Delauro Discusses Legislative Action Plan to Create Jobs, Boost Economy

Press Release

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) held a roundtable discussion today to confer with local business owners, employees, and economic experts about the economic crisis and her plan to create jobs and improve the economy.

"With the economy in such a vulnerable position, nine percent unemployment, and millions of families struggling to keep their homes, we have to do everything in our power to help create jobs -- good, well-paying jobs that cannot be outsourced. But it is clear we must do more. This jobs crisis demands immediate and comprehensive action. And, over the long term, if we want to stay competitive in the global economy, we also have to invest in our crumbling national infrastructure -- roads, bridges, electrical and water grids," said Congresswoman DeLauro.

"To create more good jobs here in America, and to help resolve our long-term infrastructure and manufacturing issues, I have put forward a four-point jobs agenda that addresses short and long-term job growth, a way to save the jobs we already have, and provides critical protections for those who find themselves without a job," she continued. "By making these kinds of smart, targeted investments, we can put America back to work while rebuilding our country, growing our manufacturing capacity, and fueling business innovation."

The Congresswoman's legislative plan includes four bills. Together, these pieces of legislation would create good, well-paying jobs, help to promote and sustain economic growth, and help to support middle class American families:

The National Infrastructure Development Bank Act, which leverages private dollars to build public works projects;

The Manufacturing Reinvestment Account Act, which helps manufacturers to invest in and grow their businesses;

The Layoff Prevention Act, which expands work share programs to help keep American workers on the job;

and the Fair Employment Opportunity Act, which prevents discrimination against currently those who are currently unemployed and applying for work.

Congresswoman DeLauro was joined by economist Ed Deak, Jerry Clupper, Executive Director of the New Haven Manufacturers Association, Jamison Scott of Air Handlers Systems, Don Shubert of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, George Wentworth of the National Employment Law Project, Larry Bingaman of the Regional Water Authority, and other representatives from local businesses and industries.

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