Issue Position: Jobs and Economic Growth

Issue Position

Jobs and Economic Growth

In today's global economy, it is important for Virginia to constantly look for ways to grow and diversify our economy. This requires investing in our transportation infrastructure and education, fostering an environment that rewards creativity and innovation, and reducing regulatory burdens to starting and running a business. This is why I co-patroned the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Act (HB834), which is designed to incentivize collaboration among business, education, and government to strengthen the economy in every region of the state. Virginia is also facing a shortfall in workers to fill a wide range of technical jobs. These are often high-paying jobs that do not require a four year college education. However, they do require industry certifications and apprenticeships. In 2018, I worked with members of the labor and manufacturing communities to pass legislation requiring a course in career exploration in middle school to ensure that students understand their full range of career options. For this work, I was pleased to be awarded the "Industrial Strength Leadership Award" by the Virginia Manufacturing Association.

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