Issue Position: Jobs & Economy

Issue Position

The Lehigh Valley was once an industrial leader. The state thrived from the middle class jobs that fueled the steel, cement, coal, and textile industries. As a leading economic engine, Pennsylvania and its citizens cannot afford to lose touch with a rapidly changing landscape. We must set aside partisan ideology and bring jobs to the Lehigh Valley that will benefit its middle class. I will ensure that job growth and making Lehigh and Northampton counties economically viable is among our district's highest priorities. Unemployment levels have remained too high in the district for too long. I support initiatives to provide worthwhile training for job seekers. Those who have been hit the hardest by recent hard economic times need to have access to the right tools to prepare them for re-entering the work place.

Our great state continues to hold precious resources that can create revenue. Instead of giving industries huge tax breaks to employ out-of-state workers, our legislature must invest in creating the infrastructure necessary to create jobs here in Pennsylvania. At the same time we must ensure that Pennsylvania gets its fair share for the extraction of its precious natural resources. Staying competitive in the natural gas industry is important, but so too is the well being of our citizens. We cannot make decisions to extract these resources before we fully understand the long-term effects that will be left behind on the environment, and whether or not our drinking water and health will be affected.

Additionally, I support initiatives to provide tax cuts to small businesses, so that they have the resources necessary to grow. I will also support efforts to increase lending to small businesses so that they can create new jobs essential to putting Pennsylvania back to work. I will also support efforts to eliminate tax loopholes exploited by corporations and reinvest those dollars here at home, in the private sector. I am committed to fight for the middle class and help Pennsylvania return as a top contender among the states and worldwide!

Source