Jobs and Economy

Image

Creating long-term job growth in Michigan is my top priority in Congress. - Tim

Reducing barriers to employment and increasing Michigan's and America's global competitiveness are critical steps for encouraging high-skilled, good paying jobs that give American families peace of mind.

In my conversations with constituents and employers, it is clear that too many policies coming out of Washington make it difficult for Michigan’s businesses to grow and hire new employees.

Congress can support new jobs by reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses and encouraging them to innovate, expand, and create more job opportunities in their community. Taking the following practical steps will help us create long-term economic growth:

Fight Rampant Inflation

While some in Washington have introduced new, record-setting spending proposals that would exacerbate the inflation crisis, I have firmly opposed these bills. Washington needs to be focused on helping Americans by lowering prices at the grocery store and gas pump.

Reduce Tax Burden

In the 115th Congress, I voted to overhaul our broken tax code and pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which was signed into law by President Trump. The sweeping tax reform legislation was the first major overhaul of the tax code in more than 30 years and delivered historic tax relief for workers, families, and job creators in Michigan. Only two years after being signed into law, real median household income increased by $5,000 and real wages rose by 4.9%, allowing families to pocket more of their hard-earned money. 

In July 2025, I voted in favor of theOne Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law by President Trump on our nation’s 249th birthday. This historic legislation permanently extends the 2017 tax cuts and prevents residents of Michigan’s 5th Congressional District from seeing a 27% tax hike. The bill would also revitalize our economy, preventing an estimated 6 million jobs from being lost from the expiration of the TCJA and increasing take-home pay for a typical family of 4 in Michigan by up to $11,700. Click here to read more about this generational opportunity for hardworking Americans. 

Expand Education and Workforce Development Opportunities

As Chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, I’ve been working to ensure everyone has access to the best educational opportunities, which in turn will develop workers with the right skills and keep our nation competitive. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, expands Pell Grant eligibility to high-quality, short-term programs which will provide opportunities for students and workers to gain skill in high-demand fields. Additionally, I was a strong supporter of legislation to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act in 2018 – legislation that has strengthened career training technical skills programs and increased access to meaningful careers that meet the workforce needs for over 30 years. This legislation also contained language from my bill, H.R.2155, the New Hope Act, which gives states additional flexibility to identify, consolidate, or eliminate licensing requirements that pose an unnecessary barrier to entry for aspiring workers and provide limited consumer protection.

Finding Health Care Solutions

I continue to hear from families in Michigan who are paying more for health care while receiving less choice and reduced care under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. I am committed to reforming our health care system in a way that promotes consumer choice and makes health care coverage more affordable and accessible. In doing so, we must ensure patients and families who suffer from a pre-existing condition are not left behind. For more details on my efforts to strengthen our health care system, you may visit my health care page.

Undo Harmful Regulations 

While some government regulations are important, excessive federal regulation stifles our nation's job creators by creating an uncertain business climate.  Eliminating these burdensome regulations will encourage increased investment and new hiring. The first step Congress can take in fighting harmful regulations is to identify and eliminate current and pending regulations that hinder economic growth, while requiring Congressional review of any new regulations that will significantly impact our economy.

Promote American Trade 

We need trade policies that are free, fair and enforce trade laws that keep our trading partners accountable. The passage of USMCA is a victory for Michigan workers, farmers, and our economy.  This modernized deal puts Michigan in a stronger economic position, boosting our state’s manufacturing and agriculture sectors and ensure America remains a world leader in the 21st century.

Reduce Government Spending 

With a national debt exceeding $36 trillion dollars, we need to begin spending federal dollars like a responsible American family or business. I support an amendment to the Constitution that requires Congress not spend more than it receives in revenues, requires a 3/5 majority vote to increase the debt limit and requires the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress.

Video

07/03/2025 - Chairman Walberg Delivers Remarks in Support of the One Big, Beautiful Bill
08/30/2023 - WNDU: AFP & Rep. Walberg Drop Gas to 2020 Prices, Highlighting Inflation
03/29/2023 - WILX: Walberg Speaks in Support of H.R. 1, Lower Energy Costs Act
11/28/2022 – WLNS: Walberg Walberg Highlights Solutions to Combat Inflation Crisis
05/08/2022 - Rep. Walberg Offers Solutions for Skyrocketing Gas Prices
09/29/2021 – Walberg: We Can't Afford Pelosi's $5.5 Trillion Spending Spree
07/29/2021 – Walberg: Inflation is a Tax on Hardworking Families