Issue Position: Economy and Jobs

Issue Position

My number one priority is to create jobs.

Today, more than ever in recent times, families are struggling. While our economy has turned back from the brink and is showing signs of growth, much work needs to be done to address persistent unemployment.

Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is largely credited with preventing a second Great Depression. The Recovery Act directs funds to cities, states, non-profits and companies to make critical investments to keep jobs and put people to work.

Congress continues to work on legislation to help create jobs, including efforts to help small businesses expand and get access to credit and help state and local governments rebuild schools and public hospitals. We have also passed legislation to extend the summer jobs program for America's youth, who have been called upon to help cushion family budgets during this recession.

To ensure that our economy will continue to rebound, we must look forward and lay the groundwork so that that America leads in the 21st Century economy. This includes a comprehensive clean energy policy that will create jobs at home that can not be outsourced. It includes high-speed rail that will connect our cities and our people. Our country's investment in high-speed rail has helped to bring a train-car manufacturer and jobs to Milwaukee. I have worked to secure funding for innovative battery research that has created local jobs and university research that will bring construction and full-time research positions to create power from renewable resources.

I am a strong supporter of legislation that would create millions of community jobs and help ensure that cities and towns can continue to operate essential services.

And since we understand that families are struggling, Congress has passed major tax relief for working families. We passed the broadest tax cut in history that goes to 95 percent of America's families.

I also worked to secure $3 billion to help unemployed homeowners and their families stay in their homes. The funding would be provided as low-interest loans to help prevent foreclosure. We have also worked to strengthen unemployment benefits during the recession to help keep families afloat.

Milwaukee's workforce is among the best in the nation. And standing up for our workers is important to make sure that everyone benefits from economic recovery, not just CEOs.

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