No More Urgent Priority than Rebuilding the Middle Class
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement on the President's visit to Iowa. Harkin, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, is leading the effort in Congress to rebuild the middle class in America. Last August, he held a listening session in Newton with local officials, which informed his Rebuild America Act legislation. Senator Harkin is also a senior member and former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.
"One thing is clear: there can be no sustained economic recovery without a recovery of the middle class in America, the backbone of our economy. And one way to spur job creation and aid in that rebuilding effort is by supporting the diverse and growing renewables sector in Iowa, including both wind and biofuels.
"I am glad the President is visiting Newton today - an area that has clearly demonstrated it is possible to create jobs and rebuild through the renewables sector. It is now imperative that Congress extend alternative energy tax credits, including credits for wind and biofuels, so that small towns like Newton will have the boost they need over the long-term.
"So I commend President Obama, I welcome him to Iowa, and I applaud his call to support the renewable industry, spur job creation, and rebuild the middle class in America."
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