The Online Office of Congressman Jason Altmire - Creating Jobs & Strengthening the Local Economy

Creating Jobs & Strengthening the Local Economy

One of Congressman Altmire's top priorities is to bring new jobs and economic growth to western Pennsylvania. Over the years, western Pennsylvania has transformed from a region dominated by manufacturing to a growing hub of some of the best research and development in the country. By working with the area's universities, hospitals and innovative businesses, Congressman Altmire hopes to attract new, emerging companies and talent to the region.

$80 Million for Our Region

Over the last two years, Congressman Altmire has secured over $80 million in critical funding to support our region's economy. The funding will make important infrastructure improvements to the Ohio River's locks and dams, upgrade our local highways and mass transit systems, provide support for emergency first responders and invest in our region's community hospitals. For more information, see [Altmire Secures $60 Million to Support Western Pennsylvania Economy; Altmire Secures Over $21 Million for Western Pennsylvania].

Tax Cuts for the Middle Class, Small Businesses

Congressman Altmire has voted to provide $150 billion in tax rebates to help families struggling in the economic downturn, for over $80 billion in tax relief for small businesses, and to protect 23 million taxpayers from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). He also supported a fiscally responsible budget that reaches balance in 2012 while accommodating middle-income tax cuts, including the elimination of most estate taxes and extensions of the 10 percent individual income tax bracket, the child tax credit, marriage penalty relief and the research and development tax credit. For more information, see [Altmire on Tax Reform].

Investing in Small Businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and we can do more to help connect small business owners with critical start-up capital. Congressman Altmire introduced a bill designed to connect businesses with access to venture capital and encourage investment in regions that typically do not attract this kind of financial backing. On September 27, 2007, his Small Business Investment Expansion Act (H.R. 3567) passed the House of Representatives by a strong bipartisan vote of 325 to 72. For more information, see [House Passes Altmire Small Business Investment Bill].

Pittsburgh-Cleveland Tech Corridor

On October 1, 2007, Congressman Altmire hosted an economic forum with Congressman Tim Ryan (Ohio). The forum brought together business, academic and foundation leaders from western Pennsylvania and northeastern Ohio to discuss the creation of a Tech-Belt from Pittsburgh to Cleveland. Congressmen Altmire and Ryan hope to generate more jobs and foster economic growth for our area. By proposing new ideas for small businesses and preparing the region's workforce for competition in the global economy. For more information, see [Congressmen Jason Altmire and Tim Ryan Announce Tech Belt Forum].