Jobs and the Economy

A good job is a foundation for a strong family.  Good jobs allow us to provide for our loved ones, educate our children, and ultimately retire with dignity.  Good jobs are also critical for strong communities and a vibrant economy. This is why I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop strategies that will help our economy to recover and will foster the creation of good paying jobs right here in Upstate New York.
 
I have spent most of my adult life working to develop and grow small businesses – helping to create over 1,000 jobs during my time in the private sector.  Small businesses are the economic engines that create good paying jobs and fuel our economic growth, and I understand what is necessary to make the 20th District the center of the innovation economy.  I believe that Congress needs to institute policies that will promote small businesses and provide the tools they need to succeed.
 
Today, our nation faces the greatest economic crisis in a generation.  While our problems have been years in the making and won’t be solved in a matter of months, I am working to lay the ground work for a long-term economic recovery.  That is why I supported The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which has saved and created jobs right here in the 20th district.
 
During my time in Congress, I have worked to ensure that small businesses have access to loans and targeted tax relief to ease the burdens on our local entrepreneurs.  Earlier this year, I hosted a Small Business Town Hall to hear the concerns of local small business owners and to help them access capital and make use of the economic recovery act.  A local constituent attended the town hall looking for advice on how to find funding for a small bakery he was hoping to open.  We helped him apply for a loan through the Small Business Administration, and this summer he received a $125,000 SBA backed loan and opened his new business in Glens Falls.
 
In addition, my very first piece of legislation was designed to help our veterans get access to capital so they can develop small businesses and create jobs.  My office works regularly with local businesses to help secure SBA loans, and we have hosted forums to help entrepreneurs navigate this process.  I also helped introduce the Small Business Formation and Job Creation Act, which would increase the tax deduction for small business startup expenses, freeing up much-needed capital that can be used to create jobs, re-invest, and grow our economy.