Issue Position: Economic Development

Issue Position

Economic Development

Government's role is to create and maintain a fair and equal playing field so that all citizens can have the access and opportunity to obtain gainful employment and to support both small and large businesses so that they can grow and profit. Our current government is failing at meeting this responsibility. The people of North Carolina deserve better.

Graig believes in expanding North Carolina's economy by creating jobs that pay a livable wage rather than building an economy that lifts only those already at the highest income levels. Meaningful jobs are the best way to build strong families and communities, and his efforts will lay the groundwork and provide the resources so people can attain that meaningful work.

North Carolina's children deserve better. Over twenty percent of our state's children live in poverty and less than forty percent of the adult working population holds an associate degree or higher. Investing in people to prepare them for a knowledge-based economy is the lynchpin of our future prosperity. Graig believes that funding education from early childhood through adult job training is key to building a sustainable and successful workforce. In addition, providing resources for children and families among our working poor only makes sense in order to preserve a standard of living that benefits all our citizenry.

At the same time we invest in people, we need to invest in both rural and urban development to connect individuals to the resources they need to succeed in the ever-changing 21st century economy. A commitment to research, technology and innovation will provide the foundation of a stable economy; one that provides the environment for jobs in our rural, suburban and urban communities. We can balance the diverse needs of our communities by being thoughtful and strategic and Graig knows how to do this.

The current majority in the legislature is on the wrong side of investments in education, the environment, jobless benefits and Medicaid expansion, going so far as leaving federal money on the table that would have benefitted the citizens of North Carolina, especially as many of us are still climbing back out of the last recession. Republican policies are short-sighted and will not make North Carolina stronger.

Graig will make sound decisions when it comes to economic policy, balancing short and long-term prospects as well as the benefits and costs that legislation will have on all citizens. Graig's goal is to give individuals, families and businesses in District 50 a fair chance, not to support policies that favor a select few. Graig wants to provide the framework and resources for individuals to build their own future.

Strengthening North Carolina's economy is critical and should be at the forefront of any leader's agenda; however one can not look at economic policies with tunnel vision. The strength of an economy is inextricably linked to education, innovation, and the environment. Without focusing on the broader picture, without strengthening all the legs on a table, our citizens will not have the tools to succeed. Graig will work hard everyday to ensure that economic opportunity is available to the residents of NC 50 and the state.

Source