LA Mayor Backs 'Common Sense' Jobless Benefits Extension In DC
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A panel of mayors from across the nation led by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called for increased federal investment on Friday to create millions of new jobs.
KNX 1070's Ron Kilgore reports the U.S. Conference of Mayors wants lawmakers in Washington to give up what it calls political posturing and create jobs for 14 million unemployed Americans.
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The group released what it calls "A Common Sense Jobs Agenda" calling for the U.S. to invest in national infrastructure, small businesses and manufacturing, along with moves to boost tourism.
The mayor had particularly urgent words for lawmakers in D.C., who are set to return from their summer recess next week.
"Congress can save 1 million jobs by simply extending unemployment for 7.3 million jobless Americans, they could extend the payroll tax cut, and a tax cut for employers on new hires," said Villaraigosa.
The conference comes ahead of a speech on job creation by President Barack Obama scheduled for Thursday
The massive transportation bill — known as the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, or SAFETEA-LU — funds highway and bridge repairs as well as new public transit, bike and pedestrian infrastructure. The bill was last approved in 2005.
A new version includes a federal loan program Villaraigosa has aggressively lobbied lawmakers to support on at least seven trips to Washington, D.C. His so-called America Fast Forward plan would provide federal
loans and loan guarantees to cities that demonstrate local investment in transportation infrastructure.
Without an extension or a new bill, federal transportation spending will expire Sept. 30.
The mayors' plan calls for an extension of the payroll tax and the addition of a new tax cut for employers that hire new workers.
The proposal calls for reforming the nation's visa program, which the mayors argue would allow one million more tourists to visit the U.S., creating 1.3 million jobs.
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