Wicker: Strong Economy Helping Produce Mississippi Jobs

WICKER: STRONG ECONOMY HELPING PRODUCE MISSISSIPPI JOBS
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker

02/13/06

The Department of Labor recently reported that 193,000 jobs were created in January -- yet another sign that our economy is strong. The pro-growth policies promoted by the President and enacted by Congress are working to boost economic opportunities in Mississippi and across the country.

The statistics on job creation are the latest in a long list of positive indicators showing that our economy continues to surge. The unemployment rate of 4.7 percent is at its lowest level since 2001, and the consumer confidence index is at its highest point in three years. Retail sales are up, and construction spending is at an all-time high.

Tax relief for individuals, families, and businesses has been a primary factor in fueling this dramatic growth. A smaller tax bite has provided American families with more disposable income and allowed businesses to expand operations.

NEW JOBS IN NORTH MISS.

I was in West Point recently for the announcement that Byhalia-based Griffin, Inc. would team with International Truck and Engine Corp. to build armored vehicles for the military. The plant will initially hire 175 people. American Eurocopter in Lowndes County already employs 116 people to build helicopters and could more than double the workload if it secures a U.S. Army contract this year. Construction is also under way on the Severcorr steel plant at the Golden Triangle Airport. The facility will employ more than 400 workers.

Several other aerospace and defense firms have announced plans to build facilities in north Mississippi in recent weeks. They join an impressive group of high-tech companies already doing business in our region. The nation's healthy economy and the favorable business climate in our state have been key factors in this development. Our Congressional delegation has also worked with these companies to produce jobs and greater economic opportunities, but there is more to be done. Our goal is to continue pursuing initiatives to bring more and better-paying jobs to communities throughout north Mississippi.

RESEARCH PRODUCING JOBS

Sens. Cochran, Lott, and I have been successful in providing valuable research funding for wide-ranging projects at the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University. These initiatives have already produced spin-off business ventures that are creating jobs in our state.

Transportation improvements under way in Mississippi also offer the potential for continued economic development. Construction on the new Interstate 69, and improvements to Interstate 55 will be a boost for northwest Mississippi. Work continues on Highway 6 four-laning in Pontotoc and Lee Counties as well as the Highway 45 bypass in Columbus. Our work in securing interstate designation for Highway 78/Interstate 22 will open up new opportunities from the Alabama state line to the Mississippi River.

Our task in the coming months is to keep up the momentum that produced such positive economic news. That includes making permanent a number of expiring tax cuts and continuing to promote initiatives to help individuals, families, and businesses keep our economic engine running smoothly.

http://www.house.gov/wicker/Economy.htm