Putting Americans back to work

More than 7 million jobs have been lost in the last three years and over 3 million of those jobs have been lost since the President signed the so-called stimulus plan into law last year.  Unfortunately, these are numbers that the American people are all too familiar with and yet the Congress continues to pursue an agenda that will further threaten American job creators.  While Americans are asking “Where are the jobs?”, the Majority in Congress continues to demonstrate that they do not understand the priorities of our constituents or appreciate how private sector jobs are created.

It is clear: the policies of higher taxes, runaway spending, government takeovers and record debt which have become commonplace in Washington these days are having a chilling effect on the nation’s small businesses, the economic engine of our economy.  From the so-called stimulus bill to the government takeover of our health care system and the threat of higher taxes and massive deficit spending, these policies have failed to promote robust private sector job creation.

As a member of the House Republican Economic Recovery Solutions Group, I am committed to finding real solutions to address our nation’s unemployment crisis.  The first thing we must do is rein in skyrocketing deficit spending that discourages investment and threatens to bankrupt our nation.  This will strengthen the dollar, control inflation and hold down interest rates, which affect the affordability of loans for our small businesses.  That’s why I have introduced bipartisan legislation that would amend the U.S. Constitution to force Congress to balance the federal budget.  Second, Congress must focus on policies that allow individuals and businesses to keep more of their hard-earned tax dollars.  It is common-sense that you should not raise costs and taxes on employers at a time when unemployment is at record levels.  Finally, Congress must get out of the way and let American entrepreneurial genius lead the way to job creation and prosperity. 

I want to take this opportunity to invite folks from across the Sixth Congressional District to my upcoming job fair which will be held on Friday, April 30th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Convocation Center located on the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg.  This event is free and open to everyone.  No advance registration is required for job seekers. Area businesses and corporations who are hiring and would like to participate in my job fair should contact one of my offices. We currently have over 35 businesses that will be on hand to meet with job seekers. They will be looking to hire full and part time workers.  This event should be a great opportunity to match local businesses that are in need of qualified workers with those individuals who are looking for work.  To get more information about my upcoming job fair or any other matter, please visit my website at www.goodlatte.house.gov.