Issue Position: The Economy

Issue Position

Economic Security for the Middle Class

Steve has seen middle class families bear the burden of the volatile economy in recent years. While the economy is on the rebound, many families still feel a lack of security and ask -- Are there jobs to allow us compete in a 21st century economy? Is our retirement secure? Will our children have a chance at a better future?

In Congress, Steve will fight to ensure that we continue to grow our economy and create good, stable jobs that support our families and sustain our communities. That starts with a focus on investment. Investment in infrastructure is one of the major issues facing our nation -- not only because our roads and bridges are crumbling but because these investments have the potential to be an economic driver. We need to come together in Washington to properly invest in the Highway Trust Fund and in projects that will put Americans back to work.

Small businesses and new businesses should be the backbone of our economy in the 8th Congressional District. We live in a major metropolitan area on the Northeast Corridor. With the right incentives and leadership, we can make sure that local business thrives in our region.

Investing in education is another critical investment in infrastructure -- our human capital. We need to ensure that our children have an opportunity to an education that will prepare them to compete in a 21st century economy. That means access to quality education throughout life, from pre-K for everyone to an affordable college education to job and technical training.

As State Representative

Steve has a record of success in helping bring in and strengthen local companies by co-sponsoring legislation that created tax credits for small businesses to expand and create more jobs. He also secured grants for local infrastructure projects and pushed PECO to upgrade their power grids and to be more responsive to the needs of the community. Steve always puts Pennsylvania first; he has consistently fought to require that needed road and bridge projects prioritize Pennsylvania companies, labor, and steel.

Creating and Protecting Jobs

Steve's number one priority will be to create good paying jobs and protect the ones we have. In 2010, Steve succeeded in getting a major international marketing firm to relocate to Lower Makefield, bringing with it over 200 jobs to the community. At the same time, Steve fought the New Jersey Legislature over its proposal to require that all New Jersey public employees live in the Garden State. As a result of his efforts, New Jersey lawmakers and Governor Christie finally agreed to exempt current employees from the new rule, saving over 6,000 families in Bucks County from having to choose between their jobs and their homes.

But we need to do more.

That's why Steve has co-sponsored a series of bills (HB 2181, 2182, 2183, and 2184) that will create a system of tax credits to help businesses expand and create more jobs. Those credits will complement the legislation that Steve proposed in 2010 -- which was passed and signed into law as part of the budget package --making more credit available to small businesses as they grow.

Economic Development

As a Congressman, Steve will be able to advocate on behalf of the entire region to bring in investment and development dollars. Steve already has a record of increasing economic development in the region, helping to bring over 200 high-paying jobs to the Newtown-Yardley area.

Steve worked to obtain an $850,000 grant to bring public water and sewers to Edgewood Village in Lower Makefield; the project will spur economic growth in the village, bringing in hundreds of jobs and will protect the health of village residents.

Additionally, Steve obtained a $2 million grant for Lower Makefield that will fund the construction of a new community center and recreational facilities including baseball fields and the area's first inclusive playground where all children can play.

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