Washington, D.C. –Today, Congresswoman Sewell (D-AL) issued the following statement after President Obama presented his jobs plan:

“Tonight, President Obama unveiled his plan to stimulate job growth and put Americans back to work. I was pleased to hear his ideas for stimulating economic growth, job creation and global demand for American goods and services. America’s workers need a comprehensive approach, and I believe the President’s plan will make strategic investments to stimulate job creation and strengthen economic development. It is now up to Congress to act responsibly on behalf of the constituents who sent us here to represent them.

While progress has been made in turning our economy around, much more must be done to help create jobs.  I believe the President outlined a bold aggressive plan to promote job growth.  I agree that we must create incentives for businesses to hire new employees, and put Americans back to work rebuilding our nation’s roads, bridges and infrastructure for future generations. We must make bold and wise investments in small businesses, infrastructure, education, workforce training and green manufacturing jobs so that we can grow our economy and expand American competitiveness in global markets.  I am pleased that the President’s plan focuses on both urban and rural communities.  It also focuses on incentives for small businesses, infrastructure projects, tax reforms, and new innovative projects that extend broadband and other technologies to rural communities to foster their economic growth.

I support extending jobless benefits for hardworking Americans who lost their job due to the economic downturn and through no fault of their own so that they can provide for their families. This plan will also help provide training to help put them back to work and create incentives for business to hire again.  Reducing payroll taxes will also allow workers to keep more of their hard earned paychecks.  When American workers are given the opportunity to share in the prosperity they help create, they rebuild the middle class and our country's economy.

I look forward to immediately working closely with the administration and my colleagues in Congress on this plan so that we can strengthen our economy, create jobs and reduce the deficit.  I will continue to fight for hard-working Alabamians and Americans by working to strengthen economic development, create jobs and ensure that America's businesses compete on an equal playing field. ”

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Contact: Allison Abney; (202) 225-2665; Allison.abney@mail.house.gov