Congresswoman Robin Kelly has dedicated her career to public service as an advocate for Illinois families. Since being elected to serve the 2nd Congressional District in 2013, she has worked to expand economic opportunity, community wellness, and public safety across the state, championing numerous initiatives to generate job growth, reduce health disparities, and end gun violence.
Congresswoman Kelly is Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee (the main policy-writing body of the House) and serves on the Health, Communications and Technology, and Consumer Protection and Commerce subcommittees. Her Energy and Commerce work is focused on expanding access to healthcare, consumer protection for American families and economic development.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted every corner of the American economy. Many businesses closed, unemployment reached a level not seen since before World War II, and supply chains were disrupted. Women,especially women of color, were driven from the workforce at higher rates than we have seen in decades. Fortunately, due to Congressional action in passion the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan, the impact was lessened and the economy began growing again. We must continue to do even more to put our nation back on the right track, and ensure our economic growth is sustainable for generations to come.
Advancing strong and sustainable economic development legislation is my top priority. To that end, my economic agenda has four key elements:
Investing in our Economic Future through Education
There is no greater investment that can be made than in the future of our children. I support strong investments in our national education system that promotes college affordability, teaches financial literacy, and invests in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. These are the fields that will drive the 21st Century economy. It is crucial that students from all backgrounds are financially literate, and equipped with the necessary skills the market demands to ensure success in the modern economy.
Similarly, I support initiatives that provide workers with the education and retraining they need to succeed in the modern workforce. Anyone who wants to work should have the resources to sharpen their skills and embark on a new career. Career education and retraining play a major role in helping job seekers expand their skill base. That is why I introduced legislation that promotes federal assistance for work-training programs in the 2nd District. Additionally, I have drafted legislation and secured funding for youth employment opportunities. Supporting youth employment, especially for disconnected youth, helps to prepare the next generation for the workforce.
Real economic growth supports everyone, not just the wealthy few. I support policies that promote an economy that lifts up traditionally underserved communities. Specifically, I support:
Our nation’s immigration system is broken. Passing immigration reform that supports a sensible path to citizenship, and attracts the best and brightest to the United States to build a diverse domestic workforce is essential to our long-term growth. I have continually supported legislation that protects the needs of immigrant workers and welcomes them into the American workforce.
Homeownership is a key to building family wealth, but it has become increasingly difficult for working-class Americans to buy a home. I support programs that work to keep people in their homes and avoid foreclosure, as well as programs that support first-time homeownership. Essential to these efforts is ensuring that mortgage and housing finance documents are clear and understandable, and mortgage lenders do not take on excessive risk or extend credit to those who cannot afford it.
Additionally, I am committed to supporting homeownership in marginalized communities. In Congress, I have secured funding for underprivileged or traditionally underserved areas in Illinois 2nd District and will continue to fight for equitable housing opportunities.
As our veterans return to civilian life, soldiers face too many hurdles joining the civilian workforce. Our veterans deserve more when they return from overseas, and should have every opportunity to obtain a good job. That is why I hold job fairs featuring employers that have veteran hiring preferences and help connect veterans with job opportunities. The men and women who serve our country are highly trained with unique skill sets and leadership abilities that are attractive to employers. I support expanding federal programs that help veterans find employment and that assist them in transitioning back into civilian life.
International trade is essential to success in our global economy. Trade creates jobs, and creates new customers for Illinois businesses. However, trade policies must be fair and need to be in the best interest of American workers, farmers, and consumers. Trade agreements cannot create a race to the bottom, and cause jobs to be sent overseas. I support a trade agenda that ensures jobs stay in the United States, workers are paid and treated fairly, and that the environment is protected.
Investing in Our Nation’s Economic Lifeblood: Family Farms and Transportation Infrastructure
The Second Congressional District is home to over 1,200 farms which grow corn, soybeans, and wheat that feed our families, fuel our cars, and raise our livestock. We rely on farmers for everything that we do. I endorse strong federal policies that support family farmers and ensure they are able to make the investments they need to increase their productivity and meet the nutrition and energy needs of the growing U.S. economy.
Just as essential to our national economy is strong transportation infrastructure. Unfortunately, our nation’s locks and dams, bridges, tunnels, and roadways are in desperate need of repair. I have championed infrastructure investments in Illinois, which will attract the much-needed jobs and new businesses that will boost the local Second District economy, as well as finding a long-term and sustainable solution to funding and repairing our nation’s crumbling transportation infrastructure. I was proud to support the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which made billions in investments into Illinois infrastructure.
Promoting an Economy that Encourages Business Growth and Investment
In order to grow our economy, we must create a legislative and regulatory environment that encourages business investments, while ensuring American workers’ health and safety, as well as the environment, are protected.
I’m working to attract more businesses to the Second District by creating and supporting policies and programs that draw highly-skilled jobs and major employers to our region. In order for our community to thrive, we need a local economy and skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the global community.
As the daughter and granddaughter of small business owners, I know the challenges entrepreneurs face in starting up and expanding their businesses, which have only grown in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Small business is the engine that drives our economy, and I’m committed to empowering our local entrepreneurs to start new businesses that create the jobs our communities need to grow and succeed. I have secured relief funds to elevate small businesses that suffered from COVID-19 and help establishments stay open.