Newsletter: 07/25/2014

Statement

Dear Neighbors,

This week I wrote a letter with the support of several members of the Illinois delegation asking Speaker Boehner to bring legislation that includes the extension of the Production Tax Credit for renewable energy to a vote in the House. Wind energy alone created 17,400 American manufacturing jobs and Illinois is at the heart of wind energy manufacturing and capacity. We must address the need to extend the PTC as soon as possible to avoid layoffs at wind energy manufacturing facilities like Winergy in Elgin.

Back in the 8th District, I joined the National Association of Manufacturers for a panel discussion on the benefits of U.S. manufacturing and how we can create growth in the manufacturing sector through trade and by renewing the charter for the Export-Import Bank. We met at Bosch-Rexroth in Hoffman Estates, and were joined by manufacturers from across the 8th District.

I voted for H.R. 4980 - Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act, which passed the House this week. If this bill becomes law, states would be required to implement programs to prevent sex trafficking among at-risk youth in foster care. According to the University of Illinois, between 16,000 and 25,000 women and girls are involved in commercial sex trade annually in the Chicago metropolitan area.

I then visited EcoLab in Elk Grove Village. Employees gave me a tour of their facility, and I hosted an employee townhall as well. We discussed the importance of manufacturing and how it relates to immigration reform and jobs. It was great to hear their questions and concerns.

Both my District office and Washington, D.C. office are looking for fall interns! If you are interested in learning more about what it is like to intern on Capitol Hill, click here to apply.

I hope you are having a great week.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Duckworth

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