Democracy Awards

Jobs and the Economy

Summary of Position

America’s workforce is one of the best, most productive labor forces in the world. Unemployment rates have hit historic lows in states across the country and there has been consistent job growth for 7 consecutive years. As a member on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and a former small business owner, however, Mark has seen firsthand that not all workers are well off, and is committed to promoting policies that advance all workers, prepare them for the jobs of the future, and support our economy.

By the Numbers

  • Since 1973, wages have risen 10%, but productivity has increased by almost 74%.
     
  • Union members have 20% higher wages, more paid leave, are 28% more likely to have employer-sponsored health insurance, and have better access to pensions than their non-union counterparts.
     
  • Income inequality is at its highest point since before the start of the Great Depression.

Things to Know

  • Co-founder of the Future of Work, Wages, and Labor initiative
     
  • Former small business owner and union member
     
  • Founder of the Ending Poverty and Inequality in California (EPIC) Caucus
     
  • Former Chairman of the California State Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee

Working for You

Future of Work, Wages, and Labor
After launching the Future of Work, Wages, and Labor effort in March 2016, Congressman DeSaulnier and his partners in the initiative have held 6 meetings across the country and 4 in Washington, D.C. to more closely study the urgency of issues affecting today’s workforce and how we can adjust policies to help all workers.

Combating Inequality
Inequality within our society disadvantages low-income Americans both in and out of the workplace. To help address this issue, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the CEO Accountability and Responsibility Act (H.R. 3633), which incentivizes companies to improve CEO-to-worker pay ratios.

Supporting Working Families
Congressman DeSaulnier sponsors several bills that help working families support their families financially and personally. Some of these measures incentivize access to child care, provide for more flexible and advanced schedules, and establish a minimum amount of family and sick leave.
 

For a downloadable copy of Mark's work to grow the economy, click the image below.