Democrats want to jump-start our economy and reform our economic policy, designing it to address the needs of working families. Today, 8 million people are out of work, 1 million private sector jobs have been lost since the beginning of the Bush Administration, and long-term unemployment is at the highest level in ten years. Another 4.5 million people work part-time because they can't find a full-time job.

We want to provide every American with the opportunity to find a job that allows them to care for their family, buy a house, save for the future, and enjoy a secure retirement. The Democratic plan to create jobs includes:

Innovation Agenda. House Democrats have launched the Innovation Agenda, a committment to policies and legislation that will create an educated, skilled workforce in the vital areas of science, math, engineering, and information technology; invest in a sustained federal research and development initiative that promotes public-private partnerships; guarantee affordable access to broadband technology for all Americans; achieve energy independence in 10 years by developing emerging technologies for clean and sustainable alternatives that will strengthen national security and protect the environment; and provide small businesses with the tools to encourage entrepreneurial innovation and job creation.

Middle-class tax cuts. The Democratic proposal will put spending money in the pockets of average Americans through a range of middle-class tax cuts – boosting consumer demand and the business investment necessary to meet it.

Incentives for small business and manufacturing jobs in the U.S. The Democratic proposal will provide over $32 billion in tax relief for small businesses, the engine of our economy, so they can generate investment and jobs immediately. It also invests in a permanent new tax break for corporations to encourage companies to expand and create good-paying manufacturing jobs here in the United States.

New tax cuts to encourage businesses to hire the unemployed. Democrats want to give businesses that hire people who have been out of work for at least six months a tax credit worth $2,400. This credit helps put people back to work and rewards the companies that are hiring new workers.

Extended unemployment benefits. The Democratic plan will pump money into the economy by helping those who can't find a job because of the sagging economy. It extends unemployment benefits for the five million American workers who are still out of a job despite their continued job search.

Support for states and localities to create jobs. Fiscal crises in the states are forcing tax increases and cuts in critical programs, undermining jobs and our economic recovery. The Democratic plan will provide states with funds to avoid these cuts and to address critical needs in areas including health care, homeland security, education, and highway construction.