Issue Position: Economy and Jobs

Issue Position

Economy And Jobs

As our nation continues to recover from the most devastating economic downturn in decades, I'm working diligently in Congress to confront the issue of turning our economy around and creating jobs for American workers. Although we must keep in mind our nation's deficit, our focus cannot remain on fiscal austerity at the expense of legislation and policy that will contribute to growth.

American Jobs Act

Based on what we know now, the recession hit much deeper and did far more damage than we originally assumed. That's why I support the efforts of the President to encourage job creation via the American Jobs Act, which builds upon the earlier work of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This legislation would:

* Cut payroll taxes for small businesses, targeting the companies that need assistance and truly contribute to job creation;
* Eliminate payroll taxes for small businesses with payroll increases under $50 million who add workers or increase wages of current employees;
* Modernize schools across the country, directly creating jobs and giving our students the opportunity to get the education they deserve;
* Make immediate investment in infrastructure;
* Provide job training or volunteer opportunities for unemployed Americans, helping them build their experience and find new jobs;
* And increase low income youth job opportunities through summer jobs programs.

Make It In America

In addition to the President's proposal, I avidly support House Democrats agenda to help American families to Make it in America. Along those lines, I've become a co-sponsor of a variety of legislation including:

* H.R. 1366, The National Manufacturing Strategy Act, which directs the President work with industry, labor leaders, and other stakeholders to increase manufacturing on a national scale
* H.R. 402, The National Infrastructure Development Bank Act of 2011, which establishes a government corporation to facilitate efficient investments in and financing of projects like energy delivery systems and modern portsFinding ways to create employment opportunities, and get America back to work is the surest way to fix our economy and solve the nation's deficit problems. I firmly believe jobs should be a focus of this Congress.

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