Issue Position: Jobs

Issue Position

Kirsten knows how concerned New Yorkers are about the economy. No matter where she travels throughout the state, it's clear that job creation is New Yorkers' number one priority.

Despite being a manufacturing leader throughout the 20th Century, New York lost more than 123,000 manufacturing jobs from 2005-2010. Kirsten wants to see "Made In America" again and feels strongly that New York can once again be a leader in American manufacturing.

Already we're seeing a resurgence among some sectors of New York's manufacturing base. From 2004-2008, computer and electronic manufacturing industries increased employment by 9 percent. Jobs in information and communications technology are also on the rise -- with 6,000 new jobs in this field created from 2004 to 2008, and another 1,800 new jobs in life science technologies.

There is so much potential for New York to lead in these emerging high-tech manufacturing sectors and Kirsten knows they can power a renaissance of American manufactiring throughout the 21st century. That's why Kirsten has developed the new Made In America grant program.

This program would award competitive grants to small and medium manufacturing companies that are based in the hardest hit communities. The grants would provide these companies with the resources they need to adapt their operations to a 21st Century manufacturing model, so they can compete in the growing high tech and biotech advanced manufacturing sectors.

In addition, Kirsten is working to promote manufacturing that specializes in producing the kind of products with the most potential for growth including such domestic clean energy products as wind turbines, solar panels, hybrid vehicle systems, biofuel refinery components, etc. To accomplish this, Kirsten is working to pass legislation called the SEAM Act, which would help cut costs on domestic clean energy technology manufacturing by awarding tax credits and grants to companies that manufacture these products.

Finally, Kirsten is working to incentivize the private sector to invest in manufacturing companies that are based in the communities that are struggling the most. To do this, Kirsten is working to pass an extension of the New Markets Tax Credit Act. This measure would extend this tax credit program that offers a 39 percent credit for Community Development Entities to help bring more private sector investment to the areas that need it the most. Kirsten's proposal would give it a long-term extension so that businesses can make real, long-term plans and we can attract more companies, and create more jobs where we need them the most.

You won't find harder workers, better manufacturing know-how, or more innovative thinking anywhere outside of New York. These businesses and these jobs belong in America.

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