Opportunity Summer: States Gearing Up for Economic Boosts

Speaker Ryan Press Office  https://spkrryan.us/2JnyAmg If todays jobs report tells us anything its that the American economy is in great shape. Thanks to tax reform business owners and workers alike are seeing an economic environment ripe with opportunitywhich leads us to our next point. Recently weve been talking about opportunity zones and how theyre designed for pockets of the country in desperate need of revitalization." More and more states and local communities are starting to realize just how transformative these zones could be. In fact opportunity zones have been approved in all but four states nationwidethats a whole lot of economic potential for communities that need it. Here are some highlights from areas across the country welcoming new opportunity zones to their neighborhoods: In North Carolina 252 of its lowest-income areas have been designated as opportunity zones. This is especially great news for the states rural communities. In Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner announced 327 opportunity zones throughout 85 counties in the state. In his words These zones include some of the most underserved areas of the state that have the greatest potential for improvement." In Massachusetts the community of Gloucester is hopeful its two designated zones will attract investors and in turn boost its economy. In Michigan local leaders are hopeful the new incentives will generate investment and are working with federal officials to learn and share more information about the program to designated neighborhoods. In West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) recently announced 55 opportunity zones across the state had been certified. Justice said this new economic development tool continues our movement forward and the hope for brighter days ahead." In Iowa officials say theyve seen a waiting list" of potential investors springing optimism for the potential success of the opportunity zones program in the states 62 designated communities. In Oregon business owners are excited about what the zones mean for their businesses with one saying We really have an opportunity to create jobs." And thats only just the start. To learn more about opportunity zones visit speaker.govand be sure to keep an eye out in your own neck of the woods.