OPPORTUNITY AND THE ECONOMY:
During his 17 years of service to the people of Illinois' 2nd Congressional District, Jesse Jackson Jr. led a visionary effort to establish a third regional airport in the Chicago Southland. His plan represented a bold economic development and job creation initiative.
Jesse Jackson Jr. worked with four Illinois governors to purchase the land that comprises the inaugural footprint of the third airport which is now in the middle of the District. He was the first to initiate a Public Private Partnership to advance the project.
Jesse Jackson Jr. navigated numerous hurdles and bureaucracy to advance his plan for the third airport. His effectiveness against all odds brought the third airport to a crucial threshold, ready for construction and ready to provide thousands of new jobs.
Jesse Jackson Jr. will work to grow the economy and create jobs in the District. He believes that every person should have the ability to earn a good wage and get ahead. He would work to create more opportunities like the third airport.
Jesse Jackson Jr. says we must find ways to lower prices because many families are hard-pressed to keep up with rising costs of gas, groceries, healthcare, childcare, and housing. He would be committed to improving affordability and reducing inflation.
Jesse Jackson Jr. says we must provide more job training in high-demand areas, particularly in technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, hospitality, retail, and the skilled trades, which are experiencing growth and bring more of those opportunities to the District.
Jesse Jackson Jr. will fight for higher wages and to bring new jobs to the 2nd Congressional District. He says we must bridge the digital divide so everyone, including those in rural areas, has full connectivity and access to the Internet.
Jesse Jackson Jr. believes small and minority businesses deserve more support and will work with 2nd District residents to assist them in obtaining SBA loans and access to capital. He is an advocate for entrepreneurs and will work to provide them with more resources.
Jesse Jackson Jr. will work to advance equity in lending and will facilitate meetings with banks and financial institutions to discuss credit and loan practices and assist District residents in obtaining loans and funding.
Jesse Jackson Jr. will develop workforce development programs in collaboration with junior colleges, colleges, and universities to train workers in high-demand areas and help provide young people with the skills they need to succeed in the modern economy.
Jesse Jackson Jr. supports working people and will fight to protect the right to collective bargaining when workers choose to organize and voice their workplace concerns and goals.
Jesse Jackson Jr. will encourage policies that promote public-private partnerships with business and industry to develop programs that promote innovation in job creation and enhance job-readiness in urban, rural, and suburban areas.
Jesse Jackson Jr. will support paid parental leave and expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare so women and men can affordably care for their children will advancing their careers. He will work to remove barriers keeping women out of the workforce.
Jesse Jackson Jr. will work to support growth and expansion for companies who exist in and have invested in the 2nd Congressional District. He will also recruit more businesses to the District to create jobs and boost tax revenues.
Jesse Jackson Jr. supports the expansion of broadband and Internet services throughout the 2nd Congressional District, especially in rural areas. This is necessary for businesses, healthcare, and educational institutions, which rely on connectivity to function.
Jesse Jackson Jr. will work to develop a framework to responsibly address reasonable regulation for cryptocurrency to protect consumers and investors. Jesse says we must provide information about digital currency to the residents of the District.