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But supporters of the monuments argue that there is economic value in preserving the land. The Arizona monuments bring economic benefits to the state, according to a report by Democrats on the congressional Joint Economic Committee. Since Ironwood Forest was designated a national monument in 2000, the total employment in the surrounding counties has increased yearly by an average of 7,184 jobs, the report said. In 2015, travel and tourism jobs made up 20 percent of total private employment in the surrounding region, according to the report.
A week ahead of an anticipated decision by the Trump administration that could eliminate the national monument designation on Berryessa Snow Mountain and similar locations, the Joint Economic Committee Democrats released an economic impact statement. “From the Mariana Trench in the Pacific to the Río Grande del Norte in New Mexico, national monuments are not only a cherished part of American heritage, but a key contributor to local economies that are supported by outdoor recreation,” U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M, and ranking member of the committee, said in the statement released Monday.
As the Trump Administration nears a decision on the future status of national parks and monuments, including Katahdin Woods And Waters here in Maine, Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee of Congress are touting the economic benefits of these sites.
Joint Economic Committee Democrats today released a series of fact sheets on the economic benefits of national monuments to their surrounding communities ahead of the Trump administration’s decision to propose removing designation in whole or in part from national monuments. The fact sheets focus on newly designated national monuments, marine national monuments, and others under review.
After nearly eight months on the job, President Trump has failed to come up with a cogent plan to create good-paying jobs and increase wages. As a result, wages are barely exceeding inflation, and more than 100,000 workers have been laid off as companies continue to close American operations and ship jobs overseas.
Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), ranking member of the Joint Economic Committee, criticized Trump for the lack of a jobs plan.
"After nearly eight months on the job, President Trump has failed to come up with a cogent plan to create good-paying jobs and increase wages,” Heinrich said. “As a result, wages are barely exceeding inflation, and more than 100,000 workers have been laid off as companies continue to close American operations and ship jobs overseas,” he said.
Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), ranking member of the Joint Economic Committee, blamed Trump for weak wage growth. "After nearly eight months on the job, President Trump has failed to come up with a cogent plan to create good-paying jobs and increase wages,” Henrich said in a written statement. “As a result, wages are barely exceeding inflation, and more than 100,000 workers have been laid off as companies continue to close American operations and ship jobs overseas.”
Today, Joint Economic Committee Democrats released a fact sheet on increasing access to registered apprenticeships and quality work-based learning programs. By doubling federal investments in apprenticeship programs, millions of Americans could fill the middle and high-skilled job openings that exist today and in the future. Despite their proven track record of success, only approximately 505,000 apprentices are utilizing existing Department of Labor registered programs today.