Daily Democratic Wire 1-24-2010

George Wenschhof

Continuing to pivot away from health care, yesterday President Barack Obama endorsed a bill to create a bipartisan commission to reduce the federal budget - the bill is scheduled to receive a vote in the Senate on Tuesday. The commission would be charged with suggesting ways to reduce the federal budget which would be heard and acted upon by Congress this year. The NY Times has more here.

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Obama calls for Senate to pass Jobs Bill - the House has already passed a 174 Billion Jobs Stimulus bill. MSNBC.com has more here. While a more specifically directed bill aimed at creating jobs is needed, voters are still questioning what was the 787 billion used for in the Stimulus bill passed early this year. recent CNN/opinion research poll show 56% of voters oppose the stimulus bill. CNN.com has more here.

I have been calling for a temporary public service employment funded program to put the unemployed back to work in jobs that would benefit the communities across the country. This program could also be used to fund positions which are being cut by local and state government. A targeted jobs tax credit should also be implemented in consultation with experts in the private sector as this also works to help spur new and young business.

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David Plouffe, the campaign manager for Obama writes an op-ed in Washington Post today on how Democrats should move forward as mid term elections near - he feels health care reform should be passed quickly and job creation should begin - "duh..." he also feels the Stimulus program need to be explained to voters - "what a surprise.. " Finally, he suggests candidates run strong campaigns - "how enlightening...". You can read his piece here.

I believe Mr. Plouffe needs to understand the difference between campaigning and in governing.

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Bernanke receives support from key Senators - Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) chair of the Senate Banking Committee and Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) appeared together yesterday to announce their support for the nomination of Ben Bernanke. The chair of the Federal Reserve had been under fire recently with questions arising whether he would receive confirmation by the Senate. TheHill.com has more here.

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