Issue Position: Jobs and the Economy

Issue Position

As he has traveled to all corners of the district, Congressman Bright has heard time and again that one of the most pressing issues on the minds of Second District residents is the state of our economy and preserving local jobs. We are experiencing tough economic times and Congressman Bright feels that it is a critical responsibility of Congress to make decisions that will positively impact a financial recovery. He believes that the best way to facilitate economic recovery is to create a pro-business, pro-growth environment where all interested citizens have access to an honest day's work. During the 111th Congress, Congressman Bright has been recognized as a leader and well-respected champion of sound, pro-business positions. Congressman Bright is endorsed by the United States Chamber of Commerce and earned its prestigious Spirit of Enterprise award with the highest score among Democrats in Congress for his commitment to supporting American industry.

In particular, Congressman Bright believes that an indicator of economic strength is the success of our small businesses, both at home in Alabama and across the nation and that we must do everything possible to support their health and expansion. Small businesses are responsible for providing between 70 and 80 percent of jobs and the reach of their impact in communities is even broader. As a member of the Small Business Committee, Congressman Bright has regular opportunities to fight for the policies that allow local businesses to grow and expand. The first bill he sponsored in the first session of 111th Congress provided a tax cut for small businesses seeking to expand by allowing deductions for capital expenses. Again in the second session, Congressman Bright proposed this idea and both times, his tax breaks were included in legislative packages that passed both the House and Senate and were signed into law.

In addition to legislative action, Congressman Bright believes keeping an open line of communication between local businesses and federal agencies that can assist them in getting started or expanding. He has hosted and sponsored events in both Southeast and Central Alabama to help business owners, that include sessions with the Small Business Administration as well forums to discuss access to grants and other federal funding sources. As we work toward economic recovery, Congressman Bright believes we must do all we can to keep good paying jobs here in the Second District- in the Wiregrass and River Region. We are blessed in Alabama to have some of the most dedicated, innovative workers in the world and just as he did as Mayor of Montgomery, Congressman Bright knows that we must maintain a climate that attracts employers to our region. Congressman Bright strongly and vocally opposes the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)- legislation also known as "card check' that would alter current labor law and threatens the sanctity of the secret ballot. Every opportunity for work is critically important to the health of our region and nation and Congressman Bright has developed a reputation for being a relentless advocate for Alabama jobs. Recently, when the US Department of Transportation threatened a peanut ban on commercial aircraft, Congressman Bright dealt directly with Secretary LaHood to prevent heavy-handed government intrusion that would impact one of our most profitable industries.

Whether it is protecting the livelihoods of peanut producers, shellers and manufacturers or fighting for any other job in the Second District of Alabama, Congressman Bright is committed that our workers deserve every opportunity for employment and success.

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