Joint Statement by Leadership of The U.S. Conference of Mayors in Response to President Obama's Jobs Address

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Sep 08, 2011, 10:40 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement was issued by the bi-partisan leadership of the U.S. Conference of Mayors including: Conference President Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Vice President Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Second Vice President Mesa (AZ) Mayor Scott Smith:

"Tonight President Obama offered to Congress a set of proven, actionable solutions through The American Jobs Act, to finally end our country's economic paralysis, help the unemployed find jobs again and put our people back to work.

"These proposals represent a true Main Street plan – they address the needs of cities, which is where more than 80% of the U.S. population lives, and they will get our economy back on track. We commend President Obama for introducing the American Jobs Act and we urge Congress to take action immediately.

"Last week, the nation's mayors offered a set of bi-partisan actions, A Common-Sense Jobs Agenda, that can move the needle today. We were pleased to see many of these ideas reflected in President Obama's proposal.

"Mayors strongly support the President's plan, which would put people back to work through smart infrastructure investment, tax cuts for working and middle class families, and help the long term unemployed support their families while they find work.

"We also applaud President Obama for calling for a TIFIA increase, a critical component of America Fast Forward. Since Committee leaders in both the Senate and the House agree on TIFIA expansion, there should be no more excuses and Congress should act now.

"Leaders in Washington need to heed President Obama's call for action. We urge Congress to find common ground and deliver immediate relief to help put America back to work."

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SOURCE The U.S. Conference of Mayors