CHC On the Road, Biden-Harris Administration Tout CHIPS & Science Act Investments in Oregon, Work to Maximize Student CHIP Job Opportunities
Woodburn, Oregon — Yesterday, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) hosted a Latino workforce roundtable discussion to highlight the economic progress and job growth that the CHIPS and Science Act has generated in Oregon.
During the visit, CHC Chair Nanette Barragán, CHC Freshman Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) convened a roundtable with educational leaders in collaboration with UnidosUS and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities to make sure local students, including those at Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), have equal opportunities to fill the jobs created by this legislation.
Together, they welcomed special guest, Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, Dr. Laurie E. Locascio, at Chemeketa Community College, Woodburn Center, a federally designated HSI, located in the heart of Woodburn, Oregon.
“Semiconductors, known as chips, power everything from smartphones to medical devices and new vehicles,” said CHC Chair Barragán. “As the state’s largest manufacturing sector, chip-manufacturing jobs are poised to grow as the investments from the Chips and Science Act continue to take effect. These historic investments will create new opportunities for Oregonians and help solidify America’s future as a global chip manufacturer. Now is the time to ensure all Oregon students who seek to join this bright career path are prepared with the skills and knowledge necessary to go from the classroom to this booming industry. I thank Reps. Salinas and Bonamici for their warm welcome to Oregon and their leadership in making these manufacturing jobs accessible to workers of all backgrounds. I am also grateful to Dr. Laurie Locascio of the Biden-Harris Administration for partnering with CHC On the Road to make this an impactful visit.”
“If we are going to meet the national and economic security imperatives of the CHIPS and Science Act, we need to fill the hundreds of thousands of jobs we are creating, and we won’t fill those jobs without ensuring our workers and students have the skills and knowledge to join this industry,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and National Institute of Standards and Technology Director Laurie E. Locascio. “I am incredibly grateful to the CHC for bringing us all together to foster new ideas and collaborate on how we maximize the impact of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalize the U.S. semiconductor industry.”
“The CHIPS and Science Act is making historic investments in Oregon’s semiconductor industry, jumpstarting our economy and creating thousands of good-paying jobs. While this is great news for our state, we have to make sure that every Oregonian has the opportunity to benefit – including our Latino community,” said Congresswoman Andrea Salinas. “I was proud to host a roundtable discussion with Rep. Bonamici, NIST Director Locascio, CHC Chairwoman Barragán, and local leaders about how we can expand access to educational and job opportunities for Latinos and other underrepresented groups in STEM. Together, we will continue working to build a diverse and thriving chips workforce for the future.”
“Investments from the CHIPS and Science Act are boosting Oregon’s semiconductor industry,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “A skilled and diverse workforce will expand opportunities to those historically left behind, maximize the investment, and grow the industry. I was glad to join Rep. Salinas, Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Barragán, NIST Director Locascio, Assistant Secretary of Commerce Feliz, and other academic, non-profit, and business leaders to discuss how to best support and expand opportunities for Latino students and community members.”
This was the 12th stop in the “CHC On the Road” series of events across the country to engage Latinos, share information on the resources that have been made available by the Biden-Harris Administration and Democrats in Congress, and discuss ongoing work to lift-up Latino communities across the country.
View pictures from this CHC On the Road visit here.
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