March 24, 2017

Duckworth Addresses Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, Highlights “Economic Opportunity” Agenda

 

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) addressed the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council yesterday, outlining her vision for creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity for hardworking families in communities across Illinois through investments in infrastructure, education and small business development. A photo of Duckworth at the event is available here.

"Every American deserves the chance to get ahead - the chance to get a quality education, secure a good-paying job and support their family," said Senator Duckworth. "That's why I'm pushing for commonsense legislation that creates jobs by expanding transportation projects and cutting red tape for small businesses, much like members of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council are working to do each day."

Duckworth has been a vocal advocate for infrastructure investments and for upgrading our public transit system, which create good-paying jobs in Illinois. Just 64 days after she was sworn in, Duckworth passed her first bill as a United States Senator to reduce red tape and cut delays on construction projects in Illinois. The bill would save taxpayers $86 million annually and protect good-paying Illinois jobs.

Duckworth's efforts to improve Illinois's transportation systems is part of her "economic opportunity" agenda to revitalize economies in communities around the state that have been ignored by many for too long. By investing in infrastructure, education programs and minority- and women-owned businesses, Duckworth's economic development plan seeks to support working families across Illinois, increasing access to jobs and opportunity, and helping provide community wealth that will stabilize neighborhoods struggling for a brighter future.

The Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council supports businesses in McLean County and helps grow local economies by attracting new business to the region. The Council also oversees the One Voice program, which unites leaders from the City of Bloomington, the Town of Normal, McLean County, labor and local organizations to promote community engagement and workforce development.

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