Obama:Tax Reform Like “Pulling Teeth”

Click photo to watch President Obama address business roundtable in Washington, DC

“And if you’re a CEO that’s willing to bring jobs back to America, we want to do everything we can to help you succeed. That means working together to reform our tax system so that we are rewarding companies that are investing here in the United States, making sure that we are able to cut our tax rate here but also broaden the base. That is going to be a difficult task. Anybody who has been involved in tax discussions in any legislature, but especially Congress, knows that it’s like pulling teeth. But it is the right thing to do for us to become more competitive.”

Full transcript of President Obama’s speech to the Business Roundtable. … Continue Reading

Obama: US Using Less Foreign Oil

Click photo to watch President Obama deliver his weekly address

In his weekly address President Obama says: “Take a look at this chart. Six years ago, 60% of the oil we used was imported. Since I took office, America’s dependence on foreign oil has decreased every single year. In fact, in 2010, for the first time in thirteen years, less than half the petroleum we consumed was imported. Part of that is because we’re producing more oil here at home than at any time in the last eight years. But we can’t just drill our way out of this problem.

“While we consume 20 percent of the world’s oil, we only have 2 percent of the world’s oil reserves. We’ve got to develop new technology that will help us use new forms of energy. That’s been a priority of mine as President. And because of the investments we’ve made, our use of clean, renewable energy has nearly doubled and thousands of Americans have jobs because of it.”

Energy theme of Obama’s other speeches this week. … Continue Reading

DFL on Governor Dayton’s Jobs Bills

In partnership with Governor Dayton, the Senate DFL has introduced several bills as part of a package aimed at bringing good-paying jobs to Minnesota. Two of the Senate authors, Sen. Sieben and Sen. Eaton, will hold a press briefing ahead of the bills’ committee hearing.
Sen. Katie Sieben, DFL-Newport
Sen. Chris Eaton, DFL-Brooklyn Center

Obama, Governors To Find Common Ground In “What Works”

Click photo to watch President Obama toast to the National Governors Association at the White House

Last night he told the National Governors Association
“I want you to know you have a partner in the White House. We’re not going to agree on every single issue, every single day. But the thing is about governors is by nature and by nature of the position you end up having to be pragmatic because you have to figure out what works. And that’s why I’m confident that we’re going to be able to find more and more common ground going forward.”

He offered a toast to the Governors and their spouses and noted that when President Andrew Jackson invited the public to the White House, things got so rowdy that they had to pass barrels of whiskey and ice cream out the windows to get the crowd to go out on the lawn.

The President said they had barrels standing by tonight.

DFL:Where Are Jobs Bills? GOP: DFL Not Ready

Click photo to watch Representative Paul Thissen ask where are all the GOP jobs bills?

Senate Deputy Majority Leader Julianne Ortman says the Governor’s proposals were scheduled to be heard in the Jobs committee, but the DFL sponsor of the legislation said they were not ready yet.

Obama:No Tax Breaks For Outsourcing US Jobs

Click photo to watch President Obama deliver his weekly address from Boeing plant in Everett, Washington

He describes how we can support businesses like Boeing, which is hiring thousands of Americans across the country, through steps such as removing tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas and giving them to companies that create jobs at home.

President Obama says he is committed to continue assisting businesses in selling their products around the world, and the United States is on track to meet President Obama’s goal of doubling exports within five years.

The President believes that by boosting American manufacturing and supporting our job creators, we can create an economy that’s built to last.

Key quote:
” We need to make it as easy as we can for our companies to create more jobs in America, not overseas. And that starts with our tax code.

“No company should get a tax break for outsourcing jobs. Instead, tax breaks should go to manufacturers who set up shop here at home. Bigger tax breaks should go to high-tech manufacturers who create the jobs of the future. And if you relocate your company to a struggling community, you should get help financing that new plant, that new equipment, or training for new workers. It’s time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding businesses that create jobs here in America. And Congress should send me that kind of tax reform right away.”

Transcript of President Obama’s weekly address … Continue Reading

Obama Milwaukee Visit Draws Protests, Supporters

Click photo to hear what Milwaukee resident Angela Walker has to say about President Obama

Protestors were there to criticize the President for not taking a strong enough stance (and acting on) healthcare reform, ending the war in Afghanistan, creating a meaningful amount of jobs (especially in Milwaukee) and making the banks pay their fair share in the foreclosure crisis.

Angela Walker discusses the shortcomings of President Obama’s policies and says he needs to be more aggressive when dealing with healthcare and foreclosures

“I would like the President’s attention drawn to the actual conditions in the city. We have a real problem with board-ups and foreclosures. We need the money that has been brought to the state to address these issues to be put in the communities that the most. We need health care. This area has the highest infant mortality rate in the city. We need the President to do a little bit more than he’s doing.”

What President Obama is doing right…plus more video … Continue Reading

Milwaukee Co. Example of “Insourcing” Jobs Says Obama

Bringing back jobs to America from oversees, or “insourcing” is key to an economic recovery says President Obama. On Wednesday he praised a Milwaukee company for doing just that and called for changing the tax code to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America.

Master Lock Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of padlocks and related security products, is leading by example and bringing jobs back to the United States. Since mid-2010, Master Lock has returned approximately 100 jobs back to Milwaukee, Wisconsin that had previously been off-shored. Master Lock is improving productivity at their plant in Milwaukee by upgrading equipment and the company plans to continue bringing jobs back to Wisconsin.

The President has highlighted the emerging trend of insourcing – companies bringing jobs back and making additional investments in the United States. During the past two years, we have begun to see positive signs in American manufacturing, with the manufacturing sector adding more than 300,000 jobs since December 2009.

Link to a recent White House report on the emerging trend.

Transcript of President Obama’s speech in Milwaukee … Continue Reading

DFL Caucus Goers Want Jobs and Personal Freedom

Click on photo to hear what DFL caucus goers are concerned and optimistic about

Most of the attention was on the so called Defense of Marriage Amendment that would constitutionally prohibit same sex marriages and the proposed Voter ID Amendment which would disenfranchise 200,000 Minnesota voters, Caucus turnout was less than 4 years ago, but the rooms were filled with enthusiasm.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak remembers what it was like four years ago. … Continue Reading

Obama’s State Of The Union Preview

President Obama tells the American people about a series of steps he’s taken without the help of Congress to grow the economy and create jobs — including a new strategy aimed at boosting tourism introduced this week. In next week’s State of the Union Address, the President will outline his blueprint for creating an economy built to last.

Transcript of President Obama’s weekly address … Continue Reading