National Womens Law Center Calls On Congress To Pass Jobs Act

(Washington, DC) The National WomenÂ’s Law Center urges the House of Representatives and Senate to pass the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, which will provide critical emergency assistance for American workers and help for the economy. The following is a statement by Nancy Duff Campbell, Co-President of the National WomenÂ’s Law Center:

“Over 15 million Americans remain unemployed today, a stark reminder that the recession isn’t over for many women and their families. For countless individuals, these hard times aren’t an abstraction. While the economy is beginning to add jobs, it will take a long time to recover the millions of jobs that have been lost. And, at this critical moment, many states are facing empty coffers, cutting vital services, and laying off workers, threatening the fragile recovery.

“This bill would extend unemployment insurance benefits and COBRA subsidies through the end of the year, helping women and families to make ends meet and hold on to their health insurance while they search for work, even if that search takes longer than they had hoped. It also would provide additional Medicaid assistance to states, protecting health care services for low-income women and their families and easing the pressure on state budgets. And it would extend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Emergency Fund, enabling states to continue to create jobs and provide emergency aid to poor women and children.

“The bill also moves to hold wealthy individuals and big corporations responsible for paying their fair share of taxes. It would reduce the preferential tax treatment currently enjoyed by wealthy investment fund managers, some of whom earn billions of dollars a year yet pay taxes at a lower rate than teachers, nurses and other workers. It would also close several tax loopholes for corporations that shift jobs and profits offshore.

“Time is of the essence. Critical assistance for American families is about to run out. We call on the House and Senate to pass this important bill before they leave for the Memorial Day recess.”

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The National Women's Law Center is a non-profit organization that has been working since 1972 to advance and protect women's legal rights. The Center focuses on major policy areas of importance to women and their families including economic security, education, employment and health, with special attention given to the concerns of low-income women. For more information on the Center, visit: www.nwlc.org.