Jobs and the Economy
Hardworking Americans deserve an economy that works for them. A strong economy, good jobs, and worker protections have made the United States a prosperous country and have ensured that the next generation can build better lives. One of my key priorities is the future of work in a world where technology is rapidly changing. Congress needs to prepare now for the future changes in the economy and job growth. As a co-chair of the Future of Work Task Force of the New Democrat Coalition, I work closely with other members of Congress so that we can better understand how technology will alter our economy and what it means for future generations. I want all Americans to have a place in the economy of the future, and I strongly believe it is Congress’s responsibility to understand how technology will change the ways Americans work.
You can find out more on the future of work here.
My Work on Jobs and the Economy
A little more than two months before Election Day, several local congressional Democrats joined the U.S. secretary of labor in Chicago on Thursday to tout the Biden administration’s efforts to help blue-collar workers and retirees while rallying union support as Illinois prepares to vote on a referendum that would guarantee employees the right to organize and bargain collectively.
Carlos Avila is the owner of Day and Night Childcare in Aurora and is concerned about attracting good teachers to work at his facility and being able to pay them adequately.
“I want to see Latinos grow and see my community grow and see how we can get better as a business and what we can do in the community,” Avila said while waiting for a meeting to begin Thursday in Aurora centering on Hispanic-owned small businesses in the city. “The pressure to have qualified teachers is getting tough and the kids deserve well-paid teachers.”
The sweeping spending bill passed by Congress this month includes nearly $370 billion for energy and climate reform, making it the largest federal clean energy investment in the nation's history. Local environmental advocates and representatives say Illinois is uniquely positioned to take advantage of it.
Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Inflation Reduction Act:
“Today, I was proud to vote to send the Inflation Reduction Act to President Biden’s desk. This historic legislation will cut costs for Illinois families, tackle the climate crisis, and reduce drug costs. And, since it is fully paid for by ensuring large corporations pay a minimum tax rate and cracking down on tax cheats, it will reduce our nation’s debt.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) released the following statement after President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law:
“The CHIPS and Science Act is a historic triumph for American science and technological competitiveness, and I’m proud of the bipartisan work we did in Congress to get it to President Biden’s desk,” Foster said. “This law will boost domestic supply chains to lower costs for families and make critical investments to ensure our country leads the way in technological development for generations to come.
Democratic lawmakers in Congress have asked major cryptocurrency and digital asset industry players to provide data on their diversity and inclusion practices.
Specifically, the lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), chair of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, sent the request to the nation’s 20 largest crypto, Web3, and digital assets companies, as well as prominent venture capital firms with investments in crypto.
Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) has spent more than a decade in Congress and is the only current lawmaker to hold a PhD in physics. “One of the reasons I feel occasionally useful in Congress is actually having some background in business and technology, I have some idea of where the puck is going,’’ says the 66-year-old lawmaker representing the state’s 11th congressional district, which includes parts of five counties roughly 30 miles west of Chicago.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) voted for the bipartisan Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act
Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Parents PLUS Loan Fairness and Responsibility Act. This legislation would allow students to take over the student debt that was incurred on their behalf, providing a sensible solution for parents facing multiple financial burdens.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) announced support for 15 community projects in the 11th Congressional District as part of the House Appropriations Committee’s Community Project Funding (CPF) program. The projects listed have been submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration as part of the FY2023 government spending bills.