Dem proposes $10 billion oil tax hike to fund jobs program

“The unemployed and underemployed need immediate assistance and Congress must do everything possible to help those who are suffering in this economy,” he said Wednesday. “My bill will help ensure taxpayer money is well-used while supporting job training and economic development programs that will pull Americans back to their feet at a critical time for our country.”

{mosads}Cohen said the $10 billion raised by increasing taxes on oil companies would be used to send grants to cities with unemployment rates higher than the national average for more than 18 months in a row. Half would be used for job training programs, and the other half would be used to support infrastructure construction.

Cohen’s bill reflects the sort of demand that Democrats have been making all year in the GOP-led House. Democrats have said Republicans for the last two years have failed to bring up any major jobs bills, which they generally define as bills that increase spending to fund construction projects.

In contrast, Republicans have said the House has passed dozens of jobs bills, which they generally define as bills that remove federal regulation to make it easier for companies to do business and expand.