Opinion: Steps to grow the economy and create jobs

Opinion: Steps to grow the economy and create jobs


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Editor's note: The following is an opinion piece from one of Utah's congressional representatives. This article is intended to provide our readers with a better understanding of the positions and decisions of this state representative. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of ksl.com, its management or ownership.SALT LAKE CITY — During the past few weeks, I have met with hundreds of Utahns and hundreds more have shared their views with me in the mail, or through my e-newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter accounts. In a majority of these conversations we have talked about the importance of public policies that grow the economy and create good and lasting jobs.

I have always been impressed by the hard work, innovation and entrepreneurship in our state's workforce and I could not agree more that the time is now to work together to create a framework for a strong, modern economy.

Every business leader I have spoken with agrees that American companies and American workers absolutely can compete in the global marketplace. However, in order to be competitive, they must be able to plan ahead, rely on long-term policies and not be held back by disincentives to growing their business. I have long supported federal policies that provide the certainty and transparency business needs in order to keep the economic recovery moving forward and I think there are several things we can do now to continue current momentum.

In order to grow the domestic economy, innovators want to hire the best and the brightest and need to know there will be a steady supply of qualified labor both immediately, and in the future. Meeting this goal is twofold; first, we must address what can be done today to satisfy open positions and keep employers located in our communities; and second, we must educate our own students to be prepared for tomorrow's jobs.

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Part of developing the workforce we need today includes finding a way to retain immigrants who come legally to the U.S. to study and earn their academic degrees and would remain here to work but for a dysfunctional federal immigration system. We want the smartest people in the world to study and work in the U.S. and it directly helps our companies compete more effectively in the global economy.

While Congress is still working on specific details, there has been renewed interest this year in real bipartisan support for an expedited process to make it easier for foreign students who earn advanced degrees from U.S. colleges and universities to remain in our country and work in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) fields. There has also been discussion about plans to raise the number of H-1B visas for highly skilled immigrants and for eliminating limits for annual employment-based visas per country. Changes to any immigration policies like these would be accompanied by new fee structures where revenues go directly to our second goal, supporting grant programs for domestic education and training of U.S. workers for future careers in STEM fields.

We must also do more to develop a workforce that meets needs of the future. Our state provides an excellent example of the types of business and industry that will fuel tomorrow's growth. As you know, Utah's economic success and encouraging jobs outlook is due, in part, to expansion of the technology industry along the Wasatch Front. It is especially noteworthy that leaders in companies like these in our state always stress the importance of a skilled, well-educated workforce. Specifically, they emphasize the need for college graduates with advanced STEM degrees and are concerned that as a country, we are not currently equipped to meet growing demand for workers with these qualifications.


While we cannot expect elected officials to agree on every issue, and I value differing opinions for our nation's path forward, I see a positive start toward seeking consensus on issues of great importance like growing the economy and creating jobs.

An additional area where more should be done to create long-term policies that will spur economic growth is comprehensive tax reform. I have met with heads of some of the largest companies across the country, including from the energy and manufacturing sectors, to learn more about commonsense, private sector thoughts on the prospect for more job creation. Without exception, all included the following among their real-world recommendations: simplifying the tax code by eliminating loopholes and the patchwork of temporary deductions, and lowering and flattening the tax rate to broaden the revenue base.

There was a missed opportunity at the end of last year in the "fiscal cliff" discussions to move forward with true, long-term tax policies. We cannot afford to let another similar chance pass us by this year. I have long said that I am ready and willing to work with any member of Congress, from either party, to support a strong framework for real tax reform and deficit reduction. This continues to be the case, and a top priority of mine is putting in place the type of legislation that promotes certainty, is straightforward for our job-creators and reflects a responsible, sustainable balance of priorities. Adding this piece of the puzzle will continue our economy on a positive trajectory and promote domestic hiring.

It is a privilege to represent the Fourth Congressional District and our state in the U.S. Congress. There will be inevitable challenges ahead in coming months, but I also see the opportunity to take significant steps in the right direction. I am pleased to see there has already been willingness to get to work on important issues before us and to find solutions that draw support from members on both sides of the aisle. While we cannot expect elected officials to agree on every issue, and I value differing opinions for our nation's path forward, I see a positive start toward seeking consensus on issues of great importance like growing the economy and creating jobs.


Congressman Jim Matheson represents Utah's 4th Congressional District in the United States House of Representative, where he is currently serving his seventh term. He is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Matheson worked in the energy industry for 13 years prior to his service in Congress.

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