President Barack Obama pressed for passage of his jobs bill, promising a boost in the economy in exchange for higher taxes on the wealthy.
“Right now, Congress can pass a set of common-sense jobs proposals that independent economists tell us will boost the economy right away,” he said in his weekly Internet address on Saturday. “Proposals that will put more teachers, veterans, construction workers and first responders back on the job. Proposals that will cut taxes for virtually every middle class family and small business in America. These are the same kinds of proposals that both Democrats and Republicans have supported in the past. And they should stop playing politics and act on them now.”
Obama noted that the cost of the jobs bill would be offset through higher taxes on the well-to-do.
“These jobs proposals are also paid for by asking folks who are making more than a million dollars a year to contribute a little more in taxes,” he said. “These are the same folks who have seen their incomes go up so much, and I believe this is a contribution they’re willing to make. One survey found that nearly 7 in 10 millionaires are willing to step up and pay a little more in order to help the economy.”
Obama added that if Congress did not act, he would continue to use executive actions such as the ones he employed earlier in the week when he announced efforts to help borrowers with student loan and mortgage debt.
“These steps will make a difference,” he said. “But they won’t take the place of the bold action we need from Congress to get this economy moving again. That’s why I need all of you to make your voices heard. Tell Congress to stop playing politics and start taking action on jobs.”
