Issue Position: Jobs and the Economy

Issue Position

Utahns want good jobs and a bright future. We are now beginning to see signs of a recovery from the worst economic downturn since the end of World War II. Unemployment numbers are still too high. Trouble in the housing market and tight credit markets for small businesses create uncertainty and pain for many Utah families.

While the federal government cannot and should not run the economy, I support responsible action to help, such as offering a lifeline to deserving homeowners who face foreclosure and the "Cash for Clunkers" program which helped folks dump their old gas-guzzling models for more energy-efficient ones.

I supported federal recovery legislation as a way to cut taxes, jolt the economy and save and create jobs. Tax cuts have helped put more money in the pockets of 95% of working Utahns every week. Tax relief provisions helped promote investment by Utah small businesses. Finally, extending unemployment benefits and lowering the cost of keeping health insurance helped out-of-work Utahns pay bills, keep their health insurance and put immediate money into the hands of local stores.

Looking ahead, I want to streamline government budgets, rein in spending and ensure that the government learns to live within its means. A good first step was action by the House of Representatives to reinstate budget enforcement rules known as pay-as-you-go.

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