Providing family sustaining jobs is a main issue facing us, right here, in the 5th district. As we watched our manufacturing sector lose traction over the past decades we have seen the number of these sustaining jobs drop. If we are to compete in the future we must find a way to bring new opportunities to this area. I have a plan for that future.
- Utilize the Marcellus Shale Play to improve our economic standing – With plans for millions and maybe billions of dollars to pour into our economy over the next few years we must position ourselves not to properly utilize the resource. Many manufacturers and business need natural gas to make their products or use them to help maintain large facilities. With so much gas in play we must court businesses that will be able to utilize the abundant supply to provide jobs to local residents. Natural gas is so vital a component and our resources so abundant it is a perfect match for us to grow together.
- Improve training for the jobs that are already available – Our technical training is lacking in a district with many jobs available that could be right here in our hometowns. As companies move in to extract our natural gas and seek employees, they are having trouble finding people to work from here due to a lack of training. A company in Lewistown makes state of the art inspection equipment but local companies are using older technology because no one is available that has the know how to use the technology. To capitalize on all of our resources we must improve our technology training. A four year degree is not attainable for everyone but a two year degree in a field that can provide a family sustaining job will make us an economically safe district
- Fast track start up and relocating businesses – Many times our local development people have their hands tied by state and federal regulations that slow the process of bringing in employers. The best thing that government can do is get out of the way of local business and allow them to succeed. So many times unnecessary burdens are placed on the essential businesses and that puts them at a competitive disadvantage globally and limits their ability to impact the market. If we are to have the ability to provide jobs in proper quantities we must make our playing fields level and fight for free but more importantly fair trade.
Thompson Plan for Job Growth