OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Issue Position: Diversifying Our Local Economy

Issue Position

Date: Jan. 1, 2014
Issues: Technology and Communication Business and Consumers Employment and Affirmative Action

Through my years of working on the Prince George's County Council, as the Chair of the Gateway Arts District Management Team, and now as a Community Revitalization Project Manager, I've learned that the local economy, high-wage employment, and a skilled workforce are the top priorities for our county. Prince George's County can no longer rely on low economic drivers, such as retail, to accomplish these goals.

Prince George's County must develop a strategic implementation plan to foster local, regional, national, and global partnerships and support county-based approaches to economic investment. I believe that the best way to secure the county's future is to support the development of a strong technology and research sector to bolster our local economy.

Furthermore, I believe it is critical for us to create avenues for universities to commercialize their innovations, leverage the expertise and resources that are readily available to use through out institutions of higher learning, and support legislation and local initiatives that seek to prioritize growth in the biotechnology and research sectors.

Fortunately, the University of Maryland, College Park and the University of Maryland, University College are already leaders in the fields of cybersecurity and engineering and valuable assets for Prince George's County and the State of Maryland.

By partnering with our colleges, universities, and existing businesses we can create a specialized industry, increase the county's tax-base, attract new growth and development, and create incentives for businesses to relocate to the county.

Lastly, I want to make sure that all families can earn a livable working wage across all industries. That is why I am supportive of raising the minimum wage in Maryland from $7.25 to $10 an hour. Doing this will help thousands of Prince George's County families deal with the high-cost of living in Maryland and it will ensure that Maryland's economic recovery applies to all families.


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