| As Democrats continue working to create jobs, we are encouraged by recent positive economic news. Last week’s jobs report showed the most jobs added in four years and a report out this week showed that new claims for unemployment benefits dropped. At the same time, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that American families paid lower taxes in 2009 than any year since 1950, due in large part to the tax cuts included in the Recovery Act. While we welcome this economic progress and see this news as encouraging, Democrats understand that we still have a long way to go, and we will keep fighting for the middle class.
While the economy remains Democrats’ top priority, we are also fighting to ensure that the benefits included in the new health insurance reform quickly reach the middle-class. This week, the Department of Health and Human Services announced major progress to allow parents to keep their kids on their plans until age 26. All major insurers are ready to comply with this benefit immediately, and the Administration is working with employers to do the same. Other implemented benefits include health care tax cuts for small businesses and an end to insurance companies dropping coverage when you get sick. Starting in June, high-risk pools will make insurance available to people with pre-existing conditions, retirees in the Medicare prescription drug donut hole will begin receiving help, and employers providing coverage to early retirees will be eligible for assistance. For the latest news on health insurance reform benefits, visit www.healthreform.gov.
Next week, the House will consider legislation to create and save American jobs, prevent outsourcing and close tax loopholes to promote job creation here at home, enforce corporate accountability in cases such as the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, provide tax relief to the middle-class, and ensure access to the doctor of your choice for seniors, military and veterans, and people with disabilities. We will also complete action on jobs legislation that Republicans blocked with a cynical, political gimmick. The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, creates jobs and strengthens our national economic competitiveness through investments in research and development, as well as science, technology, engineering and math education. I hope when I bring it back to the Floor next week, Republicans will stop playing gimmicks to score points for the next election and instead work with us to create jobs and help the middle class by passing this legislation.
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