BRIDGEPORT, CT – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) thanked constituents from each of the Fourth District’s communities for the valuable input he received on job creation, the economy, and maintaining Southwest Connecticut’s excellent quality of life. During his recent 17 Towns in 17 Days tour, Himes crisscrossed the district to meet with residents, businesses and local officials to listen to their concerns, exchange ideas, and discuss the strengths of their communities. He pledged to take their stories and ideas with him next week when he returns to Washington for legislative business.
“Meeting my constituents face-to-face and listening to their ideas and concerns is the most important and enjoyable part of my job. During this year’s 17 Towns tour, I wanted to show how public and private investments are absolutely critical to creating jobs, strengthening our country’s economic foundation, and improving the quality of life in Southwest Connecticut,” Himes said. “Across the district, I was inspired by the stories I heard – from families and businesses that are working to reduce their energy consumption, to cutting-edge technology companies that are creating jobs and growing in Fairfield County. I am eager to share these stories when I head back to Washington as evidence of how investments from both the government and the private sector are making life better in our region.”
During his tour of the district, Himes visited manufacturing and high-tech businesses that have recently set up shop in Southwest Connecticut. He also toured startup incubators filled with creative entrepreneurs who are creating jobs and keeping Fairfield County at the forefront of innovation. Himes made stops in Weston and Trumbull to highlight the success of Connecticut’s Green Bank in financing energy efficiency projects. These green initiatives are helping residents and local businesses save money on their electric bills while making their towns cleaner places to live.
In Fairfield, Himes visited Bigelow Tea, the largest American producer of specialty teas, to highlight the U.S. Export-Import Bank’s role in helping companies create jobs and grow. Himes and Cindi Bigelow, the family-owned company’s third-generation president and CEO, discussed the need for Congress to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank before its charter expires at the end of September. Bigelow Tea is one of more than 30 companies in the Fourth District that have used Ex-Im services since 2007.
In several of his visits, Himes focused on the importance of education investments in ensuring America’s future economic prosperity. At Norwalk's Nathaniel Ely Elementary School, Himes emphasized how the school’s Head Start program is educating young children and making sure parents have the reliable childcare necessary to hold a steady job. And in Darien, he met with staff and volunteers at Person-to-Person to discuss how private and government investments are helping the nonprofit organization provide college scholarships to low-income students.
For photos of Himes’ tour, please click here. A full list of locations and events are available upon request.