Kaine talks economic issues in Hampton Roads

U.S. Senate candidate Tim Kaine met with African-American women for an economic roundtable discussion at Mary Helen’s Restaurant in Hampton. Kaine shared his approach to strengthening the economy and creating jobs by leveling the playing field for small businesses, developing a skilled workforce through education investments and reforms, and bringing more fiscal and political balance to Washington.

“I was governor during the worst recession since the Great Depression,” said Kaine. “Yet, I was able to recruit new businesses to Virginia even in the midst of a recession because our state has a reputation for our talented workforce.”

During the 90-minute conversation, Kaine and roundtable participants focused on issues of importance to Virginia women and families, particularly educational opportunities from pre-K to higher education and workforce training. Kaine emphasized his commitment to increase the accessibility and affordability of higher education as part of his strategy to ensure that America has the most talented workforce in the world.  As Governor, Kaine worked together with Republicans in the General Assembly to increase the number of children in pre-K by 40 percent and pass the largest higher education capital bond package in Virginia history.

Kaine also contrasted his record on education, small business, and fiscal issues with George Allen’s record in the Senate. When he was governor, Kaine directed millions towards tuition assistance, dramatically expanded state contracting with small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses, and balanced Virginia’s budget with more than $5 billion in spending cuts. As a Senator, Allen voted for the largest cut to student aid in American history and added trillions to the national debt while voting four times to increase his own pay.

“I am a huge believer in career and technical education. There are jobs going unfilled right now because we’re not providing the right training for those jobs. We have to recommit ourselves to strong career, technical and workforce training programs,” Kaine said.

Since the beginning of the year, Kaine has held more than 60 economic roundtable discussions across the state, including many with women business and community leaders.