Washington’s Band-Aid Fixes offer Little Help to Weak Economy

Washington's Band-Aid Fixes offer Little Help to Weak Economy
Solution to Income inequality lies on job creation for all skill-sets

 
(Washington, D.C.) – With the economy continuing to experience slow growth, and millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet, some in Washington are pushing for new regulations and new borrowing that they argue will help some workers. The Senate today moved forward an extension of unemployment benefits to allow the unemployed to receive up to 47 weeks of assistance in addition to the 26 weeks permanently provided by law. At a cost of $6.4 billion, the proposed three month extension of benefits would add to the $17 trillion federal debt. Some in Washington are also proposing an increase in the federal minimum wage, which has been found to cause job loss among low-skilled workers.
 
Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative released the following statement:
 
"The President mentioned today that we must do the 'right thing' – but continued reckless 'Band-aid' government fixes to our economic woes are – at the very least – a means to distract Americans from continued poor economic growth and a disastrous health care law rollout. You cannot cover up the truth. Unemployment in the U.S. has been above 7 percent for 60 consecutive months and this Administration and others in Washington look to taking on more debt and taxing the middle class as valid solutions each and every time. The fact is, when Washington demands greater control over the economy, it winds up stifling jobs and economic growth. Government needs to get out of the way of job creation.

Washington is intent on trying to pick winners and losers.The last thing American workers need is more government regulations that make it harder for entrepreneurs to hire and grow. Washington politicians need to focus on cutting spending, lifting the debt burden we are passing on to our children, and restraining the unnecessary rules and red tape that keep small businesses small. It is far past time for leadership on an agenda that will grow the economy, create jobs and improve wages for millions of hard-working Americans. This will take more than partisan speeches; it means sitting down and working across the aisle on plans that will actually work – for all Americans."

For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Judy Pino, 202-578-6424 or Brian Faughnan, 571-257-3309.