The Facts: President Barack Obama unveiled his American Jobs Act at the Joint Session of Congress Sept. 8. Being true to his word, he is taking it across the nation to garner support.
Our Opinion: The bill appeals to both sides and has the potential to spring us out of this recession. Instead of complaining why the bill doesn’t fit on their side of party lines, Congress should do what they were elected to do— represent.
President Barack Obama is keeping his promise he made to Congress at the Sept. 8 Joint Session to “take [the American Jobs Act’s] message to every corner of this country.” By coming to N.C . State, Obama is attempting to gain support for his American Jobs Act, so those who agree will lift up their voices to their representatives in Congress to have the bill passed.
The bill is aimed at creating and increasing jobs for Americans, while not adding to the embarrassing $1 trillion deficit. While many politicians on both sides have argued in opposition to the bill, Obama is escaping the comfort of the Oval Office and is taking his work on the road with him. Speaking to diverse audiences all across the nation, Obama addresses the bill as a way to “put more people back to work and more money in the pockets of those who are working.”
For years our economy has been in a recession, with the future looking dimmer by the day. Obama’s last attempt to stimulate the economy resulted in an even worse spiral into recession. However, with the American Jobs Act, payroll taxes are cut in half and tax breaks for companies who hire new workers are put forward. This would allow more small businesses to emerge and allow more opportunities for unemployed citizens to fill new positions.
As college students with a bleak chance of employment upon graduation, the bill will make it easier for small businesses to hire students right out of school. The impact of such a bill has the potential to heave our economy from this state of recession, which will empower businesses to increase new hires and provide the optimal products and services for consumers, only if it gains the required support.
The goals of the bill appeal to both sides, liberal and conservative; however, if neither side gives the bill the chance it deserves, we will not know if it will succeed or fail. Since Congress kicked the can down the hill when they had the chance to pull America out of its economic downturn, they should put aside their differences and support this attempt to pick up the chips where they allowed them to fall.
As students and voting citizens, it is our responsibility to ensure our representatives understand what we want. As Obama speaks on the American Jobs Act, demonstrate the power of the people by choosing a stance and supporting it by lifting up your voices to your representatives. If we ever want to have a glimmer of hope for a decent job upon graduation, we should take the future into our own hands by forcing Congress’ hand.
As Obama suggested to Congress in his Joint Session address, “it’s time for us to do what’s right for our future.” As N.C . State students, as well as the generation of the future, Congress must do what is best for us, their constituents. Congress should put aside their donkeys and elephants in the room and support any plan aimed to serve the people.
