What a way to start the month: My bipartisan bill to support innovation and entrepreneurship in the Midwest just passed the House of Representatives!

The Developing and Empowering our Aspiring Leaders (DEAL) Act will help start-ups access funding so they can grow, create jobs, and reinvest in their communities.

I drafted this bill because venture capital is bringing billions into Illinois’ economy while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. In 2023 alone, venture capital funds invested over $66 million in small businesses in IL-06.

The DEAL Act doesn’t just boost businesses: Pension funds, university endowments, and nonprofits also benefit from investing in these high-growth startups.

(I like to cover all my bases, so we’ve also set requirements for oversight and accountability to protect investors.)

Once upon a time, I was a clean-energy entrepreneur, working to build a successful business while doing something good for the planet. It’s a privilege to be able to help the next generation of entrepreneurs do the same.

Before I wrap this up, I’d like to thank all of you who’ve made it possible for me to reach Capitol Hill and stick around a while. You've given me a chance to grow in this job so I can do more for Illinois. For that, I can’t thank you enough.

Fixing our broken economy means helping non-billionaires (aka 99.9999% of us) get ahead. The DEAL Act is a solid place to start.

If you agree, and if you’d like to help get more solutions like through Congress, then I have an investment proposal for you: Will you pitch in $25 or more to my reelection campaign so I can continue this essential work?

Let's keep up the good work,

Sean Casten