Jobs & Economy

Too many folks have been left behind in this economy. More than 6 million Americans who want a job don't have one. Another 4.3 million are involuntarily working a part-time job instead of a well-paying, full-time job. Congress must do more to ensure everyone in our country shares in the benefits of growth.

Tax Policy
In 2017, Republicans rammed a tax bill through Congress without holding a single hearing or listening to expert witnesses. Their law raises taxes on the middle class to pay for tax breaks for corporations and the wealthiest 1 percent. While the corporate tax cuts are permanent, tax cuts for middle-class families disappear over time. By 2027, fully 83 percent of the law's benefits go to the top 1 percent of income earners.

As Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee's subcommittee that handles tax policy, I'm committed to enacting real tax reform that will boost the middle class. For example, I've authored legislation to make the Work Opportunity Tax Credit permanent so people who consistently face barriers to employment can find good, middle class jobs. I will continue working to create a tax code that benefits everyone in America.

Growing the Middle Class
Middle income wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. Making up these lost income gains must be a priority. That's why I'm a cosponsor of the Raise the Wage Act, which would increase the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour by 2025 and end the minimum wage disparity between tipped and non-tipped workers.

Small Business
Small businesses are a key driver of our economy and reinvest directly in our communities. I've long-supported simplifying the tax code for our small businessowners so they can spend more time growing their businesses and less time on accounting. Please know I'll do everything I can to support our district's small businesses.

Infrastructure
Fixing our roads, bridges and waterways is one of the best ways to create jobs and put Californians to work. It would also lower hidden taxes on our businesses and communities caused by traffic congestion, vehicle collisions and increased auto maintenance. In May 2019, the American Society of Civil Engineers found the poor condition of California's roads cost drivers $61 billion a year. That's why I support smart federal investments in infrastructure.

Fire Recovery
The fires that have swept through our district in recent years hit middle class families hard and I'm committed to helping survivors get back on their feet. I worked hard to secure federal grants that help displaced families find housing and meet other basic needs. I was also an original cosponsor and voted to enact the California Wildfire Disaster Tax Relief Act. This law makes it easier to rebuild a home using money from a retirement account, makes it easier to claim deductions for uninsured property and helps fire-damaged businesses keep paying employees. In addition, I've authored the Small Business Disaster Relief Act of 2019, which would provide local businessowners with access to disaster assistance loans and grants through the Small Business Administration.

Everyone in our country deserves a fair shot at the American Dream. Please know I'll never stop working to grow our middle class while growing our economy.