Students would have better access to a STEM education pathway into manufacturing jobs because of a bill introduced today by Reps. Rick Larsen, WA-02, Jim McDermott, WA-07, and Paul Tonko, NY-20. The Youth Access to American Jobs Act of 2015 would create ten pilot pathways that engage students in STEM-related fields from their junior year in high school through community college and into… Read more »

Millions of workers in low-wage jobs would get a raise if Congress passes a bill that Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, helped introduce today. The Raise the Wage Act would raise the federal minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2020 and tie future increases to the median wage. The Act also would gradually eliminate the minimum wage for tipped workers, currently frozen at $2.13 per hour. “It is… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today pressed leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives to allow a vote on a bill to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. The Bank is set to expire on June 30. Larsen helped introduce a bill to reauthorize the Bank earlier this year, and today he signed a petition with other House members to force a vote on the bill. “Helping our businesses sell their… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted to uphold the power of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to streamline the union organizing process. NLRB set new rules in December that are designed to update and ease organizing efforts in the private sector. However, the House of Representatives approved a resolution today to reverse these rules. Larsen voted against the resolution. “A… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, will focus on local businesses and initiatives that are growing the local economy, as well as efforts that are creating opportunity, during his time in Northwest Washington over the next week. Larsen will tour local manufacturers to learn more about how they are growing and creating jobs, as well as what he can do to support these successful local initiatives. He… Read more »

Small distilleries will be better positioned to grow and create new jobs if Congress passes a bill introduced today by Reps. Rick Larsen, WA-02, and Steve Stivers, OH-15. The Small Distilleries Fairness Act would help small distilleries compete on a level playing field. “Innovative local businesses like our small distilleries in Washington state are working hard to make our state a… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today cosponsored a bill to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, continuing his leadership to make sure Pacific Northwest businesses of all sizes have access to critical financing to sell their goods overseas. Larsen introduced and successfully advocated for passage of a bill to reauthorize and expand the Export-Import Bank in 2012. He was an original cosponsor of… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today called for investments in initiatives that support long-term economic growth and opportunity in testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Budget. Larsen highlighted the importance of transportation investments, helping businesses export their products overseas, and education in Northwest Washington. The full text of Larsen’s… Read more »

By Rep. Rick Larsen We in the Pacific Northwest know that our part of the country is second to none. Our mountains and waters offer plentiful outdoor opportunities. Our local economy is fueled by innovative businesses and manufacturers in a variety of industries. And our communities include increasingly diverse perspectives and backgrounds that enrich our way of life. As Congress starts a… Read more »

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, expressed disappointment that the President’s budget provided no funding for a successful program to help small businesses sell their goods abroad. Larsen has long championed the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program, which is designed to increase the number of small businesses that are exporting, and to increase the value of exports for those… Read more »