Plummer Releases Next Point in His Jobs Plan

Statement

Jason Plummer, Republican Nominee for Illinois' 12th Congressional District, released the latest proposal in his 12-point jobs plan today.

The seventh point in Plummer's jobs plan focuses on his pledge to grow and protect Scott Air Force Base and to fight the looming sequestration cuts that could potentially devastate the base, our national security, and the Southern Illinois economy.

"Protecting and maintaining Scott's role in Southern Illinois is of the utmost importance," Plummer said. "The base is the largest employer in Southern Illinois and has an annual economic impact of more than $3 billion. Not only does Scott provide a boost to our local economy, but it plays a crucial role in our nation's defense.

However, Scott Air Force Base and the Department of Defense could face steep cuts due to partisan gridlock. Unless Congress can agree to $1 trillion in budget cuts over the next decade, $500 billion will be arbitrarily cut from the Department of Defense budget. This would be catastrophic our local economy and national defense.

"It's inexcusable that our national defense will bear the brunt of our political leaders not being able to work together," Plummer said. "Estimates have shown that sequestration would lead to the loss of more than 1 million private sector jobs and more than 350,000 military personnel being laid off.

"We live in a dangerous world, and now is not the time to be making indiscriminate cuts to our national defense," Plummer said. "In Congress, I will work with legislators on both sides of the aisle to make sure our military is properly funded and that political games do not jeopardize our freedom and security."

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