House Democrats Explore “Make It In America: What’s Next?” Over the August District Work Period
Mariel Saez or Latoya Veal 202-225-3130
In July, House Democrats hosted their first “Make It In America: What’s Next?” hearing, where thirty-four Members participated and shared their thoughts on how to best respond to new economic challenges and support new opportunities for job creation and economic growth. At the second “Make It In America: What’s Next” hearing, forty-seven House Democrats heard from outside experts in the fields of entrepreneurship, information technology, workforce development, and other areas critical to our long-term economic competitiveness. Following these hearings, House Democrats returned to their districts for the August District Work Period, where they heard from their constituents about what Congress can do to help more hardworking Americans Make It In America. Here’s a look at just a few of the events that were held across the country (click here for a video recap):
Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3)
Reps. Esty and DeLauro held a Make It In America field hearing to learn more from Connecticut state officials and manufacturers about what Congress can do to help businesses build on past successes and be better prepared to address future challenges.
“Esty called manufacturers a large part of the state's economic backbone. There are almost 5,000 manufacturing companies in the state employing over 76,000 people. Esty says Congress must continue to foster an ‘innovation economy’. She wants to create a predictable tax code that encourages companies to return jobs to the U.S., and levels the playing field for small businesses.” [WLAD, 9/9/15]
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-1)
Rep. DelBene toured Valve Software, an innovative company in the field of virtual reality. Created in 1966, the entertainment software and technology company creates award-winning games and is developer of leading-edge technologies including the Source® game engine and Steam®.
Congressman John Garamendi (CA-3)
Rep. Garamendi hosted a Small Business Boost Conference attended by more than 200 small businesses and featuring keynote addresses and group sessions focused on best practices for obtaining capital, networking, and marketing.
“‘This conference is the opportunity to find the answer to the question you might not even be thinking about. How do I create a marketing plan? How do I create a business plan?’ said Garamendi.” [Press Release, 8/26/15]
Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26)
Rep. Brownley held a roundtable at Amgen headquarters on the importance of supporting high-tech businesses and our national manufacturing sector.
“I’m always talking about STEM education and the connections between … how they’re preparing our students for 21st century jobs and trying to connect those resources to all of your needs here in the county,” Brownley said. “I think it’s a very important regional component to educational institutions to understand their local economies and what the make-up of their business is, so they’re training students for jobs here.” [Pacific Coast Business Times, 9/4/15]
Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33)
In conjunction with the Make It In America plan, Rep. Veasey hosted a “Marc Means Business” event at the headquarters of Alcon, a leader in the eye care industry. Rep. Veasey learned more about the tools that U.S. based manufacturers use to produce quality goods, as well as the global distribution process.
“‘Alcon’s growth from a small ophthalmic shop to a global leader in the eye care industry can serve as an example for other local businesses. U.S. companies can expand their operations and extend opportunities for their employees and for the communities they operate in. My work day at Alcon helps me better understand how Congress can best support American manufacturers, so they can continue to produce quality goods here in the USA,’ Congressman Veasey said.” [Press Release, 8/20/15]
Congressman Rick Nolan (MN-8)
Rep. Nolan conducted several Make It in America visits in the community of Isanti in northeast Minnesota. He stopped by UPS, Evercat Fuels, Advances Telemetry Systems, SnoBear, and a new BMX bike racing track to learn more about how these companies are creating jobs and products right here at home.
“At Advanced Telemetry Systems, company officials briefed Congressman Nolan on the high-tech animal tracking and monitoring systems they market all around the world. Their most recent expansion, in 2004, doubled the size of their facility, which houses some 50 employees engaged in research, development, sales, manufacturing and customer service… Nolan toured Evercat Fuels. There, chief science officer Clayton McNeff relayed the company’s groundbreaking new process in producing renewable biodiesel fuels using feedstock plant oils and animal fats. Evercat employs 27 people… Nolan also took time to meet with officials from SnoBear USA, the top of the line manufacturer of winter ice fishing recreational vehicles that recently announced relocation of its headquarters from Fargo, North Dakota to Isanti. The move is expected to create some 25 new jobs in two local facilities totaling 54,000 square feet of space.” [Isanti County News, 9/3/15]
Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-7)
Rep. Perlmutter hosted four local business tours to learn more about technological innovations happening locally in advanced and precision manufacturing and in the medical and energy sectors. His innovation tour included stops at Primus Wind Power, Faustson Tool, Terumo BCT, and Surefire Medical.
“‘These four businesses are particularly inspiring because they are truly helping to change the world with their technological advancements in the energy, defense, aerospace and medical fields. These businesses are playing a big role in the economic development and growth of our community and making the 7th Congressional District a great place to live, work and play,’ [said Rep. Perlmutter]…. Each of these businesses also represents a commitment to ‘Make It In America’ which focuses on creating high-wage, private-sector jobs for more individuals and families in the U.S. The bipartisan plan calls for additional investments in innovation and research, creating connections between educators and employers, expanding America’s manufacturing sector quickly and sustainably, and rebuilding infrastructure to move goods to market more efficiently.” [Press Release, August 2015]
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-25)
Rep. Slaughter visited her district’s local GM plant to learn more about their recent investments in the facility and the more than 1,000 jobs their plant supports.
“Slaughter toured a GM parts plant Wednesday, a plant where workers make fuel injector systems and emissions parts for GM trucks like the Silverado… After her 10-minute tour of the production floor, Slaughter praised the plant for hiring hundreds of local workers, not polluting the local environment and making new products that keep GM profitable… ‘We've been through good times here and we've been through bad times here, but in the past three years General Motors has made about $165 million in investments in this plant because we have the highest skilled labor force in the country and what is done here is done well," Slaughter said.” [Democrat & Chronicle, 8/26/15]
Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI-14)
Rep. Lawrence hosted a Make It In America field hearing attended by Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer and Rep. John Conyers. The event included seventy representatives from Michigan business, labor, and education sectors. They discussed the Make It In America jobs agenda and Rep. Lawrence's bill, entitled Supporting Investment in America's Skilled Workforce, and the Congressional Investment in America's Skilled Workforce Caucus, a bipartisan caucus she started with Reps. Yvette Clarke (D-NY) and French Hill (R-AK).
Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-8)
Rep. Duckworth hosted a manufacturing event with Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, where she and local manufacturers discussed the need to train more students for jobs in advanced manufacturing.
“Harper College's Advanced Manufacturing Program is a shining example of the economic benefits that stem from industry, educational institutions and the public sector working together to strengthen America's workforce to meet the needs of a 21st Century economy,’ said Duckworth. ‘Manufacturers in the 8th District often tell me that they are prepared to create new American jobs today, but cannot find enough Americans with the necessary skills. I'm proud that Harper College is leading the way in demonstrating how community colleges can play a vital role in uniting students, industry and government to fill this skills gap and strengthen our economy.’” [Chicago Tribune, 8/26/15]
Congressman Brad Ashford (NE-2)
Rep. Ashford took a tour of the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), a company made up of over 300 member companies that work hard to maintain America’s freight and passenger rail systems.
Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (CA-18)
Rep. Eshoo held an event with Defense Secretary Ash Carter to announce the recipient of a $75 million grant for the design and operation of an institute to help create flexible electronics. FlexTech Alliance will design and operate one of nine manufacturing institutes across the country.
Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11)
Rep. Foster joined U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Chris Lu for a panel discussion on the importance of skills training and hiring people with disabilities. Business leaders and local state representatives heard from advocates and employers about what they can do to help disabled workers find employment.
“[Rep. Foster] explained that employing the disabled allows employers to be eligible for tax breaks including a tax credit of up to $2,400. Foster said there are also tax credits available to make workplaces Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, including a $10,000 tax credit to small businesses and a deduction of up to $15,000 for employers of any size for the removal of architecture and transportation barriers to persons with disabilities... ‘While we are right to congratulate ourselves about curb cuts and push button doors the harsh reality right now is that the labor force participation of people with disabilities is only 20 percent, compared to 70 percent for the general population,’ [Deputy Secretary Lu] said… ‘America is in a global competition right now and in this competition we need to field a full team, we can't afford to leave anyone on the sidelines,’ Lu said.” [Kendall County Now, 6/26/15]
Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-24)
Rep. Capps celebrated Startup Day Across America with a visit to Apeel Sciences, a company that develops sustainable technologies that help eliminate food spoilage, reduce water and energy use, and preserve natural ecosystems.
“‘Apeel Sciences is a state-of-art company developing game-changing technologies right here in our backyard,’ Congresswoman Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, said when she toured its office for Startup Day Across America on Aug. 18. ‘Apeel is a shining example of how academic research at our local universities can result in new local businesses and jobs. I am particularly impressed by Apeel Sciences’ great work to address global food scarcity by reducing food waste.’” [Pacific Coast Business Times, 8/28/15]
Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52)
Rep. Peters also marked Startup Day Across America by highlighting the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship. He stopped by Classy, a successful technology company in San Diego that provides a mobile platform for hundreds of non-profit groups around the world.
“‘These businesses can grow out of an idea, literally out of an idea and with the right amount of funding, and the right care and hard work can develop into a big business,’ said Scott Peters, United States Representative for the 52nd District. And it’s the center of Congressman Scott Peters' visit. Together with the Downtown San Diego Partnership, they are talking about what it will take at the federal level to nurture and grow thriving businesses in the area.” [San Diego 6, August 2015]
Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-31)
Rep. Aguilar hosted a roundtable discussion with U.S. Small Business Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet and Inland Empire lending partners to highlight opportunities for local businesses and startups to grow their workforce here at home.
"'I'm glad the administrator could join us for such an important event. I look forward to working with our local business owners and the Small Business Administration to ensure better communication between the local and national levels so Inland Empire business owners have the resources they need to expand their workforce and grow their business,' said Aguilar." [Fontana Herald News, 8/27/15]
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