The way a lot of people talk about the economy, you’d think creating jobs is just a short-term political issue. You and I know better. Creating good jobs that build our intellectual and economic potential is how we make Arizona a better place to live and ensure a better future for our children. Instead of low-wage jobs with few benefits, I’m working every day in Congress to create the Arizona economy that invests in working families and strengthens our future.

I support a $15 an hour federal minimum wage. I find it appalling that in the richest nation on Earth, full-time workers struggle to make ends meet and provide their families with basic necessities. I am proud to once again be an original co-sponsor of the Raise the Wage Act, which would increase the federal minimum wage for regular employees over a 5-year period and eliminate the separate minimum wage requirements for tipped, newly hired, and disabled employees. After a specified period, these employees shall be paid the same minimum wage as regular employees.

I’ve spent years actively supporting solar power projects that create thousands of construction jobs and dozens of management and engineering positions. Projects like the Agua Caliente plant — which has already generated tens of millions of dollars in local tax revenue and created hundreds of locally hired construction positions — are key to Arizona’s economic success and help remove our dependence on foreign energy sources.

I support equal pay for equal work and fair treatment in the workplace, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or cultural background. I was proud when Cronkite News highlighted the fact that women hold 3 of the top 4 leadership positions in my office. Our economy thrives when employers hire fairly and pay workers what they earn.

I don’t believe business and government should compete with each other for public support. When we have the right policies that build for the future, invest in workers, and ensure corporate accountability, government and business can both work in the public interest. That’s the future economy I’m working for, and that’s why I’m running to represent you.