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Florida mayors call on Congress to pass Obama’s jobs act

Posted Oct 11, 2011 by Christian M. Wade

Updated Oct 11, 2011 at 11:11 AM

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is among 25 Florida mayors who have signed a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to approve President Barack Obama’s jobs bill.

Obama has been waging a campaign-style effort seeking to rally public support behind the $447 billion measure, which will be the subject of a Senate vote Tuesday. The plan combines payroll tax cuts for workers and businesses with $175 billion in spending on roads, school repairs and other infrastructure, as well as unemployment assistance and help to local governments to avoid layoffs of teachers, firefighters and police officers.

Unlike the controversial deficit-financed $800 million stimlus bill passed in 2009, the jobs measure would be paid for by a 5.6 percent surcharge on income exceeding $1 million that raises more than $450 billion over a decade.

Not surprizingly, all of the Florida mayors who signed the letter are Democrats.

Here’s a copy of the letter, courtesy of the White House press office:

As the Mayors of cities and towns in Florida, we represent a large number of Americans struggling in this economy. With Florida’s unemployment at 10.7%, we see firsthand the foreclosed homes, the shuttered businesses, and the crumbling infrastructure in our communities. Far too often, we speak with citizens who have been laid off and are desperately searching for new jobs.

We cannot wait any longer. It is time for Congress to act now by passing the jobs plan.

This critical legislation will help create jobs for construction workers, teachers, first responders, veterans, and the long-term unemployed. It reduces taxes for small businesses that hire new workers, modernizes our schools, and makes critical investments in our transportation infrastructure.

This should not be a partisan issue. As the President has mentioned, the proposals in the jobs plan have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans. The targeted investments in transportation, job training, public schools, and public safety will foster a robust, long-term financial recovery for our cities and the nation as a whole.

The rhetoric and inaction must come to an end. Our nation has a cherished history of rising to challenges and conquering them with determined resolve. It is time for us to follow in that tradition. On behalf of our citizens, we urge you to pass the jobs plan now.