Economy

"Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state." Alexander Hamilton, December 1790

Today we are blessed with a robust economy that continues to grow and provide opportunity for millions of Americans. Following 12 years of economic policies that were led by a Republican Congress, we've seen strong growth in the economy, record low unemployment and millions of new jobs being created.

That's not to say that things are perfect however.

Every person who wants to work deserves the opportunity to work. They deserve a good, honest wage for the work that they do. For the small businesses that provide many of these jobs, we need to ensure that they are given an even playing field and not being unnecessarily burdened by red tape or other bureaucratic restrictions.

In short, I believe that the strength of our economy lies in the people and businesses of the United States, not with government policies. Congress has a supporting role to play, but it should be just that, a supporting role.

Important Legislation

H.R. 324, Working Families Wage and Access to Health Care Act: This bill accomplishes a couple of important goals, while it increases the minimum wage it also helps small businesses with the cost of their health care plans. Specifically, the bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to incrementally increase the federal minimum wage to $7.25 over a two year period. In addition it amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations, and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements.

As a co-sponsor of this legislation, a version passed the House in January to increase the minimum wage but unfortunately didn't include the association health plans provision which I believe needs to be enacted as well.