In stark contrast to Tim Kaine’s just-released economic plan (see below for press release from the Kaine campaign), George Felix Allen’s economic “plan,” if you can even call it that, is for a doubling down on everything that failed miserably in the past: a) more tax breaks for the super-rich, for Big Oil, and for other large corporations that don’t need the help; b) slash, slash, and slash some more on programs – Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, education, investment in U.S. infrastructure – that are critical to the future of our economy and our country; c) supply side/trickle down/Laffer/”drown government in the bathtub”; and d) run up huge deficits, as Allen voted for time after time when he was in the Senate. Who in their right mind would want THAT?!? Personally, I’ll take Tim Kaine’s forward-thinking growth, opportunity, talent, and balanced budget/balanced politics vision any day. Is this a no-brainer or what?!?
KAINE RELEASES ECONOMIC AGENDA TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMY, CREATE JOBS AND EMBARKS ON TWO WEEK TOUR OF VA
Richmond, VA – Tim Kaine released his economic agenda today as he embarked on a two-week tour of Virginia. The roadmap includes strategic initiatives to grow businesses and encourage job creation, develop a talented workforce, and balance the budget by finding common ground on spending cuts as well as investments that will generate new revenue.
“As the global competition increases, we must act now to equip businesses with the tools they need to create jobs, develop a strong and talented workforce, and address our fiscal challenges by finding common ground,” said Governor Kaine. “We can no longer let politics get in the way of what’s best for our economy and this vision lays out a roadmap for our future economic success.”
U.S. Senator Mark Warner will join Kaine today to discuss: Infrastructure development strategies for increasing exports at the Port of Virginia in Norfolk, small business growth and access to capital at a business in Northern Virginia, and using a balanced approach to allow for strategic investment in education with teachers and parents at Richmond’s Maggie Walker Governor’s School.
Kaine’s vision for our economic future includes three key initiatives:
Grow Business, Grow Jobs: Kaine believes targeted investments and policies can support our businesses and spur job creation by increasing access to capital, and leveling the playing field by addressing an unfair tax code that is over burdensome for small businesses. In addition, strategic investments in infrastructure are critical to ensuring our roads, airports, port, and railways are able to support Virginia in a global economy. During Kaine’s term as Governor, Virginia was named the Best State for Business four years in a row and through his work, Virginia attracted companies to the Commonwealth including Meadwestvaco, Hilton, CSC, SAIC, and VW of North America.
Build a Talent Economy: In order to develop the most talented workforce in the world, Kaine states we need a long-term policy that supports investments and smart reform in education, from early development like Pre-K to higher education and workforce development. Kaine supports policies that increase college affordability and elevate the importance of career and technical education. During Kaine’s term as Governor, he passed the largest higher education construction bond package in Virginia history and expanded pre-K enrollment by nearly 40 percent.
Balanced Budget, Balanced Politics: In order to close the federal deficit and pay down the national debt, Kaine recommends a balanced approach that would raise revenues by closing lobbyist-driven loopholes and allowing tax cuts for the wealthiest American to expire, while making strategic cuts. As Governor, Kaine cut more than $5 billion in state spending and reduced the size of the general fund, but left room for important investments in areas like education that were critical for future growth.
To view the full economic plan, click here.
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