Issue Position: Wilkinson 6-Point Plan for Job Recovery in the US

Issue Position

Americans are struggling through the weakest economic recovery since the Great Depression. After years of over 6% unemployment, it's clear that Washington is failing us.

Anthony Wilkinson is running for U.S. Congress to renew America's promise of opportunity -- and he has the economic blueprint to do it. Anthony's Plan for Jobs is a set of practical, real- world solutions that will jump-start job creation across the country.

1. RESTORE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

-During Frank Pallone's tenure in office, the national debt has increased over fivefold from $2.9 trillion to $17.8 trillion.

-America's debt is larger than the entire U.S. economy and raising taxes to fund out-of-control spending will only stifle job creation.

-Cap spending at no more than a certain percentage of the economy

-Hold the line on controlling spending

-Introduce a balanced budget amendment

-Reform and strengthen Social Security and Medicare.

2. REFORM THE FEDERAL TAX CODE TO MAKE AMERICA COMPETITIVE AGAIN

-Our present outdated tax code discourages work, saving, investment, and job creation. We need fundamental tax reform that lowers rates and eliminates loopholes. Washington should stop picking winners and losers through the tax code and focus on building a tax climate hospitable to growth and job creation.

-Reduce income tax rates for individual and businesses.

-Simplify the federal tax code

-Eliminate the alternative minimum tax on middle families

-Make the Research and Development Tax Credit permanent to encourage long-term business investment

3. REDUCE JOB-KILLING RED TAPE

-Over-regulation now tops the list of "most important problems" faced by small businesses, according to a recent Gallup survey of business owners. Anthony will work to reduce the cost of new regulations, while preserving strong protections for the environment.

-More transparent cost-benefit analysis for every major regulation, with review by an independent third-party entity

-Rein in excessive red tape by advocating "regulatory cost caps" on any new legislation that calls for major new rules

-Enact common-sense reforms to speed up permitting of new projects

4. BUILD A COMPETITIVE WORKFORCE

-With over 90 million Americans not working or underemployed, we must make smarter investments in equipping American workers and empowering them to become the engine of prosperity again.

-A pro-rated share of job training dollars should be block granted, upon application, to states with leaders committed to putting people back to work

-Fund job training programs that prepare workers for good-paying jobs and rewarding careers

-Strengthen "Buy America' requirements for highways andinfrastructure so we support American jobs and rely on Americanmaterial for American projects

5. REPEAL AND REPLACE OBAMACARE

-Top-quality patient care and consumer choice are the bedrock principles that made our health care system the envy of the world. The implementation of Obamacare has already resulted in the loss of both jobs and existing health care insurance coverage.

-Enable health insurance companies to compete across state lines for customers. This will drive down premiums and increase the quality of care.

-Continue to require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions and young adults under their parents' plans

-Repeal the medical device tax, which has increased the cost of treatment and destroyed jobs

6. ENERGIZE AMERICA'S ECONOMY

-Our nation's energy policy is running on empty, and Americans are feeling the pain at the gas pump. President Obama and Frank Pallone have responded to our energy crisis by supporting legislation and regulations that hinder American energy production at the cost of American jobs. America needs a real energy strategy focused on creating jobs, ending our dependence on foreign oil, and reducing fuel prices.

-Open new federal lands -- particularly in the Western United States and in Alaska -- to harness America's abundant energy resources

-Eliminate duplicative permitting requirements, set deadlines, and reduce delays caused by excessive litigation

-Approve the Keystone Pipeline to guarantee that new sources of energy produced in North America are available to U.S. consumers -- not shipped to China

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