My first priority as your representative is to support local communities' economic development efforts to create jobs. I am working to secure transportation investments around the area that will keep our economy moving, to provide new resources to small businesses, to keep electricity rates reliable and affordable for businesses, and support our community colleges as they train the future workforce.

Transportation
In the Northwest transportation equals jobs. Sound investments in transportation projects keep our economy moving. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I was able to secure over $52 million dollars in transportation projects for the Second Congressional District in last year's bill to reauthorize surface transportation spending through 2009. These projects will relieve congestion, improve safety, and spur economic growth in our communities.

When we invest in transportation initiatives we invest in our local economy. Every $1 billion we spend on highways and road projects creates 47,000 direct and indirect jobs in our community. I am working to generate federal support for our local transportation needs and bring new family wage jobs to the Second Congressional District.

Small Business
Small businesses help make up our economy's backbone. They account for half of our gross domestic product, supply more than half of the jobs in the U.S. and three-fourths of new jobs created each year. In Congress I strive to support small businesses through open access to loans and capital, fair and true access to federal contracts, and the reduction of burdensome paperwork and regulations. Congress must help equip businesses with the tools they need to build their companies.

I am working to preserve federal funding for several programs that will help our small businesses enter and compete in the workforce. Key among these is the Small Business Development Center program. This program sets up development centers, three of which are in the Pacific Northwest, that serve as community resources for local small businesses and entrepreneurs. These development centers work to create jobs and help small businesses increase their revenue and sales.

However, federal funding for Small Business Development Centers was significantly cut in the President's Fiscal Year 2007 budget. I oppose these budget cuts and am working with my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to restore full funding to this important program.

Electricity Rates
Snohomish County residents and businesses pay some of the highest power rates in Washington state. I will continue to work to save jobs in the Pacific Northwest by fighting against short-term power rate increases and by working with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) on their long-term rates. Power rate increases affect workers at Boeing, Alcoa and Weyerhaeuser in addition to the many small businesses across the Second Congressional District. As a member of the Northwest Energy Caucus, I will continue my efforts to keep electricity rates affordable and reliable.

2010 Olympics
The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games are fast approaching and will likely have a big impact on the Second Congressional District. The Games present our community with great possibilities and challenges. Working with the Governor's 2010 Olympics Task Force, I am helping to lead the state in our efforts to meet security challenges and take full advantage of the economic possibilities of the Games.

Small Business Administration

Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce

Skagit County Chambers of Commerce

South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce

The Everett Area Chamber of Commerce

Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce

San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce

Washington State Employment Security Department

Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development

Economic Development Council of Snohomish County

Economic Development Association of Skagit County

Bellingham Whatcom Economic Development Council

Island County Economic Development Council

Western Washington University Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Mount Vernon Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Worksource Washington