Economic Development

To grow our economy, we must think big with eyes on what future industries are going to thrive and mitigate the lasting effect of climate change.  That is why I fully embrace and support the concept of the Green New Deal.

Oregon has always been an innovative state with innovative people of changing industries.  Now is the time for us to step-up and lead again.  I support federal tax breaks and incentives to incubate new clean energy startups and project advancement.  Under the Green New Deal, Oregon can be a leader on wind, solar, wave and electric energies and organic sustainable farming.

With time, after the initial investment of the Green New Deal, and job retraining, we could see wealth and good paying, middle-class jobs generated in rural parts of our state that has been left behind by technical advancement over the last couple decades in urban/suburban/rural areas.

Climate change is here and it’s accelerating.  We feel it in Oregon, especially in the form of fierce wild fires. We have to reset our economic priorities and make lasting change now.  Our economy and our planet depend on it.

In the short term we need to invest in improving our infrastructure and expanding high-speed broadband while increasing our investments on people and social programs.  I am supportive of Biden’s infrastructure package and the work being done on the next economic stimulus packages. I’ll work hard to make sure District 5’s fair share of federal dollars comes our way. Our social safety net is tattered from neglect. It’s time to strengthen it for generations to come.