Congress and President Obama have floated several ideas for creating jobs. Some of the ideas that probably will be funded are aimed at specific industries.
What’s not on Congress’ agenda yet: The president’s proposal to give tax credits to small businesses that hire new employees. None of the current proposals on Capitol Hill have that component. House Democratic leaders did pass a $100 billion job-creation bill, but the tax credit for hiring wasn’t in there.
What is in the bill and coming from the White House:
- The president will announce plans to provide $5 billion more in tax credits for makers of wind, solar, electric-vehicle and other renewable-energy products. The president’s plan is to get the ball rolling for “green” industries and then attract $15 billion in private investment — and create jobs in the industry.
- The U.S. House’s bill contains money for infrastructure projects, water projects, affordable-housing construction and renovation, and school construction and renovation.
In any case, the Senate won’t consider or vote on the House bill — or a bill to give tax credits for hiring — until some time after the first of the year.
