Issue Position: Jobs

Issue Position

Too many in our communities who want to work can't find suitable jobs; too many others are working harder than ever for less, just trying to stay ahead of the bill collector for another day.

We must nurture both new and established industries and make owning and operating a small business easier. Small businesses are the engine of our economy. In Congress I will advocate for tax credits for small businesses that allow them to get off the ground and make it easier for them to hire new workers.

No one who works 40 hours a week should be living in poverty. That's why I support raising the federal minimum wage to give families a raise while also providing tax relief to help cope with rising costs. We also need to do more to support workers' ability to bargain for better benefits. To that end, I support the Obama Administrations' recent action to extend overtime rules to millions more Americans but there's more we can do to ensure fair labor practices and better wages for all working families.

We also have to train and grow our workforce in new fields and technology. Many business leaders struggle to find the skilled employees that they need for their businesses to thrive. That's why I am a strong supporter of community colleges and apprenticeship programs, as well as ensuring that our veterans can effectively re-enter the job market. We must also increase career readiness programs in our high schools so that our young people who want to enter the work force after graduation are prepared to do so.

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