Issue Position: Jobs and Economic Recovery

Issue Position

The most important issues facing the 1st Congressional District and our country is rebuilding the U.S. economy. There is nothing more important than creating jobs and strengthening the struggling middle class. Congress's vital role in strengthening our economy will be my first priority as your Congresswoman. I pledge to:

* Advocate investment to build, repair, and improve our District's roads, bridges and infrastructure, vital for adequate emergency management and economic development progress.

* Boost awareness of small businesses as critical to the U.S. economy in the 1st District, and work to stop penalizing small (and large) businesses and while providing them with real incentives.

* Sponsor legislation to reward businesses that create, or retain, jobs within the U.S.

* Be a strong advocate of investing in education in communities, and bolstering workforce development programs that extend to every American worker the chance to learn skills they can market in the current economy.

* Work to promote tax credits for businesses who hire veterans and spouses of active military personnel.

The Port of Savannah and the Georgia Ports Authority

Elected officials must continue to ensure that the Georgia Ports Authority which oversees the busy ports of Savannah and Brunswick, receives the necessary funding to remain competitive with other ports along the East Coast. One out of every 12 jobs in Georgia and the 1st Congressional District are directly related to the Port of Savannah's ability to remain competitive, and accommodate the future of international commerce.

While other elected officials (both Democrats and Republicans) advocated for Federal funding, Mr. Kingston stood by and essentially remained silent on this important matter. Mr. Kingston caved into special interests and the House Republican Leadership. Kingston stood by, letting others do the "heavy lifting." Remarkably, when it came time to take credit for the funding, Mr. Kingston mounted a feeble public relations effort to suggest he was "behind" funding for the project.

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