Jobs and the Economy
Economic conditions in western and central Wisconsin and across the country are slowly improving. But we still have work to do. While there may be disagreements about how we address it, there is overwhelming consensus that we must do something. I will continue to work to foster an environment that creates good paying jobs, gets Wisconsinites back to work, and keeps our economy growing.
Job Growth
Getting the economy back on track and creating good paying jobs here in Wisconsin is my priority. I am advocating for policies that will create and save jobs, invest in stabilizing state and local economies, and provide help to the unemployed.
We need to invest in our greatest resource – our workers – so that we can remain the most innovative and creative nation in the world. I support investing in workforce training, education, infrastructure and basic research and development to ensure our workforce is ready to compete in the 21st century economy.
American Made: Ensuring a Strong Economy
We must build, construct, and grow manufacturing in Wisconsin and across America in order to ensure a strong American economy.
That's why I've put together a plan to help us do just that. By capitalizing on existing American strengths – a well educated and well trained labor force, innovation, and competitive spirit; by supporting the transformation and growth of America’s manufacturers to move into the markets of the future; and by coordinating with federal, state, and local governments and private institutions, we can ensure America’s economic success. Read the summary here.
Helping Rural Business Prosper
I authored the Rural Microbusiness Investment Credit togenerate investment in both start up and expanding rural microbusinesses by providing a 35% federal tax incentive to entrepreneurs who invest in their businesses. This is importantl for businesses in the midst of recession that need assistance in making critical investments. The credit is specifically targeted to entrepreneurs who are operating businesses in economically distressed rural areas where access to capital has always been a challenge and is even more difficult with the recent decline in bank lending to small businesses.
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More on Jobs and the Economy
Washington, DC—Today, Rep. Ron Kind voted for the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act of 2020. This legislation reauthorizes the National Apprenticeship Act for the first time since its enactment in 1937 and would create nearly 1 million additional apprenticeship opportunities.
La Crosse, WI – Today, Rep. Ron Kind helped lead 111 of his colleagues in a bipartisan letter calling on the Administration to make protecting common food and wine terms a priority in future trade discussions, ensuring access to fair trade rules for Wisconsin farmers, workers, and businesses.
La Crosse, WI – This week, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation removing tariffs on imports of Canadian aluminum. The proclamation followed an agreement with Canada announced last month by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to reinstate an exclusion for these imports from Section 232 tariffs retroactive to September 1, 2020.
La Crosse, WI – Today, Rep. Ron Kind and Sen. Tammy Baldwin called on Verso Corporation to reverse their recently announced decision to suspend the search for a buyer for the Wisconsin Rapids paper mill, and continue to work in good faith with interested buyers. This comes after the closure of the Wisconsin Rapids paper mill owned by Verso Corporation in July 2020.
La Crosse – Today, Rep. Ron Kind introduced the bipartisan Savings for All Vocations Enhancement (SAVE) Act. This bill will increase access to retirement savings for employees of nonprofit organizations that utilize 403(b) employer-provided retirement plans, incentivize S-Corporation businesses to convert to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) structure, and correct overly harsh individual retirement account (IRA) penalties bringing them in line with those of 401(k)s. The SAVE Act was introduced with Reps.
La Crosse, WI— Today, Rep. Ron Kind announced that he received the Champion of Electric Cooperatives Award from the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA). WECA’s Champion of Electric Cooperatives Award is presented to legislators on both sides of the aisle who demonstrate extraordinary service to Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives.
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ron Kind voted for the updated Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act. This legislation would provide relief to Wisconsinites as the COVID-19 crisis continues and includes support for small businesses, assistance for industries hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional round of $1,200 stimulus checks for taxpayers and $500 for dependents, restored weekly unemployment benefits, and expanded funding for education and child care.
La Crosse, WI— Today, Rep. Ron Kind announced that a Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) application was approved by the U.S. Department of Labor for the workers at the Verso paper mill in Wisconsin Rapids.
Washington, DC —Today, Rep. Ron Kind announced that the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and the Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SWWRPC) were selected to receive a highly competitive federal grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Ron Kind voted for the bipartisan Delivering for America Act amid concerns that organizational and operational changes at the United States Postal Service (USPS) have resulted in mail delays across the country, including for seniors, veterans, and rural communities.