Jobs Bill

[Scott Brown]

I came to Washington to be an independent voice, to put politics aside, and to do everything in my power to help create jobs for Massachusetts families. This Senate jobs bill is not perfect. I wish the tax cuts were deeper and broader, but I voted for it because it contains measures that will help put people back to work.

I was disappointed with the continuation of politics-as-usual in the drafting of this bill, as it was crafted behind closed doors, without transparency and accountability. I hope for improvements in that process going forward. All of us, Republicans and Democrats, have to work together to get our economy back on track. I hope my vote today is a strong step toward restoring bipartisanship in Washington.

[CJ]

I just want to say that I was really happy that Scott voted against appointing the SEIU guy to the cabinet. Apparently Obama used the exec order to force it thru anyway.

[Matthew Ball]

Emmy there is nothing in this bill that helps MA espically to the tune of 15 billion dollars. The reason I am so critical of Mr. Brown is because he received support from people like myself all over this country. We paid attention to what he said during the campaign and I am simply holding him to his campaign promises. As far as Ms. Sheheen goes I never voted or supported her trying to explain to a democrate that federal spending is killing our country is absolutely a waste of breath. So I am participating in this discussion because there is at least hope on this side of individuals supporting the idea of eliminating wastefull spending and bills being crafted behind closed doors. This is what Scott Brown stood for... so my point is this vote makes no sense and it does no good.

[Emmy]

Gladly Matthew. Since you have been so judgmental about this whole thing, I'm happy to explain it to you. The bill was going to pass. Scott saw the possibility of some help for MA. He reviewed it and explained his rationale completely. Perfect? No ideal? Definitely not. A good example set? Yes. He is there to do what he said he would do. He has not broken promises. What did you expect him to do...go down there and rip everything up and start over? Please...get real. He is already crafting legislation and ammendments. I trust you have been as merciless with the Honorable Ms. Sheheen up there in your state. If you haven't been...you should be. And don't bother to call me names unless you have nothing else constructive to say. I don't engage in such foolishness. Spend your time writing to your Jr Senator rather than an answer to me.

[Matthew Ball]

Emmy explain the strategy to me....we are in a national crisis and this is not a game to be played. Heres a strategy for Scott..he has the nations ear how about getting in front of the cameras and exposing theses bills for what they are...a wast of taxpayers money. Scott said it himself Govt doesnt create jobs.

[Emmy]

I agree with you David. There is a strategy involved. Anyone who doesn't get that should google him for radio show soundbytesfrom the last couple days and LISTEN to him. He's the new guy and no stranger to controversy and being outnumbered. He will have to choose his battles. he'll do fine. People need to chill and give him a break. This was going to pass anyway. If people are so upset about it, they should be outraged at their own senators and let them know. If people paid half as much attention to their own senators during the last few years we wouldn't be in this mess. At least Scott is a wake up call. It's not blinders, Matthew, its common sense.

[Matthew Ball]

And to go along with David's comment that this wasn't a one way street...all you need to do is look at the top of this page and read Scott Browns comment "I was disappointed with the continuation of politics-as-usual in the drafting of this bill, as it was crafted behind closed doors, without transparency and accountability." So is he lying David? how do you account for these remarks? This is not the way the process should work!

[Matthew Ball]

David you think people are going to be hired because a business received a $1000 tax credit? Your insane!!! There isn't a single businessman/woman out there saying to themselves "If I could get $1000 from the govt' I would hire a new employee" Can you understand that is barley enough money to employ someone for a week? Take the blinders off buddy!

[David Gaby]

Yes, I do think that the bill will create some employment, and is a positive development. Further, it could prepare the way for more positive development, IF we all pull together and help.

First, my experience managing businesses suggests that, due the bureaucracy inherent in obtaining the tax credits, the use of the tax credit will be mostly in small/medium government-oriented businesses that can afford the time to deal with it. This will blunt the impact of the $13 Billion, but that impact will be real. Thousands of people will be hired, and this will have a multiplier effect and in turn create continued and new private employment as well as that directly created.

Second, if the process that created the passage of the bill is followed, not as a one-way street as some say, but as a precedent that, if followed, can result in passage of legislation, Sen. Brown can work with other conservatives and form a group that could say, for instance, we six senators will support a bill for an actual energy conservation stimulus program, PROVIDED, there are no secret earmarks by individual legislators, and the work will be carried out in a labor-intensive manner by long-term unemployed workers to maximize the dollars going into the economy instead of the same big contractors.

If all of us worked to support this and keep the legislators and the administration honest on it there could be a really serious impact.

[Jeffrey Ellis]

Agreed. I did read the bill. It is a mess. $1,000 bonuses for employers to hire the unemployed? Really? Who is going to enforce that one? Cutting half of corporate share of employer paid FICA to hire unemployed people. Hmmm...what does the certification process for that gem look like? Why is the federal govt telling/rewarding any employer who to hire?

Big mistake, Scott. Your political future, if you desired one, is toast.

[Jeff J]

He's pretty much got the same record as Martha Coakley would have...

Prediction: Scott Brown's time in Washington will be short-lived. The (conservative base/nationwide tea partyesque) effort it took to get him elected will not be there in 2012. Not after being an "independent" sellout.