Issue Position: Jobs and The Economy

Issue Position

Only through a strong, well paid, middle class can the American economy flourish. Not just for the wealthiest of Americans, but for all. Without a strong workforce that makes a living wage, the economy will continue to struggle and the average American family will continue to suffer. Economic stimulus is surely within the government's ability and responsibility, as historically proven, to create jobs which will "kick-start" the economy back into functional status. As a member of congress I will pursue legislation that will invest in our economy by creating jobs in infrastructure repair & modernization, technological advancement, environmental action and other areas while at the same time ensuring that there is a positive business environment for small business to thrive. The opportunities exist, we must pursue them.

Over the past thirty years wages, have lagged well behind the inflation rate. As an example, when I graduated from high school, in 1971, the federal minimum wage was $1.60. If the minimum wage had kept up with the consumer price index, this would be $9.41 today, not $7.25. I support legislation to enact, not a "minimum wage" but rather a "living wage," which allows anyone working a 40 hour work week to meet all basic family needs. Simply put, no one working a full-time job should earn poverty wages.

Our country cannot address the national debt while meeting the needs of our citizens and investing in infrastructure repair/improvement/modernization without positive congressional action. The time to act is now. We cannot continue to have obstruction to progress. We must review of tax laws to ensure that those areas where unfair advantage for the well connected few is removed. Our economy is not sustainable when some 25% of very profitable corporations pay zero taxes…and when elected representatives do nothing to address the issue.

We cannot expect these economic issues to be addressed by congressmen who are in the pockets of the same wealthy individuals, corporations and special interests; those that enacted these laws in the first place. We need true leadership in Washington

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