Jobs and Economic Development
As our economy continues to struggle with the down economy, our number one priority should be getting Mainers back to work. To do that, we need investment in our state and support for small businesses.
American Jobs Act
I'm supporting many proposals in President Obama's American Jobs Act. It would support thousands of jobs in Maine, help fix our infrastructure, and provide tax cuts to the people and businesses who need them. Find out more here.
Investing in our Infrastructure
Maine needs a strong infrastructure to compete on a national and global scale. I've been a strong supporter of fixing our infrastructure—such as replacing Memorial Bridge in York—while expanding our technology, like bringing broadband Internet to rural areas of the state. I also believe we need a strong transportation network, which is why I have supported extending the Downeaster line to Brunswick and expanding options for alternative transportation.
Supporting Small Businesses
Small businesses truly are the backbone of Maine's economy and one thing I hear most from them is the need for capital. As a small business owner myself, I couldn't agree more. That's why I've supported expanding Small Business Administration loan programs, cutting unnecessary regulations, and have worked to connect our small businesses with larger federal contractors.
Brunswick Naval Air Station
The closing of Brunswick Naval Air Station marks the end of an era and leaves a hole in the regional economy. But redeveloping the site presents an excellent opportunity to create new jobs for the area. I helped the local redevelopment authority acquire the site for no cost from the Navy, and have been happy to see new businesses use the facilities, including Kestrel Aviation, Resilient Communications, Molnlycke Health Care, the Brunswick Executive Airport, and a new campus of Southern Maine Community College.
Clean Energy
Maine is working to become a leader in clean energy, including offshore wind power and tidal power. Learn more here.
Local Foods
I am strong supporter of Maine's efforts to support local foods and local farms because there's no need to buy food from across the globe or country when our neighbors are already producing fresh, healthy produce. As member of the House Agriculture Committee, I'm working for federal policy that better supports creation of these local jobs. Learn more here.
Working Waterfronts
Maine's 20 miles of working waterfronts support 30,000 jobs, but are vulnerable to development. Communities need more resources to protect these critical places so generations of Mainers can continue making their living from the water. Learn more here.
More on Jobs and Economic Development
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today wrote to Labor Secretary Thomas Perez and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, asking them to work together to find an immediate solution to a problem affecting temporary visas for seasonal workers. The Department of Labor has stopped processing applications for the H-2B visas in the light of an ongoing federal court case.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issue the following statement on President Obama's proposed budget, which was released today.
WASHINGTON – Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliqiuin were joined by a number of their colleagues to push the Department of Defense to streamline the approval process for American-made athletic footwear for U.S. military personnel. At issue is testing of athletic shoes provided to recruits at basic training and procured under the Berry Amendment, a regulation that requires that clothing and footwear for military personnel be made in America.
"The middle class issues the President talked about, like paychecks, jobs and college expenses, are the issues that working families struggle with on a daily basis. Paid sick leave, making college more affordable and closing loopholes for wealthy taxpayers should be issues that everyone can get behind."
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree voted against a bill today that would ram through permitting of the controversial Keystone pipeline, bypassing the approval process that is already underway.
Congresswoman Pingree visits striking Fairpoint workers in October 2014.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree welcomed the news that a federal mediator would supervise negotiations between Fairpoint Communications and unions representing 1,700 striking workers in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. The two sides will meet Sunday in Washington, DC.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said tonight that Bath Iron Works has won a $21 million deal to extend its work on construction of DDG 51 destroyers. Bath Iron Works is the lead designer of the current run of DDG 51s and the contract will allow them to provide engineering and support work for the "follow" shipyard—the Ingalls Shipyard in Pascogoula, Mississippi.
Town of Unity wins competitive 'Local Foods, Local Places' assistance
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said this week that the Town of Unity has been selected as one of just 26 communities from around the country to participate in a federal initiative called Local Foods, Local Places. The town will receive expert technical advice to help develop and highlight the local agricultural economy.
Says last-minute deal "is no way to pass sensible tax policy"
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree voted to retroactively extend a number of important tax breaks through the end of 2014. The provisions had expired at the end of last year, and without action by Congress families and small businesses would have lost important tax deductions and credits.