When I completed my military service, I needed to answer the question, “What will I do next?” After months of reflection, I felt the call to be a public servant. I was inspired to serve in Congress, where representatives take constituents’ problems and ideas and fight for solutions and the enactment of those ideas. Looking past the pessimism that screams at us from social media and the next hour’s crisis on the news, I believe we truly have a beautiful form of government. We the people actually get to govern ourselves. I joined TechCongress because I want to protect and be a part of that process.
If it is us, the people, who govern, then it is our duty to put forward the best ideas to produce a flourishing society. Many Americans are not flourishing. There are forgotten, low-income communities filled with people that struggle with government programs and unemployment. Some believe government is the only answer. I am convinced that government is only a part of the answer. Coming from humble beginnings myself, I have learned that government alone cannot bring happiness nor wellness.
Technology continues to innovatively provide wider access to work, but it will transform the labor market. We are at a unique time where we must explore ways to ensure our labor force is ready for change. We must give careful thought to how we can keep those that are behind from falling further behind. The rising technology-powered gig economy can help. Rethinking career training and alternative forms of education can help. However, we cannot fix human problems with only government solutions. I am interested in developing policies that encourage community engagement and collaboration, promote personal support, expand access to work, and incentivize both economic and holistic investment in struggling communities.
Walter is currently serving with Senator Tim Scott (R-SC).