SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA — In California, we have one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. This is unacceptable. We need to find ways to attract businesses to open up shop in the Valley and train our workforce for the next generation of jobs. We also need to find opportunities to bring in manufacturing that will provide our citizens with good paying, middle class jobs. As we work to rebuild our economy, it is essential that we support the entertainment industry, which has long been a backbone of our local economy, and emerging sectors, such as health care and renewable energy. My top priority will be to fight for good, middle class jobs and make sure Valley residents can compete for these jobs.
I am committed to joining Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland, to support his Make it in America agenda.
When more products are made in America, there will be greater opportunity for our people to Make It In America. That is why I have signed on to support the Make It In America plan. The plan focuses on creating the best conditions for American businesses to manufacture products, innovate, and create jobs right here in the U.S. President Obama has signed ten Make It In America bills into law, many of which had bipartisan support. Leaders in business and labor alike support Make It In America, because it will set us on a solid path forward to a future of greater competitiveness, more jobs, and long-term economic success.
We live in a global economy, which requires our workforce to have the most up-to-date skills to compete. This means job training must be a priority. It begins in our schools by ensuring we are training our children for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We also must be strategic in focusing our job training programs in emerging sectors.
I am dedicated to spurring growth from inside our community by promoting entrepreneurs and small business owners to grow their ideas. As a former small business owner, I understand the challenges in starting a new business. By creating a healthy business environment and finding different grants and organizations to help build small businesses, we will be able to grow valley owned businesses that employ workers that live in the San Fernando Valley. (www.cardenas.house.gov)