Economy and Jobs

Our country has come a long way since 2008 when our nation experienced the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Since that time, I’m proud to say our economy has significantly recovered. Thanks in large part to the policies implemented under the Obama Administration, unemployment has been cut in half, household wealth exceeds pre-crisis levels, and we’ve had the longest streak of private-sector job growth in our history. However, it’s indisputable that too many Americans still aren’t experiencing the benefits of our growing economy. In fact, between 2009 and 2012, 91 percent of income gains went to those in the top one percent. This means it’s harder for middle-class Americans to climb the ladder of success, and even harder for poor Americans to grab hold of the lowest rung. I believe that expanding our middle class requires us to adopt a combination of policies that tackle income inequality so all Americans have a fair shot in today’s economy and polices that accelerate economic growth so American workers and businesses can thrive in tomorrow’s economy.

In Congress, I’m an active member of the New Democrat Coalition, which is a pro-growth, fiscally-responsible, solutions-oriented coalition of members that seeks to bridge the partisan divide and enact new and innovative policies that will help build a 21st century American economy. I’ve been proud to introduce legislation, which is now law, that will give small businesses a greater voice in the regulatory process. I’ve also supported legislation to expand small business exports overseas; raise the minimum wage; combat wage discrimination; and reward businesses that hire veterans. Furthermore, I have opposed efforts to undermine worker's rights and have addressed the importance of strengthening our unions.

While the Trump Administration has proposed devastating budget cuts to a number of federal agencies and programs that American families depend on, I have worked hard as a member of the House Appropriations Committee to promote policies that would provide Illinois families with new economic opportunities.

To celebrate Startup Day Across America, Rep. Quigley visited mHUB in Chicago to raise awareness about the benefits that startups can have for local economies.

Small businesses are vital to the Fifth District’s economy. To promote supporting small businesses and show what they contribute to the community, Rep. Quigley visited Unabridged Bookstore in Lakeview to celebrate National Small Business Week.