For several months, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke has joined the House of Representatives in passing a host of bills that would create jobs and stimulate the economy which has been stymied in the U.S. Senate by a slate of Republican Senators. We must urge Republican Senators to stop blocking important legislation that would propel America’s economic recovery and put New York back to work.

“With New York City’s unemployment rate at 9.6 percent, it makes no sense that Senate Republicans aren’t doing more to help families who are feeling the pinch of tough economic times,” said Rep. Clarke. “New Yorkers need to know what Senate Republicans are doing in Washington and let them know that working families, teachers and small businesses desperately need relief.”

While the national economy has shown signs of improvement recently, the current pace of job creation is evidence that government action is needed to further stimulate our economy, particularly for our small businesses. Small businesses represent 99.7% of all employer firms, employ about half of all private sector employees and pay nearly 45% of the U.S. private payroll.

“As a Member of the House Small Business Committee, I find it unfortunate that Senate Republicans have decided to block critical legislation that would help restore the flow of credit to enable small businesses to expand and hire new workers by extending small business loan programs,” stated Congresswoman Clarke. “It is imperative that we provide small businesses with the resources they need to bring our economy from the brink. Democrats are the party of small business and have been consistently supporting and recognizing that small businesses are the engine of our economy! I am troubled that my Republican colleagues are putting ideology ahead of job creation. My Democratic colleagues and I will continue to support policies for small business and job growth.”

Other provisions being blocked by Senate Republicans would:

• Provide important tax cuts to put money back in the pockets of working families;
• Expand career training programs for Americans who are looking for work;
• Extend eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own;
• Ensure that seniors, military service members and Americans with disabilities continue to have access to doctors they know and trust; and
• Close tax loopholes for wealthy investment fund managers and foreign operations of multi-national companies.

“It is time for us as a community, state and nation to hold Senate Republicans accountable for blocking legislation that would help create jobs and aid economic growth. The time is now for the Senate to pass legislation that will create jobs,” concluded Rep. Yvette D. Clarke.

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