With Labor Day right around the corner, we are reminded of the contributions and achievements of American workers throughout the course of history.  As the basic foundation of our economy, America’s workforce represents the cornerstone of our strength and prosperity. 

The history of Labor Day starts in 1894, when Congress created a national holiday to assure the “nobility of labor be maintained.”  Since then, American workers in every industry have experienced periods of great economic prosperity.  They have also experienced periods of decline and uncertainty -- just like we are facing today.
  
Restoring our economy and many of the jobs that have been lost since the collapse of the housing and financial markets are among our nation’s highest priorities.  Doing so depends on families, businesses and investors regaining confidence in the economy and, more importantly, ensuring quality jobs are available for American workers.

That is why I continue to support policies to strengthen our nation’s small business community, often referred to as the backbone of our economy since they create the most jobs nationwide.  I also believe we must refrain from additional federal spending and intervention that only serves to perpetuate national debt levels and expose taxpayers to unnecessary risk. 

While in San Diego over the month of August, I directly heard from many of you on issues such as health care, federal spending and, of course, jobs.  Understanding the challenges we face throughout our region, I especially welcomed the opportunity to partner with the East County Career Center and Employment Department to host a community job fair at the Ronald Reagan Community Center in El Cajon. 

The event brought together many area businesses and job seekers, providing each with a forum to interact and discuss possible employment opportunities.  I look forwarding to hosting more events like this in the future as our community continues to come together to strengthen its workforce.

Also over the district work period, I participated in several other public forums.  One of these events was a health care town hall in Ramona, which helped me learn more about your thoughts on this debate underway in Congress.  With consideration of a health care reform proposal tentatively set for sometime this month, I hope to continue hearing from you on this or any other issue of interest. 

I also encourage you to visit my website for regular updates on various legislative actions, including health care reform.  My website will feature the full text of the health care reform bill once the versions passed by House Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor are consolidated into a single bill and reintroduced.

Whether the national debate is focused on health care, government spending or jobs, the American worker is always at the forefront.  They contribute to the function of government.  Their ingenuity maintains our competitiveness, improves our welfare and way of life.  This Labor Day, let us take time to remember and pay tribute to the achievements of our workforce and its role in building and protecting our nation.