GETTING OUR ECONOMY PUMPING

People all over the country are hurting from the global recession.  However, Michigan families have undoubtedly been hit the hardest.  Most of us can remember when Michigan’s economy was the envy of the world – and the truth is that we have the brains and the muscle to make that happen again.

So I understand the frustration.  People look to Washington, and they see bickering and point-scoring in Congress.  I believe the Obama administration has many good ideas about the economy – and so do folks on the Republican side.  That is why, in Congress, I will put all my energy into working with both sides to take the practical steps we need to get Michigan revved up again.

Help for businesses and homeowners

When the banks were on the brink of collapse, American taxpayers stepped in and brought them back.  Most have paid the money back – but we expect more. I believe it is high time for the banks to do the responsible thing and begin lending again, to businesses large and small.

And when it comes to people’s homes, foreclosures are a disaster for entire communities.  That is why in Congress I will step up pressure on the banks to work with homeowners and to modify loans to give Michigan families a break in these difficult times.

It is without question that Wall Street financial institutions took unnecessary risks in hopes of high returns.  This irresponsibility nearly destroyed our economy.  And now that the American taxpayers have made them whole, we must not allow banks to go back to business as usual.  I am calling for tougher financial reforms to stop reckless behavior, protect consumers, and make sure Michigan families don’t get wiped out again.

Jobs

Years ago, the people who made Michigan into a manufacturing miracle thought big.  They knew that you can’t grow jobs and profits just by cutting – you need to invest.  You need to have a plan.  To keep business here and bring new ones in, Michigan needs a big plan to renovate our infrastructure.  In Congress I will push for Washington’s support for rebuilding our roads and railways, water and sanitations systems, and our grids for energy and communication.  These projects produce jobs now, and will produce big results later.

Commonsense budget

We owe it to our children not to leave them with a crippling debt.  That is why I back a thorough audit of every department and program within our government to make the ones that work more efficient, and eliminate the ones that do not work or outdated.  Once jobs return and the economy begins to pick up steam, we must move to institute the “pay as you go” measure.  We must make every effort to control spending.  Simply put, for every dollar that the U.S. Government spends, that dollar must be offset with cuts.  If our families can tighten their belts to properly manage their finances and balance their budgets, so too can our federal government.