‘This is a bold economic agenda’

The confidence that every generation will have a better life than the previous one has always been an ideal that defines America. But for the first time in our history, many Americans don’t believe their children will have a better life.

Families know the economy isn’t working the way it should. And they are worried.

They’re worried about whether they can buy a home in a safe neighborhood. They’re worried about the opportunities their kids will have. They’re worried about saving for a secure retirement.

And they’re worried that Washington works only for corporate special interests, and not for the middle class.

I’ve seen this in Rhode Island. My state was once home to a thriving middle class and a strong manufacturing economy. But one after another, our factories closed because of bad trade deals and a tax code that rewards companies that ship jobs overseas. This has been going on for decades. And under President Trump, we are just getting more of the same.

That’s why, last week, I joined House and Senate Dem-

ocrats to announce A Better Deal: Better Jobs, Better Wages, Better Future.

This is a bold economic agenda that spells out how Democrats will deliver higher pay, lower costs and the tools that workers need to be successful in the 21st century. A Better Deal includes:

10 million full-time, goodpaying jobs.

Doubling support for apprenticeship programs.

Investments in modernizing our bridges, roads and public transit.

Breaking up corporate monopolies that destroy jobs.

Lowering costs for child care, education, health care and prescription drugs.

Democrats are united. We are speaking with one voice about our vision for a stronger, more prosperous America.

But this is just a start. In the weeks and months ahead, Democrats will expand on these ideas. We will continue to outline a clear alternative to the dark path that Donald Trump is taking us down.

And we will give the American people A Better Deal.