Issue Position: The Economy

Issue Position

Today's economic climate is challenging -- whether you're a small business owner, employed or unemployed, or a young person just entering the job market. The changes we're undergoing also present a great opportunity to build a better economy -- and Lew has ideas to help Oregon lead the charge. Lew will champion legislation that supports local small businesses and keeps more dollars and jobs in Oregon.

Small businesses are the backbone of a strong local economy and the primary driver of job-creation. Lew will support policies that empower public agencies to serve as their own general contractors -- allowing them to hire local firms for public works projects, breaking up larger projects into bite-sized pieces so that small firms can bid, increasing their capacity and keeping the work local.

To support the development of small businesses, Lew will direct targeted assistance to incubate young businesses with technical support and other services that can often make the difference between success and failure in the crucial early years.

We have a tremendous opportunity to save money and create jobs by retrofitting public buildings for energy efficiency -- with the dual benefit of addressing global environmental concerns. Lew has consistently supported these money-saving, job-creating projects. As a member of the State Board of Education and a member of the N/NE Portland community, Lew continues to support expansion of jobs training programs at PCC-Cascade, working to match opportunities created here with a skilled workforce.

Source