WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) delivered remarks before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Policy today. At a hearing entitled “Economic Mobility: Is the American Dream in Crisis?” Senator Cramer discussed the uniqueness North Dakota’s economy and the importance of aligning policies with available economic opportunities.
“I grew up in a home with a father who quit high school because he could make so much money as a rural electric lineman,” Senator Cramer began. “Those are my roots. I come from a place where a MBA is not nearly as valuable as a CDL. We have an economy that highlights some of what we hope to learn about today.”
According to a recent study, North Dakota leads in economic mobility in the United States. Senator Cramer highlighted the importance of effective economic policies as a way to further the American dream.
“We have two data points in conflict on a regular basis: a low unemployment rate and a very low participation rate,” Senator Cramer continued. “To me, that screams opportunity if we match our resources and policies with our economy.”
Senator Cramer put into the record this slide, given to him by a North Dakota energy company, to demonstrate that “Post High School Certification” has the highest earning power in North Dakota:
“The American dream is alive and well, but we need to emphasize things differently, whether that be student loans, education opportunities, or our culture,” Senator Cramer concluded. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to highlight at least one part of the American dream that is alive and well if we can align our policies.”