Leaders from labor, business and government gathered in Fresno today to break ground on the most ambitious public works project in the country—high-speed rail. California’s 500-mile high speed rail system will connect San Francisco to Los Angeles with the spine built in the Central Valley. Why is high-speed rail so important to the future of California? Large-scale investment in infrastructure creates thousands of good jobs that build the middle class. The economic benefits also benefit small business, as already 200- small businesses are working on the project.