Published 13 Oct, 2011
In an effort to bring both chambers of Congress to a consensus and make an immediate shift in the economy for those on Main Street, President Obama introduced his proposal, the American Jobs Act.
House Republicans have made progress very difficult, pushing a host of demands and expectations with legislation they consider. They say they want deficit cuts, tax cuts, protections for small businesses, incentives so big business will hire, means to address our transportation and infrastructure, and the ability to pay for every proposal.
Interestingly enough, the American Jobs Act made the effort to address all of these needs and more. The entire cost of the bill is $447 billion, the Congressional Budget Office scored the Senate version of the bill and revealed that it will produce $453 billion in revenue, and reduce the deficit by $6 billion over the next decade. In tax cuts, the plan showed payroll taxes being cut in half, a payroll tax holiday, tax cuts to small businesses and an immediate end to tax loopholes for the wealthiest among us. The bill outlined incentives to businesses that hire veterans, the unemployed and long-term unemployed. The proposal allocated funding to prevent layoffs of teachers, firefighters, and police. And it also includes funding to rebuild our infrastructure and transportation—including transit operating assistance, and house foreclosure relief.
Since his September 8 speech to Congress, in town halls, conference speeches, small meetings and in the bully-pulpit, President Obama has touted not only the call to pass this bill, but that the American people become knowledgeable about the bill, how it immediately affects them and how it advocates on their behalf.
Despite the president’s efforts, on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, and presented primarily as a political statement, the Senate voted 50-49 against the American Jobs Act forcing the slight possibility of there being a piecemeal of the original plan at a later date.
It is clear that the demand for most Americans in this country is for jobs. That call cannot be ignored, and Congress will have to give an answer sooner rather than later.
Take a look at the American Jobs Act and the fact sheets in its entirety here.