The recession may be over on Wall Street but families on Main Street must still choose between heath insurance and groceries. According to the GDP, the economy is moving in the right direction. But where do we rate on the scale of well being? We have thousands of people, mothers and fathers, many who are single, who have to work three full-time jobs because our minimum wage has stagnated for years. This leaves children and teens with little or no supervision or the comfort of parents. As a social worker, I saw first hand the effect state and national economic policies have on individual and family life.

Our seasonal economy, as robust as it is, does not sustain us year round. But opportunities can exist.

We have new renewable energy projects about to be built in our waters and on our lands. As your Senator, I will fight to preserve a percentage of those jobs for Cape and Islands residents. I will fight for school funding that will provide the skills our children need to meet and master technological advances. I will fight for adequate funds to build the infrastructure to promote a new and creative economy.

I have the experience to help guide Cape Cod and the Islands out of this recession and create good paying, sustainable jobs for a bright future.