Economy
Restoring our economy and allowing job creation to happen should be our first priority in this Congress.
Restoring our economy and growing jobs must be our first priority in this 112th Congress. Too many citizens in Pinellas County and throughout America have lost their job through no fault of their own.
In this legislative session, the House of Representatives has been focused on creating an environment where American businesses and job creators can succeed. We have sent legislation to the Senate that would introduce certainty into the economy by ensuring stable fiscal, regulatory, and tax policies. We passed a responsible budget, a task the Senate has not even attempted in more than two years. We voted to stop regulations that would impose a massive energy tax. We passed a measure to stop the National Labor Relations Board from telling American companies where they can invest and create jobs in this country. Instead of unnecessarily restricting domestic energy production, we have passed four separate bills to allow the energy we use to be made right here in America by American workers. We have signed into law a repeal of unfair tax requirements that were included in the healthcare reform bill and have begun the process of enacting comprehensive, permanent, revenue-neutral tax reform. These are just some of the clear examples of our commitment to doing what it takes to allow our economy to recover.
We know what does not help: wasteful government “stimulus” spending, crushing government regulations issued by unelected bureaucrats, and burdensome government taxes on job creators.
The government’s responsibility is to create the atmosphere in which the engines of our economy can thrive and succeed. Small businesses are our best innovators and job creators. Congressman Young is proud to have received the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business and the Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence from the National Association of Manufacturers.
With our national debt rising to record high levels, it is imperative that we begin to cut out of control government spending which is suffocating growth. In 2010, the Congress didn’t even consider a budget, a basic responsibility of every small business and family. One of the most effective ways to restore confidence in our economy is to begin to tackle our debt. That is why Congressman Young balanced the budget when he was Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, the last time we actually spent what we could afford.
Whether it is President Obama’s healthcare mandates, job killing Cap and Trade, or numeric nutrient standards that will cost Florida billions, regulatory overreach by unelected bureaucrats is making it more costly to invest in America. In just the first two years of his administration, President Obama has issued 121 major regulations that will have an annual effect on the economy exceeding $100 million. Another 219 are in the process of being promulgated. At a time when we should be making it easier for small businesses, these regulations are driving up costs and holding back private-sector job creation.
The U.S. business tax rate is the 29th highest out of the 30 largest economies in the world, putting American companies at a competitive disadvantage. Our federal tax code is not only unfair, but far too complicated and unnecessarily complex. It is riddled with countless deductions, credits, and exemptions that distort the market and often only benefit a small number of special interests. It is essential that we in Congress continue to fight for a simpler, fairer, and flatter tax system.
At the same time as we help incentivize job growth, Congressman Young understands how important it is to give those who are unemployed a hand up to get back on their feet. That is why he has voted to extend unemployment benefits for individuals in Pinellas County. You can find more information about unemployment benefits from the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation.
For helpful information for small businesses, please click here.