Jobs and Economy
One of my top priorities in Congress is to grow our economy and implement policies that create more jobs in Oregon and across the country. This includes investing in infrastructure projects to improve our roads, bridges, rails, schools, and electrical grid; providing additional resources to help Oregon’s small businesses succeed; and doing everything we can to get the unemployed and underemployed back to work.
Small businesses are a critical part of our nation’s economy, and it’s important to give them the support they need. I’ve visited businesses of every size in every part of the district, and heard from business owners about their successes and their struggles. By focusing on what small businesses need to grow and thrive, we can find solutions to growing and sustaining our economy as a whole.
I also voted to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank because of the crucial role it plays in helping Oregon companies export their goods to overseas markets. In just the last five years, the Ex-Im Bank has supported more than $94 million in export sales from small businesses in Oregon’s First Congressional District, underscoring its critical importance in our local economy.
More on Jobs and Economy
U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici says she will continue to defend the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively, even as a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court heads in another direction.
The Democrat from Beaverton spoke last week after she met with representatives from Local 503 of Service Employees International Union, which not only represents the largest group of state government employees but also child and home care workers. They met in Beaverton.
At my recent visit to Anvil Academy in Newberg, I met a student with a learning disability who is using woodworking skills to start his own business. Another powerful success story came from Tigard-Tualatin Superintendent Dr. Sue Rieke-Smith, who told me about how a student experiencing profound poverty and homelessness was transformed by an auto mechanics class and is now in college studying to become a mechanical engineer.
BEAVERTON, Ore. [08/21/18] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) announced that Easterseals Oregon will receive $1.5M in federal funding over three years to provide employment services for homeless veterans in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. The funding allows Easterseals Oregon to expand beyond Multnomah County and offer these services for the first time in Washington and Clackamas counties.
The mint business is growing in the Clatskanie area. To keep up with consumer needs, Seely Family Farm will take advantage of funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D) toured the Seely farm in the Clatskanie area on Aug. 14. Her office supported the securing of a USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant of $250,000 to help staff to the mint operation. The funds will cover around five jobs at the company.
WASHINGTON, DC [08/15/18] – Congresswoman Bonamici, Senators Wyden and Merkley, and Representatives DeFazio, Blumenauer, and Schrader called on the Trump Administration to work with China to reduce or eliminate Chinese tariffs that are harming Oregon’s hazelnut farmers and making it difficult for them to compete with growers in other countries.
In addition to quickly lending her office's support in coordinating efforts to engage the Trump administration on the issue, Bonamici also wanted to connect more directly with those who would be hurt by the escalating trade war with China. She had that opportunity Aug. 8 at the Allison Inn and Spa, where local farmers shared their stories and, through the Associated Oregon Hazelnut Industries, honored the congresswoman with its 2018 Legislative Champion Award.
Oregon’s hazelnut industry is facing trade anxiety on two fronts: Restricted access to a major customer and low prices offered by a major competitor.
With the annual harvest quickly approaching, there’s not much time left for the looming problems to be resolved.
Hazelnuts are caught in the broader trade dispute with China, which has raised tariffs on the crop while limiting opportunities to avoid duties by trans-shipping through neighboring countries.
Mike Seely stands amid a row of steaming tanks as he waits for the next truckload to arrive from the field.
It's mid-day in August. Sweat forms on his forehead and a gray baseball cap is the only thing keeping the sun from beating down on his face.
Today, Seely is hosting Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici and a few staffers from her Oregon and Washington, D.C., offices at his mint farm in Clatskanie. Tomorrow, he'll have film crews at the farm recording scenes for an upcoming Discovery Channel show.