Building Up Business
In order to realize our economic potential, we need to fix an economy that hasn't been working for our region's hardworking Americans and businesses alike. We must foster a new business climate, one that encourages growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship by building on our regional strengths in a way that prepares us to take advantage of the 21st century industries that will drive our national economy.
Western New York is uniquely situated to be a world leader in alternative energy production and the entire spectrum of the green economy. Investing in alternative energy production will create jobs, lower long-term energy costs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and help save the environment. I believe that with smart policies and investments we can create the infrastructure, workforce, financial incentives, and the demand that will grow the green economy here in Western New York.
We've spent too long chasing silver bullet projects that seek to turn our economy around in one fell swoop. We need to start making strategic investments in growth industries, while also working to reduce economic burdens on our small businesses. We can't engage in a race to the bottom that cheapens labor, but we can engage in a race to the top that rewards innovation.
We must focus our energy on creating policies and making investments that build on our competitive advantages. The business and economic development communities are showing the way with recent collaborative efforts such as the Great Lakes Business Agenda and the Apollo Alliance.
To turn around our economy we need a plan. This region has seen too many good ideas flounder due to a lack of collaboration and consensus amongst regional stakeholders. I pledge to work to coordinate our efforts, develop shared principles for investment, and create a long-term development plan. Most importantly, I will make sure these plans are implemented—we've had enough talk, it's time for action.
- Embracing and Growing the Green Economy. In Congress, I will work to extend the production tax credit, increase federal funding for Brownfield Redevelopment, fully fund the Green Jobs Act, and increase investment in alternative energy research and development.
- Protecting and Harnessing our Natural Resources. We need to make sure that the commitment to protecting our freshwater resources is maintained, backed by the necessary federal funding and policies.
- Investing in Research and Innovation. Our colleges and universities will be the driving force for our region’s economic renaissance. Whether it’s reversing the 'Brain Drain', encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, or creating the workforce for tomorrow, our region's schools have a crucial role to play.
- Investing in Our Failing Infrastructure. We need to improve our region by investing in public transportation, which will lower emissions, help commuters avoid pain at the pump, and entice more people to move back to our urban centers.
In addition, my plan calls for improving cross-border access in ways that preserve our security without causing undue harm to the local economy and taking steps to strengthen our competitive advantage, in part, by lessening burdensome costs on American businesses.
Read Alice’s full plan:
Building Up Business: Strengthening Our Competitive Advantages
