The Intelligencer - Oliverio Unveils Jobs Plan

News Article

By Joselyn King

Mike Oliverio, Democratic candidate for West Virginia's 1st District congressional seat, addresses a meeting of the Weirton Downtown Business Association on Thursday.

Mike Oliverio - Democratic candidate for West Virginia's 1st District congressional seat - has a plan to bring jobs to northern West Virginia, and it includes a push for improvements to W.Va. 2.

Oliverio unveiled his eight-point plan for job creation Thursday while addressing a meeting of the Weirton Downtown Business Association at the Millsop Community Center. He said while many issues are important this election year, unemployment and job creation seem to be paramount.

"Job creation has to be a focus of candidates this year," Oliverio noted. "We have had significant job losses here."

The most recent unemployment figures show Hancock County's unemployment rate at 13.7 percent, with the national rate near 10 percent.

Oliverio's jobs plan includes these eight priority areas:

Improving infrastructure - Oliverio said he would push for upgrades and completion of road projects to benefit businesses and residents in the 1st District. Among these projects would be improvements to W.Va. 2, which he termed "a critical north-south highway along the Ohio River."
Insisting on fair trade practices - Oliverio said he would work toward closing tax loopholes "that encourage businesses and industries to send U.S. jobs overseas." He called for establishment of equal tariffs on goods imported from countries imposing tariffs on American merchandise and promised to sponsor new legislation to eliminate the trade imbalance - specifically focusing on the U.S. trade imbalance with China.
"Policies in Washington have really hurt communities like Weirton," Oliverio commented. "China and other countries have taken advantage of our fair trade laws. We have to make sure that China doesn't continue to manipulate its currency and put our communities here at a disadvantage."

Helping small business - Oliverio's plan calls for the establishment of "easy access, affordable loans to companies with quality credit," as well as some tax breaks to small businesses. He also believes laws should ensure publicly financed projects in West Virginia employ West Virginia workers.
Improving education opportunities - Oliverio said improving education levels of West Virginians is necessary to grow the state's economy. He promised to work to attract outstanding research and development opportunities at northern West Virginia colleges and universities. He also said he would seek to expand job training and education offerings for veterans and career-changing adults, and to expand higher education opportunities for those seeking a career in the coal and natural gas industries.
"A lot of states have given up on expanding their higher education opportunities because they can't keep up," Oliverio said. "If we invest in our higher education system, not only would we have a more educated work force, but we would also be attracting 'nine-month tourists' to the state."

Establishing tax breaks for families and small businesses, as well as for working-age family members required to care for older family members. The latter tax breaks would be similar to those offered for infant and child day care, according to Oliverio.
Improving high-speed Internet access across the state.
Protecting core energy sector jobs in the coal and natural gas industries - Oliverio promised to fight against cap-and-trade legislation, as well as against regulations thought to cripple both industries.
Improving employment opportunities for the state's 190,000 veterans.
Oliverio has a master's degree in business administration and has worked as a financial planner for 20 years.

"I have worked with lots of businesses," he said. "I have a broad perspective many don't always have."

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