Today, Monday November 25 2013, Congressmen Pete Gallego (TX-23) and Steny Hoyer (MD-5), who is the Democratic Whip, the second highest ranking member in the Democratic Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, spoke to media at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. During the press conference the two spoke about some of the issues business owners in Texas are facing, including job creation, access to capital, and the country's economic recovery, among others.
The delegation, led by Congressmen Gallego, toured Toyota Manufacturing in the Southside of San Antonio. Immediately following the press conference, Gallego and Hoyer met with business owners and members of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce during an hour roundtable discussion. Among the participants to the discussion were representatives from Toyota, Worksource Solutions Alamo, BBVA Compass, San Antonio Lighthouse, HEB and Holt CAT.
"First of all, I thank Whip Hoyer for visiting San Antonio where he was able to hear first-hand from the San Antonio business community who has come together to help spur economic recovery and local job growth. By visiting us in the great state of Texas, he is able to learn directly from the San Antonio business community on what they are doing to strengthen our local and state economy," said Congressman Gallego. "Through his leadership, and his Make It in America initiative, we are working to address job creation and access to capital by supporting ideas that lower the unemployment rate and put Americans back to work."
The Department of Labor reports that in the past 44 months, U.S. businesses have created 7.2 million jobs, including 900,000 in Texas. In Texas, the unemployment rate in October was 6.2 percent. In the San Antonio-New Braunfels Metropolitan Statistical area, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that in August the unemployment rate was 6 percent.
"Congressman Gallego is a strong advocate for his community in Congress," said Congressman Hoyer. "I want to thank Pete for the invitation to San Antonio and the opportunity to speak directly with businesses who are contributing to our economy."
Congressman Hoyer visited San Antonio at the invitation of Congressman Gallego, who serves on the influential House Armed Services and House Agriculture Committees -- two important committees that set the country's agenda and tone and are critical to the San Antonio community as well as West Texas. Since serving in Congress, Gallego has supported several bills and initiatives that help businesses across America create jobs.
Among those initiatives are:
· The American Export Promotion Act of 2013 (HR 1420) which focuses in the promotion of small and medium businesses. This bill was recently introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Schatz (D-HI)
· Support of San Antonio military community, a very important piece of social and economic fabric of San Antonio area. The well-being of Service Members and their families is essential to economic stability of the whole community.
· Support the Putting Veterans to Work Act, which would provide tax credits to businesses who hire returning service members and veterans, including those injured in combat.
· Several federal Grants to improve infrastructures critical to economic development in rural areas like Del Rio International Airport or Community facilities for Agriculture and water control facilities.