A Vision For Our Economic Future
America’s economy has been the world’s largest since the 1890s. We’ve been propelled by the ingenuity of American workers and American businesses. We’re blessed with unparalleled natural resources. And, our nation’s transportation, communication, defense and education assets have put us at the forefront of virtually every technological innovation in the last century.
As Mayor and Governor, I promoted the right public policies to strengthen our economy in an increasingly competitive world. My work in Richmond city government helped Virginia’s capital revitalize its business climate and receive accolades as a business-friendly city. When I was Governor, Virginia was in the top ten states for median income and had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. We recruited many world-class companies to relocate their headquarters here even in the midst of the worst recession in 70 years.
I have traveled across the Commonwealth as a Senate candidate holding economic roundtables and listening to business owners, workers, returning veterans, and unemployed Virginians as they share their thoughts about today’s economic challenges. The global competition keeps getting tougher and tougher. We can continue our role as an economic powerhouse.
But we have to be willing to work together and make tough decisions to strengthen America.
Three Keys To American Competitiveness
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Grow Business,
Grow Jobs
By supporting initiatives to grow our businesses, we can create jobs and strengthen our economic recovery. As Senator, I will work to increase access to credit and level the playing field for small businesses. I’ll also support investments in infrastructure, as well as a comprehensive energy policy that ensures Virginia can compete in the emerging $2.3 trillion clean energy market.
By taking these and other steps, including
enacting robust R&D policies, we can increase growth immediately. Read more -
Build a Talent Economy
America must win the race for talent. In order to compete in the global economy, we need a long-term plan that produces the best workforce in the world. As Senator, I will support investments and smart reform in education – from early childhood development through college and workforce development programs. These actions will
guarantee the U.S. will continue to lead
in innovation and job creation. And we must
leverage the incredible skills and leadership
talents of America’s veterans to expand our economy. Read more -
Balanced Budget,
Balanced Politics
To accomplish our economic initiatives, we must
work together to get our fiscal house in order.
When I was Mayor of Richmond and then Governor,
I worked across the aisle to make smart spending
cuts and streamline government. As Senator, I’ll
bring this willingness to tackle real problems in a
bipartisan way to Washington. We need to make
smart cuts and find targeted revenue in order to
balance the budget. We can adopt smart
management practices to make sure that taxpayer-
funded programs produce strong value for our citizens. I’ll also work to increase transparency and civility in our political process to encourage balanced solutions. Read more
