Issue Position: Finding an Economic Solution for All

Issue Position

Our city has continued to cope with the effects of deindustrialization. Too many of our city's residents have been left behind by new economic growth and global competition. Our challenge is ensuring that every citizen of Milwaukee can have access to family­-supporting jobs.

Recently, Governor Walker and the Republican state legislature have attempted to strengthen the state's economy through so-­called "pro-­business" solutions. Unfortunately, government tax breaks have largely benefited out­-of-­state corporations, and our state's economic performance continues to lag behind neighboring states. We need to focus our efforts on promoting small business development, community empowerment, and innovative environmental technologies to foster growth in Wisconsin's economy.

Supporting Small Businesses

Over half of Wisconsin's labor force works for a small business. Harnessing the great potential for economic development through small businesses can begin with increased access to business education and small business loans.

By increasing the use of micro-lending, we can provide capital to start­-ups which would not typically qualify for public financing. This type of lending has the potential to significantly increase the number of small businesses jobs as well as to foster collaboration between our communities and the businesses that serve them.

As your State Representative, I have supported legislation to increase micro-lending availability and provide small business owners with community-­supported funding options.

Supporting Innovation

Sustaining economic growth in Wisconsin will also depend upon our state's investment in innovative technologies. If we combine Wisconsin's natural resources with its academic, business, and legislative power, we have the potential to advance environmentally­-friendly technologies and create jobs in a rapidly growing "green" market.

Collaborative efforts like the Water Council in Milwaukee have positioned Wisconsin as an international leader in water resource research. A combination of proactive residents, powerful academic minds, and environmentally-­conscious business leaders make our state a great place for long-term success as a pioneer in the green economy. For this reason, we need to provide additional funding for cross­-sector collaboration aimed at leading innovation in environmental technologies.Economic sustainability will require that we harness our state's potential through small business development, collaborative community efforts, and innovative "green" technologies. As your Representative, I will dedicate my work to ensuring all can succeed in our 21st century economy.

Long­-term Solutions Needed for Wisconsin's Success

Wisconsin's economic development can no longer be a product of short-­term solutions. Economic sustainability will require that we harness our state's potential through small business development, collaborative community efforts, and innovative, green technologies. As your Representative, I have dedicated my work to ensuring all can succeed in our 21st century economy.

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