Jobs, Economy & Small Business Archives - Congresswoman Cheri Bustos

Growing our economy and creating jobs

While America has rebounded from the depths of the great recession, too many hardworking families in the heartland are still waiting for the economic recovery to arrive.

For me, there’s nothing more important than making sure we’re doing all we can to grow Illinois’ economy by creating an economic environment where businesses can succeed. But, as we work to achieve these goals, we also need to make sure we’re doing it in a way that strengthens working families, grows our middle-class and creates good-paying jobs across Illinois.

Bringing 21st Century Manufacturing and Jobs to our Region

I’m working to help jump-start the next Industrial Revolution right here in Illinois. Recently, I was proud to help bring the first two Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute chapters to Rockford and the Quad-Cities. This program will help these communities position themselves as global leaders in advanced engineering by connecting local industries to advanced tools and expertise. Additionally, by partnering with government and academic institutions, the Digital Manufacturing Labs will help prepare our workers for 21st century manufacturing jobs.

I also worked to help the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council earn designation as one of just 12 regions in the country to be a part of the U.S. Commerce Department’s Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership Program. This collaborative effort will strengthen the earthmoving industry in Peoria by improving local parts supply chains, addressing infrastructure challenges that prevent existing businesses from expanding, and investing in workforce training to connect workers with the skills they need for local manufacturing jobs.

My vision for our region is simple – I believe that by focusing on revitalizing our manufacturing triangle region, we will help attract new employers and prepare our workers for the manufacturing jobs of the future. It’s not going to be easy, but nothing worth fighting for ever is.

Leveling the Playing Field

We have some of the best workers in the world, but far too often, we’re competing on an uneven global economic playing field that has resulted in too many good-paying jobs being shipped overseas to places like China and India. My standard for trade deals is pretty straight forward – if it doesn’t grow our economy and strengthen working families in Illinois, I won’t support it. But, I also think we need to take steps to eliminate any financial and tax incentives that make it easier for big corporations to outsource our jobs. Instead, we need to focus on ways to incentivize these companies to invest in our workforce and invest in American manufacturing. These are just a few of the reasons why I’m so proud to support the “Make It in America” jobs plan.

Helping Small Businesses Expand

Small businesses create two out of every three new jobs in America, so their ability to succeed is absolutely critical to our economic future. This is why I introduced a new bill that would help small and mid-sized manufacturers gain access to new markets to increase their business. The Boosting America’s Exports Act would help small businesses and startup entrepreneurs reach their full potential by connecting them with the tools and resources they need to begin exporting American-made products to consumers around the world. By helping them expand into new markets and increase American exports, we’ll create thousands of good-paying jobs and opportunities here at home.

Below are several recent updates about the work I’m doing to grow Illinois’ economy.

More on Jobs, Economy & Small Business

July 14, 2020

John Verona

“Following rejection of my initial SBA Loan Application, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and staff were among those I turned to for help to receive SBA Loan Assistance, as an Independent Contractor for Hildebrand Amusement Rides, which has been shut down for 16 weeks and counting due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Their efforts complemented those within the […]

Press Release

February 24, 2020

ROUNDUP: BUSTOS VISITS EVERY COUNTY IN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT IN ONE WEEK

Bustos Events Focus on Health Care, Veterans, Education, Local Economy Washington – Last week, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) visited all 14 counties across Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, traveled over 900 miles, held 18 events and meetings, and announced more than $25 million in federal funds for the region. “I always say we’re given two ears […]

Press Release

February 11, 2020

Bustos Response to President’s Budget

Administration Fails to Live Up to Promises to Protect Medicaid or Invest in Infrastructure $25 Billion Slashed from Federal Crop Insurance Program that Protects Farmers From Severe Weather and Price Drops Rural America sees Funding for Broadband, Health Clinics, Economic Development Gutted WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, […]

Press Release

January 29, 2020

Bustos Statement After USMCA Signed Into Law

Washington – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) issued the following statement in response to the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) being signed into law: “After a challenging year and months of tough negotiation, I am glad to see the United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement signed into law today,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “With this […]