Building an economy that works for everyone

We need an economy that works for everyone, but too many Oregonians are struggling. Incomes aren’t keeping up with expenses, costs are rising, and inequality is rampant. I am committed to supporting policies that will restore fairness, help working families, and close the income and opportunity gaps that have increased in recent decades. For a prosperous future, we must:

Address income inequality and lower costs:As the late Senator Paul Wellstone said, “we all do better when we all do better.” But right now, inflation, Trump’s chaotic tariff policy, and unfair corporate practices are driving up prices for Americans and making it harder to get ahead. By protecting consumers, raising the federal minimum wage, supporting small businesses, ending chaotic and nonsensical trade policies, and enforcing antitrust laws, we can help make life more affordable for everyone.

Fix our broken tax system: We must fix our broken tax system so everyone has a chance to get ahead. Republicans have passed tax cuts for corporations and billionaires, so working people pay more and the wealthiest pay less. We must repeal Trump’s tax cuts and implement progressive rather than regressive tax policy so those at the very top pay their fair share.

Invest in infrastructure: With Democratic leadership, Congress passed a massive bipartisan investment in infrastructure that is helping Oregonians and Americans find good jobs building and maintaining roads, bridges, public transit, ports, water systems, schools, broadband, and electric grids. By retrofitting buildings and increasing energy efficiency, we can create good jobs and save energy and money while helping to address the climate crisis.

Support workers and increase the federal minimum wage: We are seeing constant attacks on the rights of workers to earn fair and prevailing wages, organize, collectively bargain, stay safe on the job, and avoid discrimination. The labor movement created and grew the middle class and gave workers a voice on the job. I support the rights of labor unions and I’m helping to lead the fight to protect the right of workers to organize. I also helped the House pass legislation to raise the federal minimum wage, which has been stuck at $7.25 an hour for more than a decade, and I have championed efforts to address wage discrimination.

Invest in apprenticeships and workforce development: As a member of the Committee on Education and Workforce, I know that everyone deserves a path to success – and I also understand that not everyone is on the same path. The job market is changing, and we must create a path to a good job for all workers, especially women and people of color who have historically faced barriers to employment. I’m focused on expanding workforce training and Registered Apprenticeships here in Oregon and across the country to prepare for the future of work and respond to local workforce needs.