THE JOBS ACT:OBAMA'S "NEW DEAL"?

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

I did not vote for President Obama and have had occasion to disagree with much of what he has done during his presidency, especially in the area of cutting military and defense. Tonight, however, I have to say that after listening to the President’s speech to Congress on the new Jobs Act, I agree with him and believe that this Act is a good start to restoring the economy and bringing  jobs to the thousands of Americans who have been put out of work. This $450 billion jobs plan will give an array of tax cuts to small businesses that hire or raise salaries of employees while reforming the corporate tax code and investing in infrastructure projects like rebuilding and repairing schools, bridges and highly traveled roadways. (Too bad it doesn't include the Space Program!)

Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO who was a guest of Michelle Obama at the speech, called on Congress to pass the bill. "The plan announced by the president is only the opening bid," he said. "We expect to see more proposals in the next weeks and months to put America back to work."

Democratic response to the speech was very positive. Republicans agreed with parts of the Act but seem to question that it took nearly 3 years to come up with such an urgent plan, stating that the timing has more to do with the president trying to save his own job. While this may or may not be true, I think we need to look at the plan and decide if it can work, how will it be paid for, and can Democrats and Republicans put their own political agendas aside for the good of the American People!

What do you think? Do you support the plan or is it just a campaign tactic? Am I naïve in believing that Obama’s “New Deal” will help get America back on track?