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Dear Friend,
Thank you for signing up for my Economic Opportunity e-newsletter! I grew up a poor kid in a single parent household in North Charleston, and I know how critical it is we ensure the American Dream is alive and well for every family across our great state and nation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur in Columbia, working on your family farm in rural Spartanburg County, or raising your family in Summerville, I want to make sure you have access to the economic opportunities you and your family need to thrive.
As we kickoff this newsletter over the coming months, I will share what I’m doing to unleash these opportunities, as well as ask a question or two along the way about what’s most important to you. We’ll start with one of those right now!
Don’t forget, I’m also starting education, small business and a handful of other e-newsletters to discuss those issues more in-depth. You can sign up for those here!
So, down to some of the nuts and bolts. I have championed Opportunity Zones for the past five years, and we are seeing some fantastic success around the country. In one of Philadelphia’s poorest neighborhoods, a new project just broke that will create 200 permanent jobs in addition to 200 construction jobs, bringing affordable housing and foundational businesses such as grocery stores and a health care provider to the neighborhood. And, in an innovative addition, local residents were also given the opportunity to make small investments in the project. That means as the new businesses thrive, current residents will directly see the benefits as well. If you’re interested in learning more, you can read all about Opportunity Zones and the great work being done across the country here!
I’m also working on some proposals around mentoring, counseling and networking services. My life was changed by a mentor, who started teaching me some of the economic basics when I was still in high school. When I was first starting my career in my early and mid-20s, I continued to benefit from the advice and wisdom of mentors who were willing to invest not only in themselves, but the next generation as well. The Small Business Administration currently has some initiatives in this area, and my goal is to strengthen these resources so whether you are just starting your career, or making a late career shift, you know there are folks out there happy and willing to help you along the way. Building stronger communities is not solely about economic growth; it also means forging those personal ties between families, workers and businesses to help move your town or city forward together.
Thanks for reading my first Economic Opportunity newsletter, and over the coming months I’ll continue to stay in touch on both what I am working on in the Senate, and what I’m hearing from you!
Sincerely,
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