This week, I visited nearly every corner of our Congressional District to discuss our Better Deal for the Heartland economic agenda. A critical component of this work is getting input from hardworking families in our communities as we work collaboratively to develop regional solutions that will create more good-paying jobs and strengthen our local economy. Here are a few of the highlights from the week I would like to share with you:
A Better Deal for the Heartland
This week, I hosted a series of economic roundtables in the Quad-Cities, Peoria and Rockford to discuss our Better Deal for the Heartland plan and to generate new ideas. These discussions allowed us to bring together small businesses, manufacturers, educational institutions and local leaders across the 17th Congressional District to share the challenges they are facing as they work to create good-paying jobs in our communities. I’ll continue listening to their concerns and collaborating on policies that lead to better jobs, better wages and a better future for all Illinoisans.
Hearing Directly from Our Workforce
On Thursday, I held my 50th “Cheri on Shift” at AAR Corporation in Rockford, a leading provider of aviation services and a large employer in the community. “Cheri on Shift” is part of my on-going effort to visit local businesses and shadow workers at their job sites to hear about the issues that matter most to our families. During this discussion, I learned about AAR’s great workforce development efforts and their new facility in Rockford which will provide more than 500 good-paying jobs.
Fighting for Farmers
As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I’m committed to fighting for a Farm Bill that puts Illinois’ family farmers first. That’s why this month, I’ve been visiting farms across our Congressional District to hear their concerns and priorities as we gear up to write the next Farm Bill. One of my top priorities is securing a strong crop insurance program to give farmers the certainty they need to succeed in a 21st century agricultural economy.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if we can be of assistance to you or your family.
Best, Cheri Bustos, Congresswoman
Illinois' 17th District
