Building a Strong, Inclusive Local Economy

A strong economy starts with investing in the people, neighborhoods, and businesses of our communities. In the 7th Congressional District, we have immense talent, creativity, and potential, but systemic inequities too often block our communities from thriving. In Congress, I will fight for policies that create good jobs, support small businesses, expand access to capital, and ensure economic justice for all residents.

Support for Small and Local Businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. I will:

• Increase access to capital for local entrepreneurs, particularly women, Black, Latino, and immigrant-owned businesses, through programs like the Small Business Administration (SBA) Community Advantage Program and federal grant initiatives like the Build Back Better Small Business Investment Fund.

• Expand community development financial institutions (CDFIs) by supporting legislation such as the CDFI Fund Reauthorization Act, ensuring underserved neighborhoods can access loans, credit, and business services.

• Incentivize locally-owned businesses to grow through federal tax credits, workforce development support, and procurement opportunities.

Workforce Development & Job Creation

Every resident deserves access to meaningful, well-paying work. I will:

• Invest in job training programs aligned with high-demand industries such as clean energy, technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing through support for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and targeted federal grants.

• Support apprenticeship programs and union partnerships, connecting students and young adults to career-track opportunities through legislation like the National Apprenticeship Act.

• Promote equitable employment for returning citizens by expanding programs under the Second Chance Act and advocating for federal contracts to prioritize businesses that hire formerly incarcerated individuals.

• Expand funding for YouthBuild programs, linking skills development directly to local housing, energy, and infrastructure projects.
  
  

Innovation & Green Economy

Our local economy should lead the way in sustainability and innovation. I will:

• Champion investment in green infrastructure and renewable energy jobs through programs like the Green New Deal, the Clean Energy Jobs Act, and funding initiatives under the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

• Support small businesses in clean energy and sustainable agriculture, leveraging federal grant programs such as the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program.

• Encourage tech and innovation hubs in underserved neighborhoods, providing residents access to mentorship, tools, and networks through federal initiatives like the TechHire program and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
  
  

Community Revitalization & Equitable Development

Economic growth should lift neighborhoods, not displace them. I will:

• Expand affordable housing and small business support in redevelopment projects using programs like the National Housing Trust Fund, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and Opportunity Zones with equity protections.

• Promote local hiring requirements for federally-funded infrastructure projects through legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

• Invest in arts and culture as economic drivers, leveraging federal initiatives like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants to support local artists and cultural institutions.
  
  
  

Fair and Inclusive Economic Policy

Economic policy must reduce disparities and create opportunities for everyone. I will:

• Raise the federal minimum wage through support for legislation like the Raise the Wage Act. I support a federal minimum wage of at least $25/hr.

• Protect workers’ rights, including collective bargaining, paid leave, and equitable access to benefits through the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.

• Invest in public transportation and broadband, linking communities to jobs, education, and opportunity through programs funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Federal Communications Commission’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD).