Issue Position: Build a Sustainable Economy and Create Meaningful, Good-Paying Jobs

Issue Position

I'm not a politician. I've spent the past 25 years working; first as a journalist and then for two healthcare manufacturing companies. I understand that education is only one piece of the puzzle. We have to ensure that there are meaningful, good paying jobs for our graduates and more job opportunities for working families.

Congress has lost sight of the fundamentals of growing the economy. It's what I've done throughout my career at St. Jude Medical, whether it was placing engineers in high tech jobs or making sure new recruits get trained in the skills they need as they begin their career in American manufacturing. I know my experience and desire to refocus Congress on creating jobs in America can help Minnesota families. Let's support and reward businesses that create jobs and invest in infrastructure and research and development in America. Let's make it easier to start a business and encourage the innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship that once made America the envy of the world.

Education and the workforce are inextricably tied. Our kids need to be ready to go to college or to develop a work skill -- whatever path to opportunity is right for each individual.

The recovery from the 2008 recession has reached some, but not every, working family. Women and workers over the age of 20 make up the majority of minimum wage earners and Congress needs to focus on helping them succeed. A raise in the federal minimum wage is long overdue and raising it will be one of my highest priorities. It's unacceptable that women earn less than men for the same jobs. This practice is damaging to our overall economy, sends the wrong message to women and girls in our country, and it has to stop. I'll sponsor the Paycheck Fairness Act and other measures that ensure women are getting a fair shot in our workplaces. And every American committed to work should have the opportunity to earn paid sick leave.

Finally, you can count on me to protect workers' rights to organize and collectively bargain. Trade deals can't be built on the backs of Minnesota workers or at the expense of their families. I believe we must look at trade agreements -- old and new -- to make sure that they not only protect American workers, but that they have strict human rights and environmental standards.

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