Senate jobs bill needs less modesty, more cash

From my blog, ThePeoplesView.net:

In the past year, thanks largely to the Recovery Act and other help from Congress in terms of direct infrastructure and other spending, targeted tax cuts and humongous aide to the states, the economy avoided a complete collapse and a second Great Depression. Thanks largely to that kind of spending, the jobs picture has turned around to look like this:

<<jobs chart here (available at link below)>>

So of course, the United States Senate, masters of mediocrity, decides it's time to slow things down a bit. Senate Democrats released a draft plan of their new jobs bill today, and it is rather disappointing. It is missing some pretty critical and important stuff. CNN reports on the genius Senate bill:

No help for the states. Come again? Yes, the Senate bill - the bill originating in the legislative body whose name literally means 'the house of the States' - does not have any help for the cash strapped states that now face a combined $180 billion budget shortfall this coming fiscal year. What could that mean? The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that state governors' new budgets without additional federal aid could result in the loss of 900,000 jobs. Why are we beginning a jobs bill with the brilliant idea not to save the jobs of teachers, police officers, firefigthers and other essential state workers? The House-passed bill, in contrast, has $27 billion in aid for states, and it is redirected from TARP funds, either remaining or repaid.

No direct infrastructure spending. Our bridges are crumbling and our infrastructure is in need of major overhaul. To bring traffic under control and to increase the energy efficiency of America, we need investment in mass transit and new highway construction. To boost the economy, we need jobs. It seems to me like these things come together like peas in a pod. Put money into infrastructure, build more highways, invest in mass transit, reduce traffic congestion and reduce pollution, and create jobs in the process. What exactly is the problem? The House bill invests $35 billion in infrastructure. Once again, it is redirected from the bank bailout (TARP) funds, and not new spending. What's the problem?...

More with links and charts at:
http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2010/02/senate-jobs-bill-can-use-less-modesty.html