Jobs and the Economy

As the Governor’s appointee from the legislature to the State Workforce Development Board, I have seen the opportunities for expanding our economy.  While a top-notch workforce helps over the long-term, we also need to provide the environment for businesses to thrive in Tennessee.  We have seen in Chattanooga how the legislature and Governor can work together to bring a company like Volkswagen to our area.

In addition, I have taken steps to restart our economy by:

• The landmark Tennessee Clean Energy Future Act that will create new clean energy technology jobs while protecting our environment.
• Green job training curriculum within our Career and Technical Education 
• The Tennessee Small Business Investment Company Credit Act to help hometown entrepreneurs get off to a strong start.
• Helped pass The Small Business Jobs Opportunity Fund of 2010, which will work in combination with private investments to offer small business financial assistance to expand and create new jobs.
• Advocated for a Small Business Center within the Department of Economic and Community Development.
• Sponsored the Tennessee Small Business Job Tax Credit to offer tax credits for small businesses that expand and hire new employees
• Sponsored the Tennessee New Entrepreneur Tax Credit to help Tennesseans start up small business for the first time.
• Sponsored the Tennessee Works Act of 2012 to put unemployed Tennesseans back to work. This bill will provide workers with new skills and training for new industries in Tennessee like clean energy and advanced manufacturing.