Senators outlined an $85 billion jobs bill, but Majority Leader Harry Reid quickly replaced it with a stripped-down $15 billion alternative. The original measure was a rare bipartisan effort crafted by Democrat Max Baucus and Republican Charles Grassley. But Reid scrapped it, fearing voter reaction to such pork-laden provisions as billions in corporate tax breaks and agricultural assistance for Arkansas.
The new legislation offers incentives for investment in public-works projects, and a tax credit for companies that hire people who have been unemployed for at least 60 days. “In the states, we were all hoping to see a robust jobs bill,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell. “We’re absolutely confounded.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Is this the end of cigarettes?Today's Big Question An FDA rule targets nicotine addiction
-
A beginner's guide to exploring the AmazonThe Week Recommends Trek carefully — and respectfully — in the world's largest rainforest
-
What is the future of the International Space Station?In the Spotlight A fiery retirement, launching the era of private space stations
