Bush, GOP Seek Credit for (Clinton) Community Investment Program

[OzarkDem]

AMHERST--Congressman Sherrod Brown (D-Lorain County) today applauded the community-development tax credits awarded to two Ohio organizations, but criticized the Bush administration and Congressional Republicans for creating an economy that has put so many Ohioans out of work.

This morning, a Treasury Department official held an event in Columbus to announce the tax credits, which were part of an initiative created by President Bill Clinton and supported by Brown. This program has become even more important since the Republicans squandered the budget surplus created in the 1990s.

"When President Clinton proposed the New Markets Tax Credit Program, I was proud to fight for it," said Brown, who is a co-sponsor of a House measure to expand the program. "These tax credits will provide much-needed relief for Ohio communities that have suffered for six years from DeWine and Republicans' job-killing policies and economic neglect. Congress has a responsibility to stand up for working families, not just do the bidding of CEOs."

Senator DeWine is not a co-sponsor of the Senate bill that would expand the program.

"Now, after 200,000 manufacturing jobs have disappeared from Ohio, Republicans want to take credit for a Democratic program," Brown said. "If only President Bush, Senator DeWine, and other Republicans in Congress would support other Democratic ideas - like budget surpluses, instead of massive deficits."

http://www.sherrodbrown.com/story/2006/6/1/172230/5665