Local Economy and Business
Economy
Several years after our country was thrust into the worst economic crisis in generation, the outlook in Washington State and many areas throughout the United States is gradually improving. Congress responded to the crisis with multiple initiatives to prevent a much deeper economic disaster, but we are not out of the woods yet. There is still much work to do to create good jobs, lower the employment rate, and create the conditions that encourage Washington State businesses to grow.
Government cannot create the spark of ingenuity for a new product nor the drive to turn a good idea into a flourishing business venture. However, it is critical that government create an environment that encourages new enterprises to be launched and the conditions for businesses of all sizes to succeed.
It is essential that government work to support the education of a world-class workforce for the challenges of today and opportunities of tomorrow, reward innovation, get our deficit under control, and improve our aging infrastructure to meet the needs of the modern economy. We must set the stage for successful entrepreneurship and growth today and in the future.
Congress also has a responsibility to address our fiscal issues in a balanced and effective way that strengthens the fundamentals of our economy. We need to take steps to address our long-term budget challenges while making the smart investments in the future that workers and industry need.
There is a tremendous amount of work to be done to implement sound, forward-thinking policies focused on job creation, growing the economy, supporting businesses, and strengthening the middle class. Policy and business leaders must work together to advance the competitiveness of U.S. products, spur innovation, and provide global leadership now and into the future.
Small Business
Successful small businesses are the backbone of a healthy economy. In 2016, small businesses made up 98% of Washington State’s employers, accounting for nearly 52% of private-sector jobs in the state. We look to the small business community for innovative technologies and practices, job creation for the new economy, and the advancement of American competitiveness in the 21st century. In tough economic times, it is more important than ever that we provide the assistance that our small businesses need. An effective relationship and dialogue with the federal government is critical to the success and growth of small business. I strongly believe in economic policies that spur small business growth, including sound tax policies and programs that make it easier to wade through the various regulations and paperwork often required to do business with the federal government.
I have met with local businesses throughout the 9th Congressional District in order to stay informed about the needs and concerns of small business. I have hosted regular Small Business Forums, which have focused on small business access to capital, credit and loan guarantee programs, and capacity building in areas such as social media. My office also coordinates Grants and Procurement workshops, through which we have helped to educate hundreds of local business leaders about all of the steps necessary to become competitive for federal contracts, and these events have helped to level the playing field between small business and large corporations.
Throughout my career in Congress, I have supported legislation that encourages small business growth. In March 2012, I supported the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, which was signed into law by Former President Obama. The bill included important provisions designed to help small, innovative startup companies get access to the capital they need to succeed. I am also supportive of my colleague Rep. Suzan DelBene’s Women’s Small Business Ownership Act of 2017 which directs the Office of Women's Business Ownership within the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide annual training geared towards helping women-owned businesses to start, operate, and grow, their small business.
Our region is home to one of the leading innovation based economies in the country and it is critical that small, innovative startup companies have needed flexibility to grow.
For more information on this issue, sign up to receive Congressman Smith’s email updates.
More on Local Economy and Business
Congress has a responsibility to put forth a budget that expands opportunities for American families to prosper. We must invest in education, affordable health care, rebuilding our collapsing infrastructure, and growing our economy for everyone. The Democratic budget proposals offered this week on the House Floor would do just that.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced H.R. 3923, the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, legislation to reform the systemic problems in our immigration detention system. Our current system is inhumane, unjust, and driven by private, for-profit corporations like The GEO Group, which operates the Northwest Detention Center located in Tacoma, Washington.
Join Congressman Adam Smith for a Town Hall Meeting
Ninth District Congressman Adam Smith is looking forward to meeting with constituents to hear their concerns, answer questions and discuss issues facing Congress.
Sunday, September 24, 2017 - 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Newport High School
4333 Factoria Blvd SE
Bellevue, WA 98006
United States
Space is limited so please RSVP if you are able to attend.
Congressman Adam Smith
Invites you to attend his
Procurement Workshop
Friday, September 15, 2017
9:00am-12:00pm
Federal Way Community Center
876 S 333rd St., Federal Way, WA 98063
You are invited to join other interested small business owners for a morning event to learn about government contracting opportunities and various resources to small businesses.
“Freight infrastructure is critical to our future growth and competitiveness,” said Congressman Smith. “Investments in our freight transportation system support our continued economic development by expanding our capacity to transport goods and providing opportunities for job creation across the country.”
"Ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is irresponsible and contradicts who we are as Americans. DACA provides deportation relief to almost 800,000 immigrants, nearly 18,000 of who live in Washington state. These immigrant youth, known as DREAMers, represent a generation of immigrants who were brought to our country as children, through no fault of their own. Today, DREAMers are actively pursuing the American dream in many fields, including serving as members of the Armed Forces, and becoming teachers and doctors.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
“On Labor Day, we pay tribute to the American worker and their role in supporting a strong economy. In an ever-changing world, the contributions of the labor community make certain that the United States remains globally competitive. As the son of a union baggage handler at SeaTac Airport, I know firsthand how labor unions have helped generations of America’s working families thrive.
“President Trump’s decision to bring an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program disrespects America’s values. DACA has provided relief to nearly 800,000 immigrant youth, protecting individuals from deportation who were brought to the United States as children through no fault of their own. Known as DREAMers, these young people serve in our military, attend school, give back to our communities, and contribute to the American social fabric.
“The United States has a proud history built on our founding as a nation of immigrants. Our existing immigration system is in dire need of reform, but the deeply prejudicial RAISE Act the President has endorsed is not the solution. This detestable proposal would slash our legal immigration program in half and keep families apart through dramatically altering our current family-based immigration system to a so-called merit-based program. The bill would also deny asylum to tens of thousands of refugees fleeing dangerous conditions and persecution.