Eastern AZ Courier - And the Survey Says? Jobs (and More Jobs)

News Article

By Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick

"What matters most to you and your family?"

That's a question I constantly ask folks across Arizona's large, mostly rural First Congressional District. Hearing about your challenges and priorities is critical for my role as your advocate.

My staff and I hear from constituents in a variety of ways. Some are ways you might expect, like forums and meetings, constituent calls and letters. But this year, we've begun sending out surveys to ask for your priorities and opinions on local and national issues.

And the priority I'm hearing loud and clear? Jobs.

Even amid Washington's dysfunction, I've found that it's possible to break the gridlock when it comes to creating jobs. Our state has enormous opportunities on this front.

Here are just a few:

* Transform Arizona into a transportation hub: Whether moving forward on the Interstate 11 that would connect our southern border to Las Vegas and beyond, or improving our railways and regional airports, or fixing our roads and bridges, our state can become a major transportation corridor for goods and services. But strong infrastructure can only happen when folks from both sides of the aisle -- along with the business community and local governments -- work together.

* Connect veterans to employers: Arizona has more than a half-million veterans, and we see firsthand the struggle some face in finding work. That's why last year I introduced a bill to eliminate barriers to entering the civilian work force by letting veterans earn civilian certifications and licenses based on work during active duty. It's also why I'm a big supporter of groups such as the Farmer Veteran Coalition, which is doing innovative work in Pinal County to train veterans in agriculture and farm operations.

* Protect the Grand Canyon: According to the National Park Service, the Grand Canyon delivered more than $476 million into our economy and supported more than 6,200 jobs in 2013. With numbers like that, it's vital to protect this resource for future generations. I support the creation of a Grand Canyon Watershed National Monument, which would protect waters that flow through the canyon and support jobs related to tourism, recreation and the land itself.

These are just a few common-sense approaches for job creation, but I need to keep hearing what matters to you and your family. I invite you to sign up for my constituent surveys at kirkpatrick.house.gov so we can work together to strengthen Arizona.

Source