Economic Growth
Maria learned in the private sector that a strong economy requires growing businesses, quality jobs and a versatile, skilled workforce. She is committed to helping middle class families achieve the American dream in our changing economy. Maria has worked to boost Washington's small businesses and helped create jobs in traditional areas such as aerospace, trade and agriculture while cultivating newer ones in software and biotechnology.
Fighting for Washington Jobs and Industry
Maria has been a passionate advocate for our critical aerospace and technology industries. She has fought for increased investment in research and development grants to keep our innovative businesses on the cutting edge. Maria has been an outspoken critic of the European Union's subsidies that give Airbus an unfair competitive boost against Boeing and has called on the World Trade Organization to take action to level the playing field.
Restoring Fiscal Responsibility
In 1993, Maria had the courage to vote for the Clinton economic plan, which put us on the road to years of balanced budgets and booming economic growth. Maria believes we must end the Bush administration’s reckless fiscal policies that are racking up record deficits at the expense of future generations. Instead, Maria supports restoring the common sense pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rule, which says that when Congress spends more money or cuts revenues, they must make up the difference elsewhere to balance the books.
Promoting for Tax Fairness for Washington State
Maria led the fight for tax fairness so Washington state taxpayers are able to deduct sales tax from our federal taxes. Her work led Congress to pass a two year deduction, leveling the playing field for Washington taxpayers since we don't pay state income tax. Maria delivered over half a billion dollars a year in savings for Washingtonians and $200 million in economic stimulus for our state. Thanks to Maria's work, the average Washingtonian who takes the deduction now has an extra $500 in his or her pocket. Maria is pushing to make this deduction permanent.
Holding Business and Government Accountable
Maria has always defended the rights of workers, consumers and shareholders to hold corporations accountable for their actions. She has fought for better treatment and fair benefits for Hanford workers, pushed for cleanup of Superfund sites and protected Snohomish customers and businesses from Enron's rip-offs.
Supporting Our Military Bases
Maria understands the importance of the U.S. military to our nation's security and our state's economy. She has fought to protect our bases time and again. Thanks in part to her efforts during the recent round of base closures, Washington was spared many of the major cuts now scheduled for other states. In fact, our state will add military employment and facilities.
Creating Trade Opportunities for Washington
Maria's work has opened new markets for Washington agriculture. She has led trade missions that opened markets for apples, peas, lentils and wine worth tens of millions of dollars a year.
Keeping Energy Costs Low
Maria has worked to keep energy costs low for Washingtonians - for our homes and our businesses. She has led her fellow Northwest senators to block Bush's efforts to raise our power rates and force ratepayers to subsidize his record debt. Bush's hike would have raised electricity bills by 39 percent and cost the region's electrical customers more than $1 billion. Maria said no, and won.