Issue Position: Jobs/Economy

Issue Position

In two separate June 2010 studies by Time Magazine and CNN-Money.com our region is leading the nation's economic recovery in several key sectors, including personal expendable income, housing and jobs. Mike's hard work and vision is paying off for us.

He has said many times that it's not the government's job to create jobs, it's the government's responsibility to create an environment where business can thrive which, in turn, vitalizes our economy and creates jobs.

Mike is fighting for immediate action in response to China's manipulation of their currency and unfair trade practices which affects upstate New York manufacturers. Joining his colleagues in the House, Mike sent a letter in March to U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke urging immediate action and he co-sponsored the Fair Trade Act to enforce it. In December he protested use of stimulus bill monies being used to buy Chinese made wind turbines for a Texas wind farm.

Through the American Recovery and Restoration Act, Mike has ensured that millions of dollars have flowed into the district to revitalize our communities and businesses. But he also again broke with party lines to vote against Cap and Trade, a bill that would hurt our manufacturers, potentially costing jobs.

In June Mike voted for the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to end the "too big to fail" taxpayer funded bailouts and protect consumers from predatory lending and inject transparency into our financial system to help prevent another crisis.

Protecting our existing business base has been paramount to Mike. He fought to keep defense items in federal budgets for Unison, saving jobs. His stand against currency manipulation is keeping the playing field even for companies like Nucor Steel, Guardian Glass and Revere Copper. He crossed the aisles to help successfully amend state laws that would allow Remington Arms to compete for additional federal contracts, not only saving jobs at Ilon, but adding to date over 200 positions. And his diligence in helping our farm and dairy producers, has among other things, generated new sources of income and funded construction of grape genetics research center in Geneva, adding jobs and R & D capabilities to that growing industry.

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