Jobs and the Economy
Summary of Position
During a time of record-breaking income inequality and runaway corporate greed, restoring the balance of power in favor of the American worker is imperative. America's workforce is one of the best, most productive labor forces in the world. As both a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and a former small business owner, Congressman DeSaulnier has seen firsthand that unfortunately workers are being taken advantage of by big business. Congressman DeSaulnier is committed to promoting policies that advance all workers and prepare them for the jobs of the future, support small businesses, and improve our economy.
By the Numbers
- Since 1979, wages have risen 14.8%, but productivity has increased by more than 64%, meaning that productivity has skyrocketed, but wages have not kept up.
- Union members have 18% higher wages, more paid leave, are 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.
- Small businesses make up 99.9% of all firms across the country, and are responsible for almost 2/3 of newly created jobs in the U.S. from 1995 to 2021.
Things to Know
- Ranking Member of the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce
- 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
Fighting to Return Power to Workers
Businesses are important economic drivers for our local communities – they provide jobs, contribute to the local tax base, and help create local supply chains – but they should not be treated with impunity. They need to take responsibility for the role they play in the lives of their workers and the local economy. Congressman DeSaulnier authored the Justice for Dislocated Workers Act, which would require corporations voluntarily closing or laying off workers to confront the real cost of their closure or relocation. If a corporation still chooses to leave or close, it would be required to pay into a fund to help financially support people who will lose their jobs and other businesses that may be affected by the closure.
Future of Work, Wages, and Labor
After launching the Future of Work, Wages, and Labor effort, Congressman DeSaulnier and his partners in the initiative traveled more than 4,700 miles and held 9 public meetings; hosted town halls with over 250 local workers; consulted over 100 experts and academics; and ultimately developed over 30 policy recommendations. The result is a comprehensive guide to protecting workers in the jobs of today and preparing for the jobs of tomorrow.
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, which incentivizes companies to improve CEO-to-worker pay ratios. He has also hosted a series of Member discussions on the floor of the House of Representatives to draw attention to the impact inequality has on people’s health, economic opportunity, and our communities.
Supporting Working Families
Congressman DeSaulnier sponsors several bills that would 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. Nobody should have to go hungry because they had to miss work to care for themselves or a loved one.
For a downloadable copy of Mark's work to grow the economy, click here.
