Dueling statements on today’s jobs report First, from Republican George Allen: “Today’s disappointing jobs report is another reminder that the over-regulating, over-spending policies coming out of Washington continue to diminish opportunities for Americans. Far too many men and women are still looking for work or are underemployed three years after President Obama and Tim Kaine said that their $800 Billion stimulus would ‘jumpstart’ the economy. Chronic unemployment is the result of the failed economic policies of President Obama and Tim Kaine. More spending on bigger government programs is not the answer – the best social program is a job. It’s time for real leadership in Washington that will support pro-job growth policies that empower small businesses and job-creators by lowering tax burdens, reining in regulations, and unleashing America’s plentiful energy resources. As a former railroad worker, current small business owner and cattle farmer said today in patriotic Bedford, ‘I want government to get off my back and out of my pocket.”
Next from Democrat Tim Kaine: “It’s good that private sector jobs have grown for 27 straight months after our nation lost jobs for 25 months. But, growth is too slow and unemployment is too high.
“On the campaign trail, I have shared the Virginia economic lessons I want to take to Washington. In Virginia, we balanced our budget by cutting more than $5 billion in spending with targeted reductions rather than across-the-board cuts. That’s what our nation needs to do. In Virginia, we prioritized infrastructure projects–Rail to Dulles, road expansion, building on university and community college campuses, broadband rollout–to employ people and raise the platform for economic growth. That’s what our nation needs to do. In Virginia, we invested in our businesses and our workforce, making our economy a magnet for talent and earning us Forbes’ rating as the Best State for Business all four years of my Administration. That’s what our nation needs to do. And, we worked together to find common ground on our challenges rather than letting partisan politics gridlock our government or divert us into divisive battles on social issues that only hurt our Commonwealth’s reputation. That’s what our nation needs to do.
“Our leaders should act and Congress has an immediate opportunity. Both Houses have transportation bills that–if enacted–could put more Americans back to work building important projects that will help grow our economy. They should take a few minutes away from non-stop political posturing and pass a transportation bill for the good of the nation.”
Video: Tim Kaine plays harmonica with the Craig Woolard Band in Blacksburg
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