Nearly four years ago, President Barack Obama and liberal Sen. Debbie Stabenow rammed an $825 billion stimulus into law that was supposed to ensure “we keep people working,” yet today’s jobs report reiterates that their failed economic policies are not working.

As the Wall Street Journal reports:

JOB GROWTH SLOWS SHARPLY IN AUGUST: Job growth slowed sharply in August, the Labor Department said Friday. Total nonfarm payrolls increased by 96,000, lower than the 125,000 gain expected by Wall Street economists.  Adding to the sense of weakness, job growth in the past two months were revised down by 41,000.  The unemployment rate declined to 8.1% in August from 8.3% in the previous month but the drop was due to a smaller labor force.  Economists forecast the unemployment rate to hold steady at 8.3%.  Average hourly earnings were flat at $23.52.  Earnings are up 1.7% in the past year. The average workweek was unchanged at 34.3 hours. (Greg Robb, Job growth slows sharply in August, Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch, 9/7/12)

Notably, according to Stabenow and her fellow Democrats if their policies actually worked, the national unemployment rate would be well below 6 percent by now.

“We’ve tried the failed policies of President Obama and Debbie Stabenow and today’s report is just further proof that their tax-and-spend agenda is not working,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesman Lance Trover. “Michiganders simply cannot afford six more years of Debbie Stabenow’s failed economic leadership and it’s time to send a true reformer like Pete Hoekstra to Washington.”

BACKGROUND….

Stabenow Promised The Stimulus Would Keep People Working

STABENOW: “So This Is — This Is A Jobs Bill, Number One, Jobs Rebuilding America, Jobs In The Green Economy. It’s Also About Making Sure We Keep People Working, Keep Our Police Officers On The Streets, And Focus On Quality Schools.” (Fox News Channel, 1/28/09)

And That The Unemployment Rate Today Would Be Less Than 6%  

The post New Jobs Report Reiterates That The Policies Of President Obama & Sen. Stabenow Are Not Working appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Last month the top Senate Democratic leaders who are overseeing Debbie Stabenow’s campaign for Senate made clear that they were willing to allow the country to go over a “fiscal cliff” unless their demands for massive tax hikes were met.

But today, a new report from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) made clear that as a result of the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spend policies, we are already headed in that direction.  The report shows that the economy would go into a recession and unemployment would increase if the Democrats’ proposed small business tax hike and massive defense cuts are put into effect.

“Today’s report is just the latest evidence that the failed economic policies trumpeted by Debbie Stabenow and President Obama are driving our country over a fiscal cliff,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover said today.  “From the reckless spending to the massive expansion of government in ObamaCare, Debbie Stabenow has marched in virtual lockstep with President Obama and their failed policies are hurting Michiganders.

“Under the Obama-Stabenow economy, we’ve had 43 straight months of unemployment above 8 percent, a skyrocketing debt that’s now reached almost $16 trillion, and four straight years of trillion dollar deficits.  This report is yet another big wake-up call that Michigan simply can’t afford four more years of Debbie Stabenow and Barack Obama’s failed economic policies,” Trover concluded.

BACKGROUND….

CBO Projects ‘Significant Recession,’ ‘Jobless Rate Rising’

NATIONAL JOURNAL: “CBO: Jumping Off Fiscal Cliff Would Cause Recession” (“CBO: Jumping Off Fiscal Cliff Would Cause Recession,” National Journal, 8/22/12)

NEW YORK TIMES: “…if Congress takes no action to stave off tax increases due and automatic budget cuts scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, the economy could fall into a recession, with total output shrinking and the jobless rate rising to about 9 percent in the second half of 2013… Fears about tax increases and spending cuts — the ‘fiscal tightening’ — are depressing economic growth…” (“Report Sees Risk Of Recession If Budget Stalemate Persists,” The New York Times, 8/22/12)

WASHINGTON POST: “The nation would be plunged into a significant recessionduring the first half of next year if Congress fails to avert nearly $500 billion in tax hikes and spending cuts set to hit in January…” (“Significant Recession Imminent If Congress Doesn’t Act On Fiscal Cliff: CBO Report,” The Washington Post, 8/22/12)

REUTERS: “…even worse economic damage than previously thought if Washington fails to come up with a solution, Congress’ budget referee said on Wednesday.” (“U.S. CBO Sees Deeper ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Recession Next Year,” Reuters, 8/22/12)

AP: “… fresh, dire projections by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.” (“Analysts: Recession Likely Without Budget Accord,” AP, 8/22/12)

CBO: “…a recession, with real GDP declining by 0.5 percent between the fourth quarter of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2013 and the unemployment rate rising to about 9 percent in the second half of calendar year 2013.” (“An Update To The Budget And Economic Outlook: Fiscal Years 2012 To 2022, Congressional Budget Office, 8/22/12)

Under Senate Democrats’ We Are Now Facing A Fourth Straight Year Of Trillion Dollar Deficits

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Is Predicting The Fourth Straight Deficit To Exceed $1 Trillion At $1.1 Trillion. “Congress’ nonpartisan budget analysts are projecting a $1.1 trillion federal deficit for 2012, the fourth straight year the government’s shortfall will exceed $1 trillion.” (“Analysts Project $1.1T Federal Deficit This Year,” The Associated Press, 8/22/12)

• CBO: “The Federal Budget Deficit For Fiscal Year 2012 … Will Total $1.1 Trillion … Marking The Fourth Year In A Row With A Deficit Of More Than $1 Trillion.” (“An Update To The Budget And Economic Outlook: Fiscal Years 2012 To 2022,”Congressional Budget Office, 8/22/12)

CBO: “The Amount Of Federal Debt Held By The Public Has Skyrocketed In The Past Few Years, Rising From 40 Percent Of GDP At The End Of 2008 To An Estimated 73 Percent By The End Of This Year.” (“An Update To The Budget And Economic Outlook: Fiscal Years 2012 To 2022,”Congressional Budget Office, 8/22/12)

• According To The CBO, Federal Debt Held By The Public Will Reach The Highest Levels Since The 1950s. ”Federal debt held by the public will reach 73 percent of GDP by the end of this fiscal year-the highest level since 1950 and about twice the 36 percent of GDP that it measured at the end of 2007, before the financial crisis and recent recession.” (“An Update To The Budget And Economic Outlook: Fiscal Years 2012 To 2022,” Congressional Budget Office, 8/22/12)

Senate Democrats’ Plan —  ‘Risk Racing Over The Fiscal Cliff’

“…Democratic Senator Patty Murray said her party is willing to risk racing over the fiscal cliff and into financial chaos in 2013.” (“US Lawmakers Head Home, Severe Challenges Loom,” AFP, 8/4/12)

“Democrats say they are prepared to go over the so-called fiscal cliff at the end of the year …” (“Democrats Risk Fiscal Cliff By Targeting Top Earners’ Break,” Bloomberg News,7/10/12)

·         “Democrats have made clear that they are ready to allow tax rates to rise and automatic cuts to kick in for both defense and domestic programs… Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who outlined the Democratic strategy in a speech this month, put the GOP on notice that her party would rather plunge off the fiscal cliff than extend tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. White House aides pointedly backed Murray’s threat on Tuesday.” (“Democrats Waxing Tough On Fiscal Cliff,” National Journal, 7/25/12)

·         SEN. PATTY MURRAY (D-WA): “So if we can’t get a good deal… then I will absolutely continue this debate into 2013… our country is going to have to face the consequences…” (Sen. Murray, Remarks At The Brookings Institute, 7/16/12)

·         SEN. MARK BEGICH (D-AK): “There are more people today than before that say let this all just expire out.” (“Geithner Meets Murray Amid Fears Lawmakers Might Not Stop Fiscal Cliff,”The Hill, 8/2/12)

·         SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV): Q: “Do you agree with Senator Murray that if you do not get a balanced deal, you’ll fight this into 2013?” SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV): “…Patty Murray knows what she’s talking about.” (Sen. Reid, Press Briefing, 7/17/12)

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Stabenow consistently votes against ending estate tax

Three short days after defying Michigan farmers and small business owners by voting for a massive tax increase, Senator Debbie Stabenow is descending onto North Dakota bringing her far-left agenda to the Heitkamp for Senate campaign.

In light of Sen. Stabenow’s visit, the NRSC today released a new web video titled “A Lot In Common” – taken from Heitkamp’s own words this week saying that she and Sen. Stabenow have a lot in common.

“There’s no question Debbie Stabenow and Heidi Heitkamp have a lot in common – both support President Obama and his plan to raise taxes on small business, both are ardent backers of ObamaCare and both have been feverishly fundraising across the country to ensure Harry Reid remains Senate Majority Leader – we can only hope that Heidi Heitkamp and Sen. Stabenow discuss their views on these issues with North Dakotans this weekend,” said NRSC Spokesman Lance Trover. “

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Heitkamp’s “good friend” is one of the most liberal members of the U.S. Senate – voting with President Obama’s agenda 98% of the time.  Stabenow is also an ardent backer of the estate tax – something farmers across the country have said would be devastating.

“It’s interesting that most of Heidi’s friends tend to be far-left icons like Elizabeth Warren, Dianne Feinstein and Debbie Stabenow,” added Trover. “If North Dakota voters want to see who Heidi Heitkamp will stand with in Washington, they need not look any further than to who she’s standing with today.”

BACKGROUND ON DEBBIE STABENOW 

Stabenow Voted For The “Stimulus” Bill. (H.R. 1, CQ Vote #64: Adopted 60-38; R 3-38; D 55-0; I 2-0, 2/13/09, Stabenow Voted Yea) 

STABENOW: “[T]his Bill Is All About Creating Jobs.” NOVOTNY: “But Senator, and there’s an op-ed in the Detroit Free Press, and it reads in part, ‘When Michigan sneezes, the whole nation gets a cold.’ There’s this new report, today, that General Motors will lay off another 5,000 employees. Can this bill help the auto industry?” STABENOW: “It absolutely can. You know, this bill is all about creating jobs. For us, with the auto industry, the fact that it focuses on manufacturing tax credits for making the new plug-in electric vehicles — manufacturing credit, focused on battery research and cell (ph) manufacturing.” (MSNBC, 2/9/09)

In 2010, Stabenow Supported Obama 98 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly, www.cq.com, Accessed 8/26/11) 

In 2009, Stabenow Supported Obama 96 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly, www.cq.com, Accessed 8/26/11) 

Stabenow Voted To Pass The Senate Version Of The $2.5 Trillion Obama-Reid Health Care Bill. (H.R. 3590, CQ Vote #396: Passed 60-39: R 0-39; D 58-0; I 2-0, 12/24/09, Stabenow Voted Yea)

• Stabenow Provided The 60^th Vote To Invoke Cloture On The Senate Health Care Bill. (H.R. 3590, CQ Vote #395: Motion agreed to 60-39: R 0-39; D 58-0; I 2-0, 12/23/09, Stabenow Voted Yea) 

Stabenow Said She Was Supporting Obama “One Thousand Percent.” “‘We are all supporting Obama 1,000 percent,’ said Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), who supported Clinton during the primaries. ‘We’re sending a very strong message that we are unified in supporting him.’” (Amie Parnes, “Obama Courts Clintonites On The Hill,” Politico, 6/18/08)

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Just as she’s done over 150 times during her career in Washington, Michigan’s liberal Senator Debbie Stabenow stood with President Obama today and voted for a massive tax hike on Michigan small businesses, families, farmers and ranchers.  Stabenow even voted to reinstate the massive death tax, despite previously claiming to oppose it.

“Liberal Debbie Stabenow has never met a tax hike that she didn’t like and once again, standing behind President Obama was more important for Senator Stabenow than standing up for Michigan farmers and small business owners,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover said today.  “Under Senator Stabenow and President Obama’s watch we’ve seen 41 straight months of unemployment above 8 percent, an almost $16 trillion debt and over 1,100 days without a budget.  If Michiganders want to reverse course and restore common sense in Washington, they can start by retiring Debbie Stabenow in November.”

Remarkably, Stabenow’s vote came just hours after President Obama’s own Treasury Secretary testified before a House Committee and admitted that the “economy is not growing fast enough and unemployment is very high.”  

Stabenow’s vote should hardly come as a surprise since she voted against both the 2001 and 2003 tax relief packages.

Interestingly, Stabenow is also on record saying she supports reducing the estate tax.

BACKGROUND.…

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner Admitted Just Today That “The Economy is Not Growing Fast Enough.” GEITHNER: “But I’ll tell you my general view on this. The economy is not growing fast enough. Unemployment is very high. Huge amount of damage left in the housing market.” (House Financial Services Committee, U.S. House Of Representatives, Hearing, 7/25/12)

Stabenow Voted Against The 2001 Republican Tax Cuts. “Adoption of the conference report on the bill that would reduce taxes by $1.35 trillion through fiscal 2011 through income tax rate cuts, relief of the ‘marriage penalty,’ a phaseout of the federal estate tax, doubling the child tax credit, and providing incentives for retirement savings. A new 10 percent tax rate would be created retroactive to Jan. 1, and taxpayers would get rebate checks this summer of $300 for singles and $600 for couples. The bill would double the $500-per-child tax credit by 2010 and make it refundable; raise the estate tax exemption to $1 million in 2002 and phase out the tax over 10 years; increase the standard deduction for married couples to double that of singles over five years, beginning in 2005; and increase annual contribution limits for Individual Retirement Accounts to $5,000.” (H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #170: Adopted (thus cleared for the president) 58-33: R 46-2; D 12-31, 5/26/01, Stabenow Voted Nay)

Stabenow Voted Against The 2003 Republican Tax Cuts. “Adoption of the conference report on the bill that would provide $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years. It would provide $20 billion in state aid that consists of $10 billion for Medicaid and $10 billion to be used at states’ discretion. The agreement includes a new top tax rate of 15 percent on capital gains and dividends through 2007 (5 percent for lower-income taxpayers in 2007 and no tax in 2008). Income tax cuts enacted in 2001 and scheduled to take effect in 2006 would be accelerated. The child tax credit would increase to $1,000 through 2004. The standard deduction for married couples would be double that for a single filer through 2004. Tax breaks for businesses would include increasing the deduction that small businesses could take on investments to $100,000 through 2005.” (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #196: Adopted (thus cleared for the president), with Vice President Cheney casting a ‘yea’ vote to break the tie, 50-50: R 48-3; D 2-46; I 0-1, 5/23/03, Stabenow Voted Nay) 

In 2006, Stabenow Claimed She Supported “Reducing The Estate Tax.” STABENOW: “My record is clear on consistently supporting common sense, fiscally responsible tax cuts for American workers and their families. I have voted for eliminating the marriage penalty, increasing child care tax credits, reducing the estate tax.” (“Bouchard, Stabenow Weigh In On Issues,” The Associated Press, 10/3/06) 

July 13, 2012, Majority Leader Reid Announced A Tax Plan That Only Extended The Tax Cuts For Those Earning Less Than $200,000. “Senate Democrats will push a one-year tax cut proposal for individual Americans earning $200,000 or less annually, setting the stage for a showdown in coming weeks with Republicans over extending the Bush tax cuts, according to a new plan circulating on Capitol Hill.” (John Bresnahan, “Senate Dems Push One-Year Tax Cut,” Politico, 7/13/12)

• “With Only 53 Democrats – And Reid Calling For A Straight Majority Vote For Any Tax Proposal – Democratic Leaders Cannot Afford To Lose Any Support.” (John Bresnahan, “Senate Dems Push One-Year Tax Cut,” Politico, 7/13/12)

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND….

Michigan Farmers & Small Business Owners Spoke Out Against Debbie Stabenow’s Tax Hike

FARM BUREAU: “Estate taxes are especially troublesome for farmers and ranchers. [The Reid Proposal] fails to provide any estate tax relief which would allow a $1 million per person exemption and 55 percent top rate to be reinstated on Jan. 1, 2013. A $1 million exemption is not high enough to protect a typical farm or ranch able to support a family from estate taxes…”  (Letter To U.S. Senators, American Farm Bureau Federation, 7/24/12) 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: “Increasing taxes now will undermine economic recovery, choke off job creation, and take money out of the hands of the individuals and businesses that create jobs, spur investment, boost consumption, and promote economic growth.” (“Key Vote Alert On S. 3412, The “‘’Middle Class Tax Cut Act,’” The Chamber Of Commerce, 7/24/12) 

• “The Chamber urges you to oppose S. 3412, which would impose a massive tax hike on American businesses.” (“Key Vote Alert On S. 3412, The “‘’Middle Class Tax Cut Act,’” The Chamber Of Commerce, 7/24/12) 

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS: “This legislation would raise tax rates on small businesses at a particularly fragile time for the economy, stifling growth and investment when we can least afford it.” (National Federation Of Independent Business, Letter To Senators, 7/24/12)

• “This tax hike disproportionately impacts small businesses… will shrink the economy by 1.3 percent and result in the loss of 710,000 jobs.” (National Federation Of Independent Business, Letter To Senators, 7/24/12)

• “…the maximum estate tax rate will revert to 55 percent while the exemption level will drop to $ 1 million. This will increase the number of estates hit with the tax from 3,600 to 46,700, including 21,700 small businesses.” (National Federation Of Independent Business, Letter To Senators, 7/24/12)

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS: “…S. 3412 would result in higher taxes for the vast majority of manufacturers in the United States, threatening their ability to create jobs. …the possibility of these tax increases has forced many manufacturers to put investment and hiring plans on hold.” (National Association Of Manufacturers, Key Manufacturing Vote Letter, 7/14/12)

• “…the bill’s plan to restore estate tax rates and exemptions to pre-2001 levels would hit thousands of family-owned SMMs across our nation.” (National Association Of Manufacturers, Key Manufacturing Vote Letter, 7/14/12)

• “As our economy struggles to regain its footing, now is not the time to increase taxes on job creators and investors.” (National Association Of Manufacturers, Key Manufacturing Vote Letter, 7/14/12)

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WHOLESALER-DISTRIBUTORS: “This legislation would in fact do very great harm to the middle class it purports to help.” (National Association Of Wholesaler-Distributors, Open Letter To Senators, 7/24/12)

• “Despite the unemployment crisis, the Senate is set to vote on legislation which will indisputably make matters worse.” (National Association Of Wholesaler-Distributors, Open Letter To Senators, 7/24/12)

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Two years after liberal Democrat Debbie Stabenow voted for ObamaCare, which she promised would reduce healthcare costs for millions of people, a new report today from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reveals that the price of healthcare continues to increase.

Since the healthcare bill has been signed into law, costs have risen by 9 percent and the average premium has risen by $1,300.  They could rise as much as $2,500 according to today’s CBO report. 

As the CBO reports:

The additional enrollees [i.e., those previously projected to enroll in Medicaid, but who will now receive Exchange subsidies in light of the Court’s ruling] are likely to spend more on health care, on average, than those previously expected to purchase insurance through the exchanges because people with lower income generally have somewhat poorer health.  As a result, CBO and JCT now estimate that the premiums for health insurance offered through the exchanges, along with premiums in the individual market, will be 2 percent higher than those estimated in March 2012.

Notably, the total cost of the healthcare bill has risen from $940 billion to nearly $1.75 trillion. 

“Liberal U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow promised ObamaCare would lower the cost of healthcare, but today Michiganders are paying more money than ever,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover.  “Between the job-killing taxes and the raiding of Medicare funds, it’s clear Debbie Stabenow misled voters about the true effects of her government-run healthcare plan.”

BACKGROUND …

Debbie Stabenow Promised ObamaCare Would Lower Healthcare Costs

Stabenow: “This Is Really About Fighting For The Middle Class And Small Businesses And Bringing The Kinds Of The Reforms That Will Bring Down Costs, Save Money Regarding Health Care, And Education.” Stabenow: “This really is a wonderful day for us in the Senate because we will be bringing to conclusion a very important effort that’s going to help middle class families across the country, help young people, and small businesses. This is really about fighting for the middle class and small businesses and bringing the kinds of the reforms that will bring down costs, save money regarding health care, and education.”  (Senator Debbie Stabenow, Press Conference, 3/26/10)

Meanwhile Healthcare Costs Across The Country Continue To Rise

BLOOMBERG:  “The average cost of a family policy climbed 9 percent in 2011 to $15,073, according to a poll of 2,088 private companies and state and local government agencies by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation in Menlo Park, California, and the Chicago- based American Hospital Association’s Health Research and Educational Trust.” (Jeffrey Young, “Health-Benefit Costs Rise Most In Six Years,” Bloomberg, 9/27/11)

WALL STREET JOURNAL:  “[In 2011], the health-insurance premiums employers pay rose sharply this year, with the average annual cost of family coverage passing the $15,000 mark for the first time, according to a major survey.” (“Employer Health Premiums Rise Sharply,” The Wall Street Journal, 9/27/11) 

WALL STREET JOURNAL: “The average annual family premium for 2011 was $15,073, up from $13,770 last year.” (“Employer Health Premiums Rise Sharply,” The Wall Street Journal, 9/27/11)

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“President Obama and Debbie Stabenow have long supported higher taxes, bigger government and increased spending, so their support for yet another massive tax hike on Michigan small businesses comes as little surprise.  But in the wake of another weak jobs report, a massive health care bill that increases taxes on the middle class and a growing $15 trillion debt, why can’t Debbie Stabenow answer one very simple question – how does raising taxes on Michigan small businesses create jobs?”  — Lance Trover, NRSC Spokesman

BACKGROUND … 

FLASHBACK – President Obama: “The Last Thing You Want To Do Is Raise Taxes In The Middle Of A Recession.” (President Obama, Remarks During An Interview With NBC, Elkhart, IN, 8/5/09)

OBAMA-STABENOW SOLUTION FOR THE 23 MILLION AMERICANS STRUGGLING TO FIND WORK IS TO RAISE TAXES ON JOB CREATORS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

• Roughly 940,000 small businesses will be hit by a big tax hike. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), “75 percent of small businesses are organized as pass-through entities meaning they pay taxes on their business income at the individual rate.” The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates the tax hike would hit about 940,000 small businesses (see more here from ABC News). 

• Half of all small business income would face higher taxes. According to Bloomberg News, analysis by JCT also shows President Obama’s plan for massive tax hikes “would mean higher taxes on 53 percent of business income reported on individual returns.”

• More than a quarter of American workers’ jobs are at risk. “According to U.S. Census data,” says NFIB, small businesses “employ more than 25 percent of the total workforce.” Raising taxes on small businesses threatens these jobs – the last thing we need to do in a weak economy. 

Today’s Economy Weaker Than When Obama Extended All Tax Rates

2010 Economic Growth: 3.1%

Real GDP growth over the four quarters before Dec. 2010 tax rate extension: 3.1% (“Table 1.1.1, Percent Change From Preceding Period In Real Gross Domestic Product,” Bureau Of Economic Analysis, Accessed 7/9/12) 

2012 Economic Growth: 2.0%

Real GDP growth over the previous four quarters: 2.0% (“Table 1.1.1, Percent Change From Preceding Period In Real Gross Domestic Product,” Bureau Of Economic Analysis, Accessed 7/9/12) 

In 2010, Obama Said Tax Increases ‘Would Have Been A Blow To Our Economy’

PRESIDENT OBAMA: “…tax rates for every American were poised to automatically increase on January 1st… would have been a blow to our economy just as we’re climbing out of a devastating recession.” (President Obama, Remarks At Bill Signing, 12/17/10)

• OBAMA: “If we allow these taxes to go up, the result would be that a lot of people most likely would spend less, and that means that the economy would grow less.” (President Obama, Remarks, Kokomo, IN, 11/23/10) 

• OBAMA: “You don’t raise taxes in a recession.” (“Obama: We Must ‘Help Elkhart Reinvent Itself,’” MSNBC, 8/5/09; Video Here)

DEBBIE STABENOW’S TAX-AND-SPEND RECORD, JUST LIKE OBAMA’S 

Stabenow Voted Against The 2001 Republican Tax Cuts. “Adoption of the conference report on the bill that would reduce taxes by $1.35 trillion through fiscal 2011 through income tax rate cuts, relief of the ‘marriage penalty,’ a phaseout of the federal estate tax, doubling the child tax credit, and providing incentives for retirement savings. A new 10 percent tax rate would be created retroactive to Jan. 1, and taxpayers would get rebate checks this summer of $300 for singles and $600 for couples. The bill would double the $500-per-child tax credit by 2010 and make it refundable; raise the estate tax exemption to $1 million in 2002 and phase out the tax over 10 years; increase the standard deduction for married couples to double that of singles over five years, beginning in 2005; and increase annual contribution limits for Individual Retirement Accounts to $5,000.” (H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #170: Adopted (thus cleared for the president) 58-33: R 46-2; D 12-31, 5/26/01, Stabenow Voted Nay)

Stabenow Voted Against The 2003 Republican Tax Cuts. “Adoption of the conference report on the bill that would provide $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years. It would provide $20 billion in state aid that consists of $10 billion for Medicaid and $10 billion to be used at states’ discretion. The agreement includes a new top tax rate of 15 percent on capital gains and dividends through 2007 (5 percent for lower-income taxpayers in 2007 and no tax in 2008). Income tax cuts enacted in 2001 and scheduled to take effect in 2006 would be accelerated. The child tax credit would increase to $1,000 through 2004. The standard deduction for married couples would be double that for a single filer through 2004. Tax breaks for businesses would include increasing the deduction that small businesses could take on investments to $100,000 through 2005.” (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #196: Adopted (thus cleared for the president), with Vice President Cheney casting a ‘yea’ vote to break the tie, 50-50: R 48-3; D 2-46; I 0-1, 5/23/03, Stabenow Voted Nay)

Since 2001, Stabenow Has Voted Over 150 Times In Favor Of Higher Taxes. (Congressional Quarterly, www.cq.com, Accessed 8/29/11)

The post Obama, Stabenow Want Higher Taxes On Small Businesses, But Can’t Explain How That Will Create More Michigan Jobs appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Over three years ago, liberal Democrat Debbie Stabenow was one of the most outspoken advocates in Washington in support of a massive “stimulus” spending bill – paid for by billions of dollars in borrowed money from China – that she flatly predicted would put thousands of Michiganders back to work.

At the same time, Stabenow was rallying her liberal friends to support a massive health care law which the Supreme Court confirmed last week represents a significant tax hike on Michigan families and small businesses, even as Stabenow bizarrely claimed in the past that it was a “jobs bill.”

Yet, since the Democrats have run Washington over the last four years, our country has actually lost over 400,000 jobs, and today marks the 41^st straight month that the national unemployment rate has remained above 8 percent.

In fact, the June unemployment report shows the worst quarter of job creation in two years.

As CNBC reports:

CNBC’s John Harwood: “Not Good News For The American Economy”

“Between last week’s Supreme Court decision and today’s jobs report, it’s a sobering reminder that at a time when Senator Stabenow and the Democrats should have been focused on jobs, they focused instead on a massive middle class tax hike and reckless government spending programs,” National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesman Jahan Wilcox said today.  “Stabenow’s bizarre claim that ObamaCare was a ‘jobs bill’ and her view that reckless spending policies would actually help the Michigan economy is just a reminder how out of touch she is with reality.”
BACKGROUND…. 

Stabenow-Obama Economic Record….

• Since President Obama Took Office, The Nation Has Lost 473,000 Jobs And The Unemployment Rate Has Increased From 7.8 Percent To 8.2 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12)

• In June, The Hispanic Unemployment Rate Remained At 11.0 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12)

• The African American Unemployment Rate Increased From 13.6 Percent To 14.4 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12)

• The Unemployment Rate Has Remained Above Eight Percent For A Record 41 Straight Months. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12)

• The Real Unemployment Rate, Including Those That Are Working Part-Time Due To Economic Reasons, Increased To 14.9 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12) 

VERSUS….

Liberal Debbie Stabenow’s Rosy Rhetoric…. 

STABENOW On The “Stimulus:” “[T]his Bill Is All About Creating Jobs.” NOVOTNY: “But Senator, and there’s an op-ed in the Detroit Free Press, and it reads in part, ‘When Michigan sneezes, the whole nation gets a cold.’ There’s this new report, today, that General Motors will lay off another 5,000 employees. Can this bill help the auto industry?” STABENOW: “It absolutely can. You know, this bill is all about creating jobs. For us, with the auto industry, the fact that it focuses on manufacturing tax credits for making the new plug-in electric vehicles — manufacturing credit, focused on battery research and cell (ph) manufacturing.” (MSNBC, 2/9/09)

• Stabenow: “But Overall, This Is About Jobs, And This Is Going To Create Jobs.”  (Justin Hyde, “Stimulus Deal Has Perks For Michigan,” Detroit Free Press, 2/12/09)

• STABENOW: “So This Is — This Is A Jobs Bill, Number One, Jobs Rebuilding America, Jobs In The Green Economy. It’s Also About Making Sure We Keep People Working, Keep Our Police Officers On The Streets, And Focus On Quality Schools.” (Fox News Channel, 1/28/09)

Stabenow Called Health Care Reform “A Jobs Bill.” STABENOW: “Frankly, it’s as much a jobs bill as anything else, certainly in my state, where we’re losing jobs because of rising health-care costs. So we’re anxious to get it done.” (MSNBC’s, “Countdown,” 3/16/10)

• Stabenow: “Health Insurance Reform Is About Jobs. It’s About Saving Jobs.” STABENOW: “Nobody’s more frustrated than I am — highest unemployment rate in the country. I want us focused on jobs. And frankly, health-insurance reform is about jobs. It’s about saving jobs.” (MSNBC’s “The Ed Show,” 2/23/10)

In 2006, Stabenow Said “I’m Fighting Every Day For A Jobs Agenda For Michigan.” STABENOW : “As our automakers and manufacturers continue to weather this storm, we need policies that put American jobs and American manufacturers first. That’s why I’m fighting every day for a jobs agenda for Michigan.” (Senator Debbie Stabenow, “Sen. Stabenow Outlines Jobs Agenda In Manistee,” Press Release, 8/21/06)

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Two years after U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) provided the deciding vote to ram ObamaCare through Congress, the Supreme Court today has affirmed Stabenow’s decision to put President Obama’s agenda ahead of Michigan seniors and small businesses.  In doing so, the Court has made clear what is at stake in November’s election.

“The Supreme Court’s decision makes clear in this election – the only way to stop the massive tax increases, government spending, and cuts to Medicare contained in ObamaCare is to replace liberal Debbie Stabenow in Washington,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover said today.  

BACKGROUND….

Stabenow Voted for ObamaCare, Calling It a Jobs Bill

Stabenow Voted To Pass The Senate Version Of The $2.5 Trillion Obama-Reid Health Care Bill. (H.R. 3590, CQ Vote #396: Passed 60-39: R 0-39; D 58-0; I 2-0, 12/24/09, Stabenow Voted Yea)

• Stabenow Provided The 60^th Vote To Invoke Cloture On The Senate Health Care Bill. (H.R. 3590, CQ Vote #395: Motion agreed to 60-39: R 0-39; D 58-0; I 2-0, 12/23/09, Stabenow Voted Yea)

Stabenow Voted To Kill An Amendment That Would Have Removed The Individual Mandate From The Health Care Bill. “Baucus, D-Mont., motion to table (kill) the Ensign, R-Nev. amendment no. 3710 that would repeal provisions of the 2010 health care overhaul law that provide for IRS penalties for certain taxpayers that do not obtain basic health insurance coverage.” (H.R. 4872, CQ Vote #101: Motion agreed to 58-40: R 0-40; D 56-0; I 2-0, 3/25/10, Stabenow Voted Yea) 

Stabenow Called Health Care Reform “A Jobs Bill.” STABENOW: “Frankly, it’s as much a jobs bill as anything else, certainly in my state, where we’re losing jobs because of rising health-care costs. So we’re anxious to get it done.” (MSNBC’s, “Countdown,” 3/16/10)

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND…

The Cost Of ObamaCare To Michigan Alone

Cost To State

The Heritage Foundation Estimates From 2014 To 2020 ObamaCare Will Cost Michigan An Additional $537.5 Million. (Edmund Haislmaier and Brian Blasé, “Obamacare: Impact On States,” The Heritage Foundation, 7/1/10)

According To A State Senate Analysis, In 2014, ObamaCare Will Cost Michigan $200 Million Per Year. “The 2014 Medicaid expansion would not have any initial State costs. By 2020, the State would be paying roughly $200.0 million General Fund/General Purpose (GF/GP) yearly to support the costs of the expansion.” (Steve Angelotti and David Fosdick, “Fiscal Analysis Of The Federal Health Reform Legislation,” Michigan Senate, 4/10)

In 2010, Healthcare Spending In Michigan Accounted For $33.8 Billion, Or 8.8 Percent Of The State’s GDP. (“Gross Domestic Product By State (GDP By State) Interactive Maps,” Bureau Of Economic Analysis, Accessed 5/20/12)

Insurance Premiums Increasing

In 2011, Michigan Family Health Insurance Plan Premiums Increased 2.4 Percent. “Monthly premiums for a family health plan grew to an average $1,007 for 2011, an increase of 2.4 percent from 2010.” (Mark Sanchez, “Survey: Health Insurance Premium Increases Moderate, Wellness Grows,” Business Review West Michigan, 8/3/11)

In 2011, Michigan Two-Person Health Insurance Plan Premiums Increased 4.7 Percent. “Premiums for a two-person plan increased an average of 4.7 percent to $799 per month … according to the annual cost survey conducted by The Employers’ Association and Alliance for Health in Grand Rapids.” (Mark Sanchez, “Survey: Health Insurance Premium Increases Moderate, Wellness Grows,” Business Review West Michigan, 8/3/11)

High-Deductible Plans And Increased Co-Pays Moderated Rate Hikes. “Changes in benefit packages — with more high-deductible plans in place, plus increased co-pays and more employees sharing the cost of premiums — could partly account for the moderating increases, Alliance for Health President Lody Zwarensteyn said.” (Mark Sanchez, “Survey: Health Insurance Premium Increases Moderate, Wellness Grows,” Business Review West Michigan, 8/3/11)

In 2011, Michigan Employees Paid A Larger Share Of Their Premiums Than In 2010. “Among the changes employers continue to make — as they have for many years — is requiring employees to pay a higher share of the premium. The percentage of the employee contribution to the premium increased to 27 percent in 2011 from 24 percent in 2010 for both family two-person plans.” (Mark Sanchez, “Survey: Health Insurance Premium Increases Moderate, Wellness Grows,” Business Review West Michigan, 8/3/11)

Employers In Detroit To Face A 7.3 Percent Increase In Health Care Costs Per Employee in 2012. “Detroit area employers can expect a 7.3 percent increase in health care plan costs per employee next year, a higher jump than last year and slightly outpacing the 7 percent average rise expected nationally, according to a report issued Monday by global human resource consultant Aon Hewitt.” (Melissa Burden, “Health Plans To Go Up 7.3% In 2012 In Metro Detroit,” The Detroit News, 9/3/11)

• Detroit Employees To Pay Higher Premiums In 2012. “Employees in Metro Detroit, like others across the United States, also can contribute more for their health coverage in 2012. Detroit workers on average will pay a projected $2,279 in 2012 in health plan premiums, up from $2,053 in 2011.” (Melissa Burden, “Health Plans To Go Up 7.3% In 2012 In Metro Detroit,” The Detroit News, 9/3/11)

Taxes/Effect On Businesses & Jobs

ObamaCare’s Medical Devices Tax Caused Michigan-Based Medical Device Manufacturer Stryker To Cut Five Percent Of Its Workforce – Approximately 1,000 Employees. “Stryker, the Kalamazoo-based maker of artificial hips and knees, will cut 5% of its global workforce by the end of next year to reduce costs in the face of new fees on device makers required by the U.S. health care law. The job cuts will reduce annual pretax operating costs by more than $100 million beginning in 2013, when the medical-device excise tax is scheduled to take effect, Stryker said Thursday in a statement. Stryker had more than 20,000 employees as of Dec. 31, according to Bloomberg News data.” (“Stryker To Cut 5% Of Workforce,” Detroit Free Press, 11/11/11)

Detroit Small Business Owner Worried He Wouldn’t Be Able To Provide His Employees With Health Insurance Any Longer. “Sales are off by 20 percent this year at Image Computer, which repairs printers in suburban Detroit. So President Steve Olis is worried about whether he can continue paying the $71,000 a year it costs him to provide health insurance for his employees.” (David Lerman and Liz Smith, “Small Businesses Skip the Health-Care Tax Credit,” Bloomberg, 8/26/10)

• Image Computer Doesn’t Qualify For Obama’s “Small Business” Tax Credit Because His 15 Employees Are Paid Too Well. “The Obama Administration’s answer for Olis and other small-business owners: a tax credit of as much as 35 percent of the insurance premiums they pay for employee medical coverage a signature part of the health-care reform bill signed into law in March. Image Computer, however, doesn’t qualify for the credit because Olis pays his 15 employees an average of $55,600 annually, and companies with average salaries above $50,000 aren’t eligible.” (David Lerman and Liz Smith, “Small Businesses Skip the Health-Care Tax Credit,” Bloomberg, 8/26/10)
• “‘At Some Point I Can’t Do This Any Longer,’ Olis Says Of His Rising Health-Care Premiums.” (David Lerman and Liz Smith, “Small Businesses Skip the Health-Care Tax Credit,” Bloomberg, 8/26/10)

CEO Of MichBio In Ann Arbor, MI: “There’s A Tsunami Coming And You Probably Won’t Know What Hit You Until It’s Too Late. … The Biggest Assault On Our Industry Is The Medical Devices Tax.” (Tom Henderson, “MichBio CEO Says Tax Is An ‘Assault’ On Medical Device Companies,” Crain’s Detroit Business, 4/22/10)

• “The Tax Is On Revenue, Not Profits, And Rapundalo Said The State’s Fledgling Medical Device Companies, Many, Or Most, Of Which Have Yet To Generate Profits, Will Be Hard Hit.” (Tom Henderson, “MichBio CEO Says Tax Is An ‘Assault’ On Medical Device Companies,” Crain’s Detroit Business, 4/22/10) 

Manager Of Grandville Tanning Salon Said She Would Shift The Packages She Offered Customers To Offset The Tax. “Electric Beach may offer an extra session in its tanning packages to offset the tax or look to sell longer-term packages before July, said Robin Elkins, manager of the Grandville store at 4763 Wilson Ave. SW. ‘I don’t think people realize that with the health-care plan there was going to be a service fee with tanning.’” (Matt Vande Bunte, “New Tanning Tax Coming In July Could Doom Business, West Michigan Salon Owners Warn,” The Grand Rapids Press, 4/27/10)

• Elkins: “We’re In Michigan. Can People Really Afford To Pay More? It’s Going To Hurt Our Business.” (Matt Vande Bunte, “New Tanning Tax Coming In July Could Doom Business, West Michigan Salon Owners Warn,” The Grand Rapids Press, 4/27/10)

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Just four days after the U.S. Department of Labor announced that the national unemployment rate climbed to 8.2 percent in April and on the same day the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported that “the long-term outlook for the national debt is increasingly dire,” Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow cast her lot with America’s trial lawyers today ahead of her state’s small business owners.

Stabenow joined with her liberal Democrat party leaders today in support of the so-called “Paycheck Fairness Act,” a bill that is opposed by virtually every major small business organization in the country – see below – and even the liberal Washington Post editorial board warned that it represents “a flawed approach to job bias…[and] could make employers vulnerable to attack for responding to market forces.”

And as the Wall Street Journal opined today, “The bill ought to be called the ‘Trial Lawyer Paycheck Act,’ since it is a recipe for a class-action boom….It’s a walking advertisement for gridlock, a partisan stunt that would hurt the economy for no other reason than to pay off the Democratic donors in the tort bar.”

“It speaks volumes about Debbie Stabenow’s misplaced, liberal priorities that while unemployment rises and our federal debt climbs, she’s more concerned with scoring political points and helping her trial lawyer friends,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover said today.  “Michigan small business owners and families deserve a Senator who will put their values first, and someone who is more focused on growing jobs, rather than just saving her own.” 

BACKGROUND….

Also note what the Wall Street Journal wrote this morning:

• “The U.S. already has two broad federal laws—the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1963 Equal Pay Act—that prohibit gender-based pay discrimination. In case that wasn’t enough, Congress passed the Lilly Ledbetter Act in 2009 that as recently as March Mr. Obama said ‘ensures equal pay for equal work.’ What changed in the last three months?”

In fact, Senator Stabenow has yet to address how she squares her rhetoric today with what she claimed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act would accomplish when it was signed into law three years ago….

• Stabenow Said Passing The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act Sought “To End Pay Discrimination And Inequality In The Workplace.” “‘Last November, Americans cried out for change and a new era in Washington – an era of bipartisanship and equality,’ said Stabenow. ‘The American people deserve nothing less from their elected officials, and I am proud to have joined with my Senate colleagues to pass critical legislation that seeks to end pay discrimination and inequality in the workplace.’” (Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Sen. Stabenow, Colleagues Pass Legislation To Combat Pay Discrimination,” Press Release, 1/22/09)

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND….

Jobs Groups, Top Newspaper Editorial Boards Have All Blasted The Democrats’ Bill, Warning It ‘Would Spawn Frivolous Lawsuits’

JOBS GROUPS LETTER: “The provisions of the Paycheck Fairness Act would harm employers of all sizes, as the bill would apply to employers with as few as two employees. The threat the bill poses to small business is particularly troubling given the draconian penalties found in this legislation, which include unlimited damages regardless of whether a pay discrepancy was unintentional.” (Letter To Sens. Reid And McConnell, 22 Jobs Groups, 5/24/12)

• “This flawed legislation could outlaw many legitimate practices that employers currently use to set employee pay rates, even where there is no evidence of intentional discrimination. Common practices that a court could find unlawful under S. 3220 include providing premium pay for professional experience, education, shift differentials or hazardous work, as well as pay differentials based on local labor market rates or an organization’s profitability.” (Letter To Sens. Reid And McConnell, 22 Jobs Groups, 5/24/12)

• “A number of federal laws already specifically protect employees from pay discrimination, including the Equal Pay Act, the Civil Rights Act and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.” (Letter To Sens. Reid And McConnell, 22 Jobs Groups, 5/24/12) 

• Letter Signed By: U.S. Chamber of Commerce; American Bakers Association; American Bankers Association; American Hotel & Lodging Association; Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.; College and University Professional Association for Human Resources; Food Marketing Institute; HR Policy Association; International Public Management Association for Human Resources; National Association of Manufacturers; National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors; National Council of Chain Restaurants; National Council of Textile Organizations; National Federation of Independent Business; National Public Employer Labor Relations Association; National Restaurant Association; National Retail Federation; National Roofing Contractors Association; Printing Industries of America; Retail Industry Leaders Association; Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council; Society for Human Resource Management

U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:  “Unlawful pay discrimination is abhorrent, but this bill is not a responsible way to address it.” (“Mikulski Plan For Women’s Pay Gets New Push,” The Baltimore Sun, 5/23/12) 

• “The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is opposing the legislation and will send a letter later this week urging senators to defeat it, arguing it would spawn frivolous lawsuits.” (“Equal Pay Bill Puts Romney On The Line On Women,” The Washington Times, 5/29/12)
•  “…As a practical matter it is just one more thing that creates a disincentive to do business here in the United States. If you are looking at where to open a new business, it is going to be a factor…” (“Business Community Opposes Paycheck Fairness Act,” The Daily Caller, 11/13/10) 

SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:  “…SHRM opposes Federal government efforts to second-guess employers in making pay decisions…” (“HR Alert! Oppose The Paycheck Fairness Act,” SHRM Statement, 5/30/12) 

• SHRM: “The bill would also have a negative impact on employee privacy by encouraging employees to publicize their colleagues’ wages.” (“HR Alert! Oppose The Paycheck Fairness Act,” SHRM Statement, 5/30/12)

EDITORIALS: ‘A Flawed Approach,’ ‘Grossly Intrusive’

CHICAGO TRIBUNE: “…grossly intrusive on decision-making by private businesses. At least one group would get a fatter paycheck from the Paycheck Fairness Act: trial lawyers.” (Editorial, “Paycheck Fairness?,” The Chicago Tribune, 11/12/10) 

WASHINGTON POST: “Paycheck Fairness Act: A flawed approach to job bias… could make employers vulnerable to attack for responding to market forces… not the right fix.” (Editorial, “Paycheck Fairness Act: A Flawed Approach To Job Bias,” The Washington Post, 9/28/10) 

• “…risks tilting the scales too far against employers and would remove, rather than restore, a sense of balance.” (Editorial, “Two Sides Of Fair Pay In Bills Before The Senate,” The Washington Post, 1/15/09) 

BOSTON GLOBE: “…the measure as a whole is too broad a solution to a complex, nuanced problem… The bill would create too strong a presumption in favor of discrimination over other, equally plausible explanations…” (Editorial, “Bill Takes On Disturbing Pay Gap — But Offers Flawed Remedies,” The Boston Globe, 11/17/10) 

• “… the controversial meat of the bill is the changes it would make to the legal process… companies are right to be concerned that this bill, as written, is too deep an intrusion.” (Editorial, “Bill Takes On Disturbing Pay Gap — But Offers Flawed Remedies,” The Boston Globe, 11/17/10)

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Yet, in the 12 years Stabenow has been in the Senate, the federal debt has skyrocketed by trillions and trillions of dollars.  In fact, in the less than four years since President Obama took office and Stabenow has unabashedly supported every one of his big government spending programs, the government’s credit card bill has increased an additional $5 trillion — from $10.6 trillion to $15.6 trillion.

What’s worse – Senate Democrats, including Stabenow who sits on the Senate Budget Committee, have refused to pass a budget for over three years – 1,085 days to be exact.

And earlier today, Stabenow and her fellow Democrats on the Senate Budget Committee cancelled a planned markup of a federal budget for 2013, and announced that no action would be taken on the budget this year until after the November election.   As numerous news reports from Capitol Hill pointed out, Stabenow and her Democratic colleagues are apparently more concerned with their own re-elections than with tackling the country’s skyrocketing debt.

“The decision by Senator Stabenow to punt on a federal budget for the third year in a row makes clear that she’s more concerned with her own political survival than with trying to secure America’s economic future,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover said today.  “As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, Michiganders expect Debbie Stabenow to do her job, but for over 1,000 days she’s refused to fulfill the most basic duty of her office.” 

“Michigan deserves a Senator who is focused on doing what’s right for her state and her country and not what’s best for her own political career,” Trover concluded.  

BACKGROUND …

DEBBIE STABENOW CAMPAIGNED ON FISCAL REFORM  

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

DEBBIE STABENOW:  “[I] Think The Most Conservative Approach Is To Pay Our Bills, Pay Down Our Debt, Keep Interest Rates Down, Put More Money In Your Pocket, And Then Protect Social Security And Medicare.” (Debbie Stabenow, Debate, 10/12/00)

BUT IT’S BEEN 1,085 DAYS SINCE STABENOW & HER DEMOCRAT COLLEAGUES HAVE PASSED A BUDGET 

APRIL 29, 2009:  The Senate has passed the President’s budget by a vote of 53-43. (Brian Beutler, The Budget Passes Both Houses, TPM, 04/29/09) 

WHICH IS LONGER THAN IT TOOK TO BUILD THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING:  The [Empire State Building] was actually completed ahead of schedule, taking only one year and 45 days to build. (Jennifer Rosenberg, Empire State Building Facts, Accessed 01/23/12) 

AND IN 2012 STABENOW & HER FELLOW LIBERAL DEMOCRATS HAVE REFUSED TO EVEN INTRODUCE A BUDGET 

• The Hill: Sen. Conrad Backs Off Plan To Vote On Budget.  Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) bowed to pressure from fellow Democrats on Tuesday and postponed a committee vote on a 2013 budget resolution, most likely until after the November elections. 

• Congressional Quarterly: Conrad to Hold No Votes on Budget. Senate Budget Chairman Kent Conrad is offering a long-term deficit reduction plan at what he is calling a markup Wednesday, but the more immediate effect of his action will be to spare Democrats potentially difficult election year votes on spending priorities.  The North Dakota Democrat plans to offer his budget resolution without a final vote or possible amendments….Avoiding a vote also allows Conrad to meet the concerns of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who has insisted he will not bring a budget to the floor.

 ·         ABC News: Senate Budget Chair Defends Kicking the Can Down the Road.  Why do today what you can put off until after Election Day?  Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad, D-N.D., has a plan for solving the nation’s debt crisis but doesn’t expect anything to get done before the fall election. 

•  Politico: Conrad budget a study in gridlock.  The Democratic-led Senate hasn’t passed a budget blueprint since April 2009, and it won’t do so again this spring as election-year pressures consume Capitol Hill. In fact, Conrad’s budget “markup” Wednesday won’t even be a real markup because senators won’t actually offer amendments or vote…. Last year, despite weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations with his own conference, Conrad abandoned a budget markup after it became clear it lacked support from Democrats, who complained it was too conservative. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) sealed its fate, saying it was “foolish” to pass a budget as Vice President Joe Biden was negotiating a deal to raise the debt ceiling.   

·         Washington Post’s Right Turn: Senate Democrats Punt On The Budget, Again . Sen. Kent Conrad (D-S.D.) had a bright idea: The Senate should pass a budget. It was a fine insight, since it legally is supposed to do just that but hasn’t in about three years. He decided he would use the Simpson-Bowles debt commission proposal. Sounds like a respectable idea. But then the Senate Democrats and Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) swooped in, forcing Conrad to retreat. No votes on the budget! Don’t make us show our hand!  

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