Washington State’s senior U.S. Senator Patty Murray held a business roundtable with a select group of business owners at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. With her recent appointment to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, known colloquially as the “Super Congress,” this was a rare opportunity to speak with the Senator about important issues affecting the economies of Tacoma and Pierce County. As the Chamber continues to work on strengthening the local economy, it will provide more opportunities for businesses to advocate directly to government officials.
As City Councilman and business owner David Boe said, “I really appreciated the opportunity to sit down and explain my concerns to the Senator. There were a range of business leaders in the room. If there was one thing we were all clear on, it was that Congress needs to quit squabbling and start helping the economy.”
Senator Murray discussed with the group the importance of laying a solid foundation of quality infrastructure. This would require continuing partnerships between the federal government, local governments and businesses. One example of this partnership has been the Senator’s focus on encouraging service members and employers to connect with each other for long term employment.
The businesses represented also encouraged the Senator to not losing sight of creating educational opportunities and a skilled workforce while still working on options for people who have lost jobs but are starting new businesses.
Small business owner and President of Go Local, a local business advocacy group, Patricia Lecy-Davis pointed out that there are over 5,000 locally owned businesses in Tacoma. “Many new local startups are people who recently lost their jobs. As new business owners, many don’t know what tools are available to them.”
Senator Murray looked forward to having a comprehensive discussion with other legislators on how best to put people to work and support businesses of all sizes.
By Guest blogger David Schroedel
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