Issue Position: Jobs: Putting America Back to Work

Issue Position

When first elected to Congress, I successfully led the fight to stop the tolling of Interstate 80, which has over 300 miles in Pennsylvania, with over 150 miles of roadway in the 5th Congressional District. Tolling had little to do with long-term transportation solutions or addressing the Commonwealth's fiscal challenges. Rather, it was an attempt to tax citizens in one portion of Pennsylvania to bail out failed policies in other regions. By putting an end to the tolling scheme, jobs were saved. This prevented a major obstacle that would have hurt our economy and the expansion of jobs in our region.

Small businesses are the backbone of our national economy. Small businesses have generated over 65% of the job growth for close to two decades and account for half of the total business income earned in the country.

Even President Obama's own Small Business Administration has suggested that small businesses still face inexcusable regulatory burdens, especially when compared to larger businesses.

Regulation for the sake of regulation only hampers job creation. I have worked tirelessly to confront ineffective and unnecessary regulations and will continue to work on behalf of entrepreneurs, so they may have an environment that promotes growth and family sustaining jobs.

JOB GROWTH DEPENDS UPON:

A Qualified & Trained Workforce - As co-chairman of the bipartisan Career & Technical Education Caucus, I have led the effort to increase access to training programs to fill strategic needs in America's workforce for in-demand occupations.

Affordable Energy - As co-chairman of the bipartisan Natural Gas Caucus, I have worked with colleagues from both parties to highlight the importance of a reliable and affordable energy source for manufacturing. Without affordable energy many manufacturers would not be able to operate domestically and as we have seen in the past, jobs will move overseas. Affordable energy helps employment and ensures that working families will not be burdened with costly bills during cold winters.

Comprehensive Tax Reform - Our tax system is broken! American families are struggling and our complicated tax system places working families at a disadvantage. We deserve a simpler tax code that promotes job growth, increased wages and fewer hours filling out annual tax forms. We need to keep more money in the pockets of working families and job creators, while making sure that opportunity is abundant for everyone.

Congressman GT Thompson is a leader on jobs and job training. His legislative leadership expands access to job training and education needed to secure greater opportunity. He champions youth engagement and preparing young people for success in life and careers.

--Cheryl M. Johnson
Executive Director, Private Industry Council of the Central Corridor

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