Following a Sunday news report showing the Hampton Roads region lost nearly 10,000 jobs over the past year, 2017 Republican gubernatorial nominee Ed Gillespie today issued the following statement:
“Hampton Roads is home to the country’s largest naval base, a world-class port, scenic coastline, dynamic tourism industry, countless historic landmarks, first-rate colleges and universities, but today’s news is a clear indicator the region’s economy is falling behind. This area’s success is integral to the Commonwealth’s success, and we must create an environment that promotes economic growth here. I’ve put forward policies to solve our transportation problems, combat sea level rise and recurrent flooding, and spark the natural, organic economic growth we need. As governor, I will do everything in my power to get the Hampton Roads economy growing again.”
As reported by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, “the economic outlook isn’t as robust in other parts of the state, including the greater Hampton Roads region, which lost 9,700 jobs over the past year.”
Today’s report adds to growing economic concern in the region. A study released in August found that Hampton Roads is the only major metropolitan area in the country to see a decrease in its employment rate over the last year. (NPR One, 8/7/17)
Seven months ago, Gillespie released his plan to cut Virginia’s income tax rates for the first time in state history, which will create more than 50,000 new, full-time, good-paying private-sector jobs. He also put forward the “Removing Barriers to Job Creation for ALL Virginians” plan to remove barriers to job creation and make it easier for businesses to grow and thrive in the Commonwealth. He recently announced his plans to expand access to broadband, which is critical to economic development, and grow Virginia’s outdoor economy.