The U.S. needs to commit itself to doubling its current rate of people legally immigrating to the country in order to keep pace with workforce needs, says the new president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In her first State of American Business Address, Suzanne Clark also called for the elimination of barriers to employment faced by formerly incarcerated adults, as well as those with limited access to broadband, among other priorities. “Let’s ensure everyone in this country has the skills, the education, and the opportunity to go as high and as far as their hard work and talent will take them—for the 11 million jobs that sit vacant today,” Clark urged. Clark added that an expanded and available workforce will prove particularly valuable “for the jobs of tomorrow that haven’t even been invented yet.” The former director of the agricultural machinery company AGCO before joining the Chamber in 2014 and subsequently serving in a series of leadership positions, Clark became president and chief executive officer of the Chamber in March of 2021. Clark also criticized the federal government for not having entered into an agreement with a new trade partner in more than 10 years, remarking: “We must compete vigorously around the world. We must stand up for our values and security and against unfair trade and regulatory practices.” Clark remarked that formal relations with other countries should also include an alignment on “critical global challenges such as sustainability and public health.” Representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations, the U.S. Chamber last year was particularly vocal in its support of President Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure legislation, but was equally adamant in opposition to what has been described as the $3.5 trillion social infrastructure Build Back Better legislation. By Garry Boulard
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