Jobs and the Economy

The gig economy owes a lot to Obamacare. In the wake of the financial crisis, as smartphones were just becoming the norm, millions of Americans were out of work. Then, Uber hit the market one year before Obamacare was passed, and suddenly, the “gig economy” seemed feasible. Startups could launch without providing costly healthcare, and their workers—excuse me,… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today welcomed House passage of her amendment, included in the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act (H.R. 2842), which helps people find good-paying jobs in high-demand industries through apprenticeships. “Helping people find long-term employment in a high-demand industry is one of the best ways to ensure everyone has economic… Read more »

Dear Friend, Today, the House of Representatives passed my amendment boosting apprenticeships for American workers. Included as part of the bipartisan Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act (H.R. 2842), the amendment helps people find good-paying jobs in high-demand industries through apprenticeships and on-the-job training. Technological advancements like automation are… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today successfully added an amendment to the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act (H.R. 2842) to help people find good-paying jobs in high-demand industries through apprenticeships. “Helping people find long-term employment in a high-demand industry is one of the best ways to ensure everyone has economic security. Apprenticeships and… Read more »

The rise of the so-called “gig economy” — loosely defined as a market of freelance, self-employed and contract workers, often with low-to-median skill levels, who make a living performing a succession of short-term assignments — has been changing what it means to have a job in America. As those effects continue to be seen across the country, we should welcome a… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today opposed dangerous legislation that would dismantle consumer protections established to prevent another financial collapse at the hands of Wall Street’s risky practices. “This irresponsible bill puts Wall Street special interests ahead of the American people,” DelBene said. “I’m deeply disappointed that instead of… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today cosponsored the Raise the Wage Act, which would increase the federal minimum wage over seven years and index it to inflation. “Strong economic growth can only be achieved when all working families have the opportunity to succeed,” DelBene said. “To build an economy that works for everyone, we need to ensure Americans working a… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today introduced the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Work Opportunity Act to ensure those looking for work don’t lose vital nutrition assistance. “Eliminating nutrition assistance for people trying to find work doesn’t help if jobs are not available,” DelBene said. “The SNAP Work Opportunity Act would… Read more »

Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) introduced legislation to test and evaluate innovative portable benefit designs for the growing independent workforce. As many as one-third of the U.S. workforce is currently engaged in temporary, contract or on-demand work, and the Warner-DelBene proposal seeks innovative ways to provide these workers with access… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today helped reintroduce the Equality Act, a comprehensive bill that aims to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans. “In too many states, people who are LGBT can still be fired, denied credit and evicted from their home simply based on who they are and who they love,” DelBene said.… Read more »