April 28, 2011

Manchin Debuts Legislation to Increase National Focus on Job Creation

Jobs Score Act would require the Congressional Budget Office to assess each legislative proposal’s impact on jobs

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today unveiled commonsense legislation that will help Washington stay laser-focused on what matters most: creating and protecting jobs. As part of his “Commonsense Solutions” Week, Senator Manchin this morning addressed the 2011 West Virginia Leadership Conference, where he rolled out The Jobs Score Act. 

“For far too long, Washington has not done enough to reduce our unacceptably high unemployment rates or make jobs this country’s No. 1 priority,” Senator Manchin said. “There is nothing more important than creating jobs, and it’s time that all lawmakers of both parties start thinking about one very simple question before they vote on bills: how will this affect jobs?"

“The Jobs Score Act is a piece of commonsense legislation that will ensure your elected representatives know exactly how many jobs would be created, protected or lost with each bill.” 

The government already requires that bills be “scored” for the amount of money that each will cost. Senator Manchin’s commonsense legislation would simply require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to determine the number of jobs that would be created, protected, or lost should a specific piece of legislation become law – so lawmakers can take jobs into account as their top priority. This bill will make debates about jobs more transparent and concrete, giving lawmakers a solid basis of information for decision-making. 

The Senator will also hold the following events today: 

At 11 a.m., Senator Manchin will address the 2011 IBEW Fourth District Progress Meeting to discuss his jobs legislation with the hardworking men and women who have done so much build this country and to make America strong. 

At 2 p.m. Senator Manchin will visit IBM to speak with company executives about his new bill, West Virginia’s business climate and the company’s priorities. IBM is a major company with an important presence and significant partnerships in West Virginia. In addition, by the end of this decade – with strong educational partnerships and a healthy business climate – IBM could employ as many as 1,000 West Virginians in good jobs.  

Senator Manchin launched “Commonsense Solutions” Week Tuesday in South Charleston, kicking off a series of events devoted to presenting commonsense solutions that will help solve some of the most pressing challenges facing West Virginia and the country.

As part of “Commonsense Solutions” week, Senator Manchin will travel across West Virginia to introduce a series of new policy proposals and solutions to problems including our nation’s fiscal crisis, high unemployment rates and substance abuse in our communities. 

Background information on the Jobs Score Act is attached. 

A public schedule is included below. 

 

THURSDAY, April 28

2011 West Virginia Leadership Conference 

When: 9:30 a.m.  

Where: Waterfront Place Hotel, 2 Waterfront Place, Morgantown 

What: Senator Manchin will address the 2011 West Virginia Leadership Conference and unveil new jobs legislation. 

2011 IBEW Fourth District Progress Meeting 

When: 11 a.m.  

Where: Lakeview Golf Resort, One Lakeview Drive, Morgantown

What: Senator Manchin will address the 2011 IBEW Fourth District Progress Meeting and discuss his jobs legislation. 

Visit IBM and Speak with Staff 

When: 2 p.m.   

Where: IBM Hilltop Office Complex, Building 200 (Allegany Ballistics Laboratory), Cafeteria, 310 State Route 956, north of Keyser

What: Senator Manchin will visit IBM, speak with staff and hold a media event to discuss jobs in the area. 

 

FRIDAY, April 29

Coffee and Common Sense 

When: 9 a.m.   

Where: Becky’s Café, Route 26 Tunnelton Street, Kingwood 

What: Senator Manchin will host “Coffee and Common Sense” with local residents. 

 

SATURDAY, April 30

Coffee and Common Sense 

When: 9:30 a.m.   

Where: Jerry’s Restaurant, 242 Barrett Street, Grafton  

What: Senator Manchin will host “Coffee and Common Sense” with local residents. 

 

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