Jobs, Economy & Workforce

Building an economy and workforce fit for the 21st Century

As governor, John Hickenlooper helped Colorado’s economy grow from 40th in job creation to the best economy in the nation. He then jump-started CareerWise Colorado, which created a direct pipeline to jobs with innovative Colorado-based employers through youth apprenticeships.

Now, Senator Hickenlooper is spearheading those same efforts in Washington to build the middle class, and create pathways to high-paying, 21st Century jobs that don’t require a four-year degree.

Shortly after being elected as U.S. Senator for Colorado, Senator Hickenlooper helped write and pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which has created jobs across Colorado by modernizing roads and bridges, expanding access to high-speed internet and clean water, and powering our transition to clean energy and electric vehicles. Specifically, Senator Hickenlooper was one of a group of senators who wrote the broadband section of the bill, which has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in investments to help connect every home in Colorado to affordable, high-speed internet.

He also helped negotiate the Inflation Reduction Act – the largest investment in climate rescue in U.S. history, creating thousands of jobs along the way.

Senator Hickenlooper understands that growing our workforce is the only way to deliver the full promise of America. That’s why he is leading legislation to build a workforce that can meet our clean energy goals, rebuild American manufacturing in semiconductors, and maintain our position at the forefront of technologies like AI and cybersecurity. 

Senator Hickenlooper is the Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety where he introduced the Youth Apprenticeship Advancement Act and Building Youth Workforce Skills Act, which make investments in workforce training programs that prepare students for 21st century careers. He also introduced the Lifelong Learning Act to upskill existing workers and reconnect individuals to the job market. 

Senator Hickenlooper believes that when unions do well, middle-class workers do well.  He is proud to support union workers through legislation in the Senate – like his Protect America’s Workforce Act and the PRO Act – and on their picket lines in Colorado as they fight for fair wages and benefits, and better working conditions. Senator Hickenlooper is the only card-carrying union member in the U.S. Senate.  

America’s economy should work for everyone, not just the ultra-wealthy. Senator Hickenlooper is focused on making sure working families in Colorado can buy a home, raise a family, and do business without being crushed under rising costs. Senator Hickenlooper raised the alarm about and voted against the Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill” which further benefitted the wealthiest few while raising health care costs and cutting critical funding that helps Coloradans put food on the table.  making extreme cuts to programs many Coloradans rely on every day. 

As the Trump administration tries to implement reckless tariffs that drive up prices, Senator Hickenlooper demanded refunds for Americans who had to pay President Trump’s illegal tariffs. Senator Hickenlooper believes we must fix the tax code so the wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share, and invest in working families to create equitable economic growth. Additionally, we need to invest in childcare and paid family leave to help parents stay in the workforce.

To truly build the workforce of the 21st century, Senator Hickenlooper believes people need affordable housing in the places where they want to live and work. Without it, Colorado can’t attract or retain the talent that drives innovation and growth. 

Senator Hickenlooper understands that Colorado’s urban and rural communities are facing an affordable housing crisis, and investments have not kept up with the demand for housing assistance and community development projects. Senator Hickenlooper supports expanding the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and continues to advocate for Congressionally Directed Spending grants for affordable housing projects across Colorado.