Republicans Are at the Root of our Recovery’s Failings

Last month, 44 states saw their unemployment rates rise. Just two saw decreases.

Disappointing unemployment figures have quickly become the norm in America. Lawmakers should be banding together and passing creative legislative solutions.

Obviously, this hasn’t happened yet — and not for lack of effort from Democrats.

President Obama has made it explicitly clear that he wants American companies to cease outsourcing jobs to other countries.

Yet, the GOP keeps standing in his way. Last month, Senate Republicans filibustered the Bring Jobs Home Act, which would have incentivized American corporations to create jobs domestically.

The GOP also opposed the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, voting 1,521 to 9 against creating jobs.

Clearly, Republicans have other priorities than fixing the unemployment crisis, like extending tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. Their record of stalling and insensitivity should cost them heavily in November.

Fortunately, the President hasn’t given up. Specifically, he’s recognized the importance of young people gaining professional experience.  The White House and the Department of Labor recently launched the Summer Jobs + initiative, providing 300,000 American youths with summer jobs.

What’s most impressive about the program is that these young people were not just waiting tables or lifeguarding. Many landed positions at prominent companies and government agencies.

What have Republicans done to help these young professionals establish a solid financial future?

Nothing at all.

Come November, let’s remember who’s actually trying to improve the employment situation in this country and who has left workers out in the cold. Be sure to join our new effort: Bee Mad @ the GOP! We’ve committed ourselves to pointing out the many ways that Republicans are failing working Americans.