Hawai’i Leaders React to Obama’s Jobs Bill

By Wendy Osher

This sign was posted on the fence of a business in Kahului on Maui, seeks labor help from an unemployed individual. Photo by Wendy Osher.

President Obama presented Congress last night with a plan for economic action, saying his proposed American Jobs Act would create tax cuts while helping to get people back to work.

The $450 billion plan was unveiled before a Joint Session of Congress and includes tax cuts, benefits and incentives.

The plan drew positive response from several Hawai’i leaders including Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) who said the plan has “common-sense ideas” that include, “fixing our aging roads and bridges, getting teachers back into the classroom, helping our veterans, and working to solve our housing crisis.”

“But,” Hirono said, “our families can’t wait much longer to get back to work, they need action now.”

US Senator Daniel K. Akaka reiterated President Obama’s statement that the “political circus” must stop.

He said the proposal would create jobs for local construction workers, public school teachers, and veterans.  Akaka also expressed approval for the tax relief proposal in the plan for small businesses.

“The president’s priorities are our priorities,” said Governor Neil Abercrombie, “creating jobs through modernizing infrastructure and investing in people.”

Gov. Abercrombie said the state is ready and able to take advantage of federal opportunities announced by the president.