Remarks
of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold
Before the Milwaukee Common Council
September 2, 2008
Thank you, Michael, and thanks to all the members of the Common Council for having me here today. I applaud all of your commitment to making sure that this great city is a terrific place to live and work. The city’s Green Initiative is one of the most recent examples of that ongoing effort. Milwaukee is defined by the hard work and ingenuity of its people. It’s the people of this city who set it apart, and who will drive Milwaukee’s success in this new century. And today people in Milwaukee are helping to spearhead cutting edge technologies that are part of a new wave of economic development.
This morning I want to talk about how the federal government can encourage more of that development, and how we can connect workers to jobs in these growing areas. In fact that’s the central focus of an initiative I’ll be introducing when the Senate resumes work this month. I’m calling it the E4 Initiative, because it’s focusing on the Economy, Employment, Education and Energy. This initiative should have national appeal, but it’s also intended to leverage our strengths here in Wisconsin to help our state’s economy in the long term.
Of course we know that the overall economy is struggling. The economic challenges Milwaukee is facing are the same challenges being faced by cities across the country. And in this economy, Milwaukee has some unique advantages that can give the city a competitive edge.
Take the water technology industry. The demand for clean, safe water is growing all over the world, and Milwaukee is uniquely positioned to succeed in this growing sector of the economy. With our location on the Great Lakes, the expertise of a growing number of area water technology companies, and the commitment of area research institutions, the global demand for clean water means big business for Milwaukee.
Consider what’s happening half way around the world, in China. China faces a host of environmental problems including a lack of clean sources of drinking water. Recently, Chinese government officials visited Wisconsin because of our expertise with water issues. With China looking to Wisconsin for help, the possibilities for Wisconsin businesses and research hubs specializing in water treatment and water technology are endless. Wisconsin can be the ‘silicon valley’ of water technology.
Milwaukee is poised to lead and expand in many other sectors, as well. And I think Congress has a role to play in supporting the businesses, especially the small businesses, that are driving this growth in Milwaukee and around the state.
American small businesses generate approximately half of our nation’s payroll jobs and most of our new employment opportunities. They are the primary source of new employment, especially in inner cities where they generate 80 percent of the total employment.
Small businesses also drive product innovation, translating their cutting edge efforts and those of our universities and research institutions into products that make a difference in the lives of individuals and in the economic health of our communities and nation.
My new E4 Initiative is designed to support small business, boost economic development and enhance workforce development. Part of my initiative will be the introduction of legislation enhancing the Small Business Innovation Research Grant program and the Small Business Technology Transfer program, both of which are critical to helping small businesses grow. Like every bill in my E4 Initiative, the cost of this legislation is fully offset and won’t increase the federal deficit.
This bill says that small businesses working on innovations in water technology, energy, transportation and domestic security should get priority when these grants are awarded. This bill will help to give businesses working in these emerging industries the support they need to grow and expand.
Energy is undoubtedly one such emerging industry. I will work to increase “green-collar” jobs – jobs that are much more likely to stay right here in America. These jobs are a win-win that create jobs and save energy at the same time, and it’s the kind of thing we need more of. As part of the E4 initiative, I will continue to support federal programs that create jobs as they help communities, farmers and businesses become more energy efficient, and as they fund renewable energy and advance technology.
That’s one way to create jobs and help existing businesses grow. Another way is by making sure that businesses have access to a skilled workforce. We know that the dedicated people of this city are ready to work, but we’ve also seen that sometimes it’s tough to match workers and training programs with available jobs. So one piece of my E4 Initiative will help businesses find these qualified workers. This bill is a first step toward getting more workers access to skill standards certification, so that employers can recognize right off the bat that worker is prepared and certified to work in an emerging field.
We also must also tackle the transportation challenges that many workers face, so that they can get to the jobs and businesses that need them. My E4 Initiative will do that by strengthening the Job Access and Reverse Commute or “JARC” program. JARC’s primary goal is to help low income individuals meet their transportation needs so they can have access to better jobs. It provides reliable transportation to low income urban, rural and suburban workers. Wisconsin has even found that assisting with indirect barriers such as transportation of children to and from childcare facilities is critical in allowing some individuals to improve their job prospects. My bill will increase funding for JARC, and allow the federal share of projects to increase to 80% from the current 50% level for operating expenses.
Improving transportation is an important way to connect workers to job openings right now. But we also have to think about how to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs. A strong workforce has its roots in good education. Unfortunately, we’re seeing alarming high school drop out rates across the country, including right here in Wisconsin. On top of that, colleges and employers report that some students are graduating from high school without being fully prepared for college or the workforce. Part of the problem is that the curriculums being taught in schools too often leave students without the skills they need for jobs in new and emerging industries. We must reverse this trend by introducing students to these exciting career paths with engaging and relevant curriculums. My E4 initiative will help schools, businesses and other parts of the community collaborate on new ways to teach our students skills that they can use in emerging industries.
There is no silver bullet to bring jobs to Wisconsin or grow our state’s economy. But by focusing on critical areas like education, workforce development, and supporting small businesses, we can create more opportunities for businesses and workers alike. Here in Milwaukee we have a dedicated workforce ready to propel this city and its economy forward. We need to give them access to the education, the skills, and the jobs they need. I know that’s a central mission of all of you on the Common Council, and that needs to be a critical focus of the federal government’s efforts as well.
Milwaukee, and all of Wisconsin, has tremendous potential for new growth if we can harness our innovative new ideas – and our workforce – to strengthen the state’s economy. If we can take a multi-faceted approach, engaging businesses, research institutions, educators, workers and all levels of government, we will create new opportunities for the people of this great city, and this great state, to thrive. I hope to support that effort with the E4 Initiative, and I look forward to continuing my work with all of you on these and all the issues that matter to Milwaukee. Thank you.