Jobs & Economy

In Congress, I have been working with members from both parties to address critical changes in our economy such as the significant job losses in our nation's manufacturing sector. This includes:

• As a member of Congressional Manufacturing Task Force, I have continued to push for full funding of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) that provides needed technical and regulatory assistance to small and medium sized manufacturing firms. The Administration has repeatedly cut funding for MEP, proposing an 83% reduction in FY04
• Working to close corporate tax loopholes that encourage corporations to move operations overseas
• Pushing the Administration to enforce existing trade agreements so American workers can compete on a level playing field
• Strengthening "Buy American" laws to ensure the federal government purchases goods and services from American suppliers

In addition, as a member of the Education and Workforce Committee, I have been working on improvements in our education system so that future generations will have the tools they need to operate in the 21st Century. I am also working to ensure retraining opportunities are available for our current workforce so people can gain new skills to open new doors of opportunities.

Another important priority is reigning in our record budget deficits to reduce the debt burden on our children. These record deficits cut directly from the Social Security and Medicare trust funds, and are happening at exactly the wrong moment in time when the baby boomers are starting to retire. The World Bank, Concord Coalition, and Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan are among those clearly stating that unless we stop digging such a large fiscal hole, economic growth could be seriously hampered in the future. The dangers posed by such large and continuous deficits include potentially sharp tax increases or drastic cuts to federal spending in defense, education, healthcare, and other programs. Either option would hurt the national economy.

Setting fiscal priorities and following through on commitments to American families is key to economic prosperity. I will continue to work in Congress to address the needs Wisconsin families and ensure our children will not be saddled with an unpayable debt burden.

I hope you find this information helpful. If you should have further comments or questions, please contact me.