Issue Position: Jobs and Economy

Issue Position

Creating long-term job growth in Michigan is my top priority in Congress. With Michigan having one the highest unemployment rates in the nation, it is critical to increase both Michigan's and America's global competitiveness in order to ensure that there are good paying, high-skilled jobs. I believe that taking the following practical steps will help us create long-term economic growth:

Reduce Tax Burden
America needs to distance itself from a tax system that seeks to raise taxes on hard-working American families and job-creators. We need a comprehensive tax reform to make our tax code simpler, fairer and encourage investment for a healthy economy. Independent economists estimate that, when coupled with reduced federal spending, comprehensive tax reform could lead to the creation of 1 million jobs in the first year alone. I support the bipartisan efforts to get this accomplished.

Replace the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)
Please know I will continue to strongly support legislation that aims to replace PPACA, or better known as Obamacare, with more effective solutions that promote consumer choice, decrease health care costs and improve access to care. In July 2013 I agreed to co-sponsor H.R. 2300 the Empowering Patients First Act, which would repeal PPACA and replace it with patient-centered solutions that promote consumer choice, decrease health care costs and improve access to care. To view a list of actions Congress has already taken to date to repeal the heath care law, please visit here.

Reduce Harmful Regulations
While some government regulations are important, excessive federal regulation stifles our nations' job creators by creating an uncertain business climate. Eliminating these burdensome regulations will encourage increased investment and new hiring. The first step Congress can take in fighting harmful regulations is to identify and eliminate current and pending regulations that hinder economic growth, while requiring Congressional review of any new regulations that will significantly impact our economy. In August 2013 I voted in support of H.R. 367, the Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act which requires Congressional approval of regulations that cost over $100 million.

Research and Development
Michigan's economic turnaround depends on manufacturers innovating, growing and expanding. That's why I have supported extending the Research and Development tax credit so we can keep high-tech, high-paying jobs in Michigan and encourage further investment.

Trade
We need to develop trade policies that are free, fair and enforce trade laws that keep our trading partners accountable.

Reduce Government Spending
With record deficits and a high unemployment rate, we need to begin spending federal dollars like a responsible American family or business. Every federal dollar that is saved now is a dollar that is not borrowed and owed by future generations in the form of higher taxes and interest payments. In March 2013 I voted to reduce the deficit by $4.6 trillion over the next decade and balance the budget in 10 years.

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