of thousands more in the years ahead. But competition is fierce and we cannot afford to sit idly by. It is crucial that we seize opportunities right now that will position Michigan at the forefront of these new industries and get these jobs for Michigan families. That's why Debbie introduced the Advanced Battery Innovation Act that will give Michigan-based companies the tools they need to out-compete our opponents and keep the U.S. in the lead of this new industry. Debbie is committed to America's energy independence, and has been a champion of alternative energy like wind, solar and biofuels that will help end our dependence on foreign oil while creating good-paying jobs in Michigan.

Expand Agriculture to Make Michigan an Economic Powerhouse

As the first Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee from Michigan since 1889, Debbie understands the enormous opportunity and job creation role of Michigan Agriculture. Already, one out of four Michigan jobs comes from agriculture, which is the state's second largest industry and Michigan has some of the most diverse crop lands of anywhere in the nation. But more must be done to make Michigan the center of innovative new biofuels and seize opportunities for agriculture-related manufacturing.

Standing up for Michigan Small Business

The entrepreneurs and innovators behind our small businesses create most of the new jobs in America and need a strong advocate in their corner. When other politicians were fighting to bail out the big banks on Wall Street, Debbie voted no, and instead fought to make sure our small businesses on Main Street were not left behind. She championed the Small Business Jobs Act, which cut taxes for small businesses by $12 billion and increased their access to credit and capital so they can invest and create jobs. This year, she authored a new law that eliminated unnecessary 1099 regulations, cutting red tape for 820,000 small businesses in Michigan.

Cracking Down on China Trade Violations and Outsourcing of Michigan Jobs

China's trade violations and currency manipulations give their firms an unfair advantage. We know that our workers are the best in the world and only require a level playing field to outcompete and win. Debbie Stabenow is working to end tax breaks for companies that ship American jobs to places like China and India , and wrote the bill to crackdown on unfair trade practices and currency manipulation that cost Michigan jobs.

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