Gretchen Driskell

America’s story is one of constant progress. And America makes progress when the small businesses and hardworking families who drive and grow our economy are given the tools to thrive. That’s why it’s so important that we build an economy that works for everyone—not just the wealthy and powerful.

In recent decades, Michigan has had to learn this lesson the hard way. We’ve seen how difficult life can be for working families when Washington politicians approve trade agreements that reward companies for shipping American jobs overseas, and when CEO’s deny workers fair pay and benefits.

When American jobs get sent overseas and when working people can’t earn enough to sustain their families, it has a ripple effect across the entire economy. It means moms and dads have less money in their pockets to spend at local small businesses on everyday necessities like gas, groceries, and school supplies. And that makes it harder for small businesses – which are the real engines of our economy—to create jobs.

Unfortunately, Congress continues to support bad trade deals that put Michigan jobs at risk.

Unfair trade agreements like NAFTA have already cost our state tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and there’s another one on the way. Last year, Congress voted to fast-track the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which gave President Obama a blank check to negotiate a massive global trade deal that would spell disaster for Michigan workers and businesses.

TPP repeats many of the same mistakes that have plagued bad trade deals like NAFTA. It does little to crack down on countries that unfairly manipulate their currency, which makes it more expensive to export Michigan-made products, like cars and trucks. And it includes weak enforcement provisions, which fail to hold countries accountable to strong labor and environmental protections.

That’s unacceptable. And it’s why so many of our neighbors are upset with politicians in Washington. They know that Washington is broken, and that too many of our elected leaders spend their time catering to big-moneyed special interest groups, instead of representing the people who elected them. That has to change.

Michigan has the best workers in the world, and we can compete with anyone – but we need a level playing field. Instead of passing more unfair trade deals that make it easier for companies to ship jobs overseas, we should end tax breaks for outsourcing. And we should adopt trade policies that reward companies for investing in America and creating good-paying jobs right here at home.

Michigan is a land of entrepreneurs. After all, this is the state that put the world on wheels. But if we want Michigan to be home to the next big thing in high-tech sectors like mobility, clean energy, and high-speed broadband, then our people need a strong foundation to build on—with good jobs and fair wages.

The last thing we need is another unfair trade deal. TPP is bad for families. It’s bad for Michigan. And it’s bad for the nation. Congress should reject it, and focus on giving Michigan workers the tools they need to build a better future for all of us.

Gretchen Driskell is a candidate for U.S. representative in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.