Jobs and the Economy
As he has long said, Congressman Cartwright’s number one priority is to bring good-paying, family-sustaining jobs to Northeastern Pennsylvania. While the people of the 17th Congressional District of Pennsylvania are known for valuing hard work, the recent recession has created a lasting impact.
To create jobs, Congressman Cartwright will act to ensure that Congress is investing in infrastructure, and that the 17th District is getting its share of these projects. Pennsylvania has thousands of structurally deficient bridges that need repair and thousands of unemployed workers who have the skills to correct this issue. The Congressman will act to ensure that the two are linked. Also, Congressman Cartwright will work to expand rail service to the district and bring new clean energy jobs to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
While addressing our immediate needs is important, Congressman Cartwright also recognizes that we need to create long-term, sustainable jobs so that future generations of Northeastern Pennsylvanians will live in prosperity. To accomplish this goal, Congressman Cartwright will act to bolster our public education system and ensure that this generation of Americans can compete in the world-wide marketplace.
The engine that drives the economy of northeastern Pennsylvania and the United States is small business. Congressman Cartwright will work to ensure that the small businesses in the 17th district are on a level playing field with their larger competitors, so that their growth can continue.
See also information on Jobs and resources for Businesses.
More on Jobs and the Economy
WASHINGTON, DC—After successful passage of H.R. 2, The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, (commonly known as the Farm Bill) Congressman Matt Cartwright highlighted the gains achieved, especially for those in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Wednesday the combined conference report passed the House with a vote of 369-47. It weds the needs of both rural and urban communities to ensure the bill reflects the breadth of America.
Taylor, PA – Lackawanna County will receive $784,883 in federal funds to reconstruct and pave a 1.1-mile section of previously unpaved roadway that services Stauffer Industrial Park. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), an independent federal entity that serves Pennsylvania and other eastern mountain states, announced approval of the funds this week.
The paving will enhance access to the industrial park from highly-traveled Keyser Avenue and Oak Street, which connect to the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
WASHINGTON, DC--Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-17) released the following statement regarding the announcement of a 2.8 percent increase in the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients:
“Social Security has been our nation’s most effective anti-poverty program for senior citizens and Americans with disabilities.
Washington, D.C. – House Appropriations Committee Member Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17) released the following statement regarding final passage Wednesday of the two-bill, fiscal year 2019 “minibus” appropriations bill and a Continuing Resolution to fund remaining unfunded parts of the federal government through December 7, 2018 (in order to avoid a partial government shutdown).
Easton, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service awarded a $248,373 Farmers Market Promotion Program grant to the Nurture Nature Center to develop a robust, data-driven promotional campaign that seeks to engage the public in new ways.
Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright introduced the Coal Royalty Fairness and Communities Investment Act of 2018, a bill that would provide $70 million to struggling historic coal communities to help build economic resilience, diversify industries, and promote new job creation opportunities; ensure fair returns on publicly owned coal; and improve the transparency of the federal coal program.
Easton, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded a $429,420 Environmental Literacy Program grant to the Nurture Nature Center to advance community resilience. They are one of nine recipients. Funding will be distributed over a 4-year period.
Schuylkill County, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded a regional Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the following three fire departments: Minersville Fire-Rescue, Altamont Fire Company, and Forestville Citizens Fire Company #1. The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The fire companies will receive a combined $129,583 for operations and safety. The breakdown of funds received is below:
Washington, D.C. – Representative Matt Cartwright issued the following statement regarding the President’s actions to freeze federal civilian pay for Fiscal Year 2019:
Monroe County, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the Rural Development arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a $36,146 Rural Business Development Grant to West End Pantry Inc.
The Rural Development investment will be used to purchase equipment that will assist in the collection and distribution of food for the West End Pantry. Equipment purchased will include pallet jacks, hand trucks, tables, and other equipment. The pantry serves communities in Monroe and Carbon Counties.