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Economic development is
critical to the 7th District, and as state representative, I
have worked closely with the mayors of each community in the
District to provide state funds for vital projects. I
have also worked with community groups to expand employment
opportunities for residents of the District. My
efforts to spur economic development in the 7th District are
summarized below.
Infrastructure
Improvements
Our roadways are the life-lines of our communities.
Given our extreme weather conditions and the amount of
traffic on our roadways, they are in constant need of
repair. Last year, I worked with officials in
Springfield to secure $23 million for 22 road improvement
projects to be completed over the next six years.
These improvements will help increase the safety of
passenger and commercial traffic on our roads.
Needs Assessment,
Resource Allocation and Planning
Over the past
year, I held an economic development meeting with
local mayors and Jack Lavin, the Director of the
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Under Lavin's direction, DCEO is transformation into an
agency that is better equipped to help Illinois meet the
challenges of the 21st century. He has been at the forefront
of new, innovative job training programs - including
programs that partner with existing businesses, identify
critical skill shortages, and/or aim to prepare the disabled
for the workforce.
Job Creation
With support from DCEO, I helped organize the 5th Annual Job
Fair in Maywood, which was attended by over 300 jobseekers
and 35 employers.
My commitment is to continue
to work with State Officials, local mayors, the
business community and community leaders to make the 7th
District a great place for business and for the people who
work for those businesses.
New International
Business Opportunities
In 2004, I was part of a delegation that went to China to
provide import/export opportunities for businesses in
Illinois. I am committed to helping local businesses
gain every advantage possible in order to compete more
effectively in the global marketplace.
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