California’s powerhouse economy is owed to its innovative spirit, geographic location, abundant resources and climate, but is also due in large part to its diverse and resilient people. The global recession has put many of these good people out of work, and families are struggling to make ends meet.
As chair of the Assembly Jobs Committee, Manuel has sought to maximize the tools we have at the state level to promote local economic development — because that’s where job creation occurs. Improving small business access to capital, streamlining our permitting and licensing processes, and investing in infrastructure are just a few examples of how government can help the business sector succeed and grow.
A growing consensus is building that the post-recession economy will be increasingly driven by regions, lead by innovation, fueled by renewable energy, and linked through high-tech communication. Manuel, therefore, is working on legislation to help California’s business sector chart this course. This includes, for example, a regulatory reform bill that is currently working its way through the legislative process; helping our state secure federal broadband infrastructure development funds; and expediting the state environmental review process to help businesses comply with new climate change laws.
In preparing for the new economy, career technical education and workforce development are extremely relevant. Communities in the 80th District are poised to be a leader in clean tech and renewables, and we need to make sure that our people have the education and technical skills required in these fields.