The single largest challenge facing our nation is the rebuilding of our economy. Across the nation, millions of people have lost their job, and with it, their ability to make ends meet. Here in eastern Connecticut, there have been positive signs of recovery and growth -- but there is no doubt that there is still so much more that needs to be done. Our middle class families and small businesses have been the hardest hit by the economic downturn -- and must be at the forefront of our economic recovery.
I am fighting for a comprehensive approach to our economy recovery that would:
*Put people to work and grow our economy by rebuilding our state and our nation through investment in our roads, bridges, highways, transit systems, ports and harbors.
*Help our small and mid-sized manufacturers "Make it in America" by growing the pool of skilled workers, leveling the global playing field, and lowering barriers to doing business abroad.
*Provide our small businesses with the tools they need to grow and thrive through innovative research, start up assistance and other measures aimed at easing the burdens faced by our small and mid-sized job creators.
*Invest in education and training opportunities that prepare students and individuals re-training for a new career for the skills they need to succeed.