Jobs and Economic Development

I am committed to working across party lines to bring quality jobs to the Central Coast by investing in infrastructure, encouraging clean energy development, and embracing new technology.

In addition, I believe that the best way to support our businesses and workers is to ensure there is pay equity as well as an increase in wages to meet the standards of living for all Americans.  I have been a staunch supporter of raising the minimum wage and ensuring paycheck fairness. 

Over fifty years after the Equal Pay Act was signed into law the wage gap persists, harming not only women but also the families they support. I have cosponsored the Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation that would strengthen the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and guarantee that women can challenge pay discrimination and hold employers accountable. 

As the decommissioning of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) moves forward, I am focused on efforts to create renewable energy incentives and job retraining programs that will help offset the loss of jobs and revenue on the Central Coast. I have introduced the Energy Opportunity Zones Act to create energy opportunity zones for the renewable energy industry in regions impacted by nuclear power plant closures. The legislation extends tax credits as well as introduce a new tax credit to encourage renewable energy business development in San Luis Obispo County.

I will continue fighting to create more economic opportunities, as well as support our workforce throughout the Central Coast. I am committed to making sure that every opportunity is rewarded to those who are willing to put in the hard work.