From my friends at Working America:
September 8, 2011Working America Statement on President Obama’s Jobs Plan
The President laid out some proposals tonight that represent a starting point for reversing the devastating jobs crisis that our nation continues to endure. But if we are to truly dig ourselves out of this hole, we have much more work ahead of us.
We recently asked a sampling of our 3 million members what they wanted President Obama to say in his speech tonight. Fifty-six percent said they wanted to see job creation through direct investment in infrastructure or an end to outsourcing – including raising taxes corporations that send jobs overseas. Thirty-one percent said they wanted good jobs, job training and an affordable education.
Now that the President has spoken, it is time for Congress to stop sitting on the sidelines. In 2010, this Congress was sent to Washington on a promise to focus on jobs, but they’ve failed utterly to live up to that pledge.
We need legislation to end tax subsidies to corporations that hoard their wealth or outsource jobs. We need infrastructure investment to rebuild our schools, roads, crumbling bridges and energy systems. We need to commit to reviving U.S. manufacturing and put the brand name “America” back on labels. We need to help state and local governments avoid more layoffs public service cuts that devastate communities. We need rigorous reform of Wall Street, which has too long used the American worker as their personal ATM machine.
We need proposals similar to Rep. George Miller’s “Local Jobs for America Act” or Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s “Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream Act” – jobs that pay competitive wages and target distressed communities.
Our 3 million members want action now, and it’s up to Congress to make it happen.
Contact State Director Fran Brennan at (734) 276-0479
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Working America, the fastest-growing organization for working families, has 3 million members who fight for good jobs and a just economy.
Download the press release HERE (pdf)
