Obama Reveals Jobs Act

By: Deborah Souverain/ Assistant News Director

President Barack Obama revealed his American Jobs Act of 2011 before a joint session of congress on Sept. 8th along with a new mantra, “pass this bill right away.”

“There should be nothing controversial about this piece of legislation. Everything in here is the kind of proposal that’s been supported by both Democrats and Republicans,” said Obama during his address.

However, despite the President’s sense of urgency on the so-called noncontroversial bill, roughly a month later Obama has yet to convince the democratic-led congress to pass his $447 billion dollar plan and now Obama wants congress to take action and vote on the bill by the end of October.

“It’s been several weeks now since I sent up the American Jobs Act, and as I have been saying on the road, I want it back. I am ready to sign it,” said Obama to reporters before a cabinet meeting on Monday.

Since his address, Obama has been touring the nation to garner support for his bill, but he kept away from the democrats, visiting republican-led states such as North Carolina, Colorado and even the swing state Ohio.

The five-part bill designed to get Americans back to work will provide tax cuts to small businesses; modernize at least 35,000 public schools across the nation; prevent teacher layoffs and keep cops and firefighters employed; provide tax cuts for working Americans; and a reform to unemployment benefits are just a few of the aspects of the bill, all of which Obama asserts will not add to the deficit.

Obama’s half trillion dollar bill, which heavily focuses on tax cuts for the working class and government spending in areas like infrastructure, relies mostly on collecting taxes from mega corporations and the wealthy to cover its cost.

Torn on the issue of taxing the rich Stephanie Gutierrez, freshman, believes it’s something that needs to be done.

“Its one of those options, you’re doomed if you do, and doomed if you don’t. At least this way, you are benefiting the American people,” said Gutierrez.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor told CBS News on Monday that the house will not pass President Obama’s bill in its entirety, despite the White House calling for “all or nothing” on the bill.

Whether the bill is passed in its entirety or not, Gutierrez hopes that something is done to improve job opportunities in the country.

“We are in school preparing ourselves to go out into the work force and jobs are very competitive, so with the passing of this bill, I feel it creates more opportunities so it would better our chances of finding a job,” said Guiterrez.

If Obama has his way, the fate of the American Jobs act of 2011 will be determined by the months end but until then, Gutierrez and others who hope to find better job opportunities will be waiting on congresses decision.