Issue Position: Jobs & The Economy

Issue Position

JOBS & THE ECONOMY
The 33rd DIstrict is moving from government contractor centered economy to a new Virginia economy. For many years, the economic health of this region has been driven largely by the Federal government and government contractors. Since the Sequestration and Federal government shutdown and continued threats of shutdown, numerous local businesses and residents have been disproportionately and adversely affected. In response, we have worked hard to diversify the region's economic base and have seen these efforts succeed. I am proud of my work bringing people together to grow their businesses. We are fortunate to live and work amongst many highly educated, creative, and dedicated entrepreneurs.
Support economic development targeting scientific research, health care, renewable energy, energy storage, and energy efficiency companies and work to recruit them to this region.
Encourage new startup businesses to locate in the Dulles Corridor. Small businesses are the principal source of new jobs in Northern Virginia in the coming decades and are vital to our economy.
Work closely with our excellent colleges and universities make sure that our graduates are ready to take the high quality jobs available and are prepared for employment.
Our community college system provides an affordable, high quality education and opportunities to transfer and graduate from four year schools.
I will continue to work with the business community on policies designed to attract and retain a talented workforce in Northern Virginia.
As we strengthen and diversify our economy in Northern Virginia, I have not forgotten the many people in our community who work hard for low pay, often working two and even three jobs.
All jobs must be paid fairly.
Chief patron, Equal Pay Act - updates the 1974 equal pay act which isn't working - the wage gap for women, minorities and other protected classes is evidence of the need for specific direction to employers; also copatroned other legislators bills that included a piece of the comprehensive bill.
Chief patron, comprehensive equal pay act for state employee.
Chief patron, strengthening of the laws protecting employees from classification as independent contractors and associated loss of wages and benefits and workplace protections
Chief copatron of bill eliminating racist Jim Crow law and tipped employee exemptions
Copatron of minimum wage bill, $15 by 2022 plus annual Consumer Price Index increase thereafter
Copatron, require payment of prevailing wage for public works contracts
Copatron of minimum wage bill, $10 by 2019 with biennial CPI increases
Our education and workforce development programs meet the needs of all Virginians.
I've stood shoulder to shoulder with my union brothers and sisters fighting for worker protections and supporting labor unions.
The fight for fair wages (Fight for $15) and working conditions will continue to be a major priority.
From attending union meetings, meeting with workers, press conferences and rallies with union members and leaders to sponsoring legislation to increase the minimum wage, get rid of racist Jim Crow exceptions to the minimum wage, and updating the 1974 Equal Pay Act law to get rid of the gender wage gap, I have a history of fighting for equal opportunity and fair treatment for all workers.
Broadband internet must be available for all Virginians, including those in rural areas of Virginia. I've met with businesses in Fairfax County and Loudoun County that will benefit when healthcare and education and telework are available to all Virginians via the internet. These are equity issues. I recently spoke at the NCSL's 2018 Broadband & Cable Policy Summit about our efforts to streamline permitting for broadband in Virginia. Local governments will now consider broadband infrastructure in comprehensive planning and work continues on a Dig Once program thanks to my 2018 legislation.

LEGISLATIVE RECORD ON JOBS & ECONOMY
HB 640, Chief patron, passed, Broadband infrastructure to be included in local government comprehensive plans
HB 1089, Chief patron, Equal Pay Act - updates the 1974 equal pay act which isn't working - the wage gap for women, minorities and other protected classes is evidence of the need for specific direction to employers; also copatroned other legislators bills that included a piece of the comprehensive bill.
HB 1090, Chief patron, comprehensive equal pay act for state employees
HB 1106, Chief patron, strengthening of the laws protecting employees from classification as independent contractors and associated loss of wages and benefits and workplace protections
HJ 77, Chief patron, study for Dig Once Policy - to streamline broadband deployment
HB 1259, chief copatron of bill eliminating racist Jim Crow law and tipped employee exemptions
HB 518, copatron of minimum wage bill, $15 by 2022 plus annual Consumer Price Index increase thereafter
HB 667, copatron, require payment of prevailing wage for public works contracts
HB 715, copatron of minimum wage bill, $10 by 2019 with biennial CPI increases
HB 999, copatron, Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance; Broadband Advisory Council; expiration. Extends the expiration of the Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance and the Broadband Advisory Council from July 1, 2018, to July 1, 2019.
HB 1376 Breaks for breastfeeding moms (Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) exempt employees)

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