Growing Our Economy & Creating Jobs
One of my top priorities as a Member of Congress is to reach across the aisle in order to find common sense, bipartisan solutions that end Washington gridlock. In particular, two areas that have historically been bipartisan are infrastructure and small business.
There is no question that both large and small businesses are still feeling the effects of the 2008 financial crisis. Small businesses have long been the engine driving the American economy. While the economy has made important strides since the Great Recession, studies have continuously shown that small businesses have been slower to recover. As the president of Chicago-area small businesses, and as the former Deputy Illinois Treasurer, I have a unique perspective on how government can help or hinder small business growth and development. I am committed to working with all Members of Congress to look for ways the federal government can help small business owners by making lending simple and transparent, repealing burdensome regulations, and modernizing our nation's tax policies.
A strong national infrastructure is part of the foundation of our economy, yet we have failed to invest in transportation even though our infrastructure continues to age. That is why we need bipartisan solutions that can address the backlog of transportation projects throughout the country. I support the establishment of a National Infrastructure Bank which can provide low-interest loans to states and cities to help finance crucial projects like roads and transit systems. Finding innovative ways to finance infrastructure projects is a critical step toward renovating our transportation infrastructure while reducing congestion on our roads and highways.
More on Growing Our Economy & Creating Jobs
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) hailed the passage of the Moving Forward Act, a transportation and infrastructure package which he cosponsored and which included two pieces of legislation he authored. The Congressman’s first amendment was based on a bipartisan piece of legislation, the SAFE TO DRIVE Act, which he co-led with Congressman Mike Gallagher (WI-08), to reduce distracted driving.
SCHAUMBURG, IL – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response to numerous reports of desperate, qualified small businesses unable to receive access to credit due to the failure of regulators to effectively implement the federal stimulus package’s small business loan programs:
Dear Neighbors,
As has been widely reported, there has been a surge in the number of coronavirus cases across the world and it is likely we’ll see an increasing number in the United States as well. Fortunately, we have access to commonsense preventative measures and a robust public health system to help protect us. On this page, my team and I have assembled links and contact information to some of the key resources and support which can help you and your family through this pandemic and the economic challenges it's created.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) reintroduced The Investing in American Workers Act, legislation that would establish a 20% tax credit for small and mid-sized businesses that invest in workforce training for their employees. Qualifying investments include apprenticeship programs in new and emerging industries, programs conducted by career and technical education schools, community colleges, labor organizations, and industry partnerships.
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL – Last month, Elk Grove Village Cares secured a grant of $385,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to serve as a regional supply point for a drug that can reverse the fatal effects of opioid overdoses, naloxone. In order to provide additional training and support resources around naloxone, Elk Grove Village Cares will partner with the nonprofit group Live4Lali and the Kenneth Young Center, a mental health facility in the village.
SCHAUMBURG, IL – Congressman Krishnamoorthi issued the following response to the President’s erratic behavior and comments on the economy:
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Krishnamoorthi recently voted to pass H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, legislation which provides permanent protections to our nation’s Dreamers, as well as to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders, allowing them to contribute fully to Illinois communities and our country while providing a pathway to citizenship.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Congressman Mike Gallagher (WI-08), and Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) introduced the States Afforded Funding Extensions To Oppose Driving Recklessly In Vehicular Engagements (SAFE TO DRIVE) Act, which creates two supplemental grants for states to use for distracted driving prevention. Distracted driving–driving while also trying to text, call, clean, eat, or undertake any other activity–killed nearly 4,000 people in 2016, with more than 400,000 people injured in crashes connected to a distracted driver.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, co-chairs of the Middle Class Jobs Caucus, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), announced their caucus’ priorities for the 116th Congress. Steil is the new Republican co-chair while Krishnamoorthi has served as the Democratic co-chair since 2017 when he co-founded the caucus.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Krishnamoorthi joined his colleagues in voting to pass a bipartisan long-term reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA provides crucial services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The law had expired on February 15, 2019 after multiple temporary extensions.