Wilson’s Statement on Surging Unemployment Numbers

"As dismal unemployment numbers persist month after month, Speaker Pelosi continues on with her misplaced priorities," said Congressman Joe Wilson.

In December, the national unemployment rate was 10 percent and South Carolina's rate hit an all-time record high at 12.6 percent - breaking the old 12.3 percent set in November. The State reports that the number of South Carolina jobs shrank by 9,900 while the number of those looking for work rose by 6,400. Meanwhile, Congressman Wilson continues to push Speaker Pelosi to consider job creation policies.

"When will the liberal majority finally get the message to ditch their job-killing agenda that includes a national energy tax and government takeover of health care? When will Speaker Pelosi consider job creationincentives for small businesses and tax relief for families? People are hurting throughout South Carolina and it is high time that Congress starts talking about ways to jump start our economy each and every day."

The most recent edition of Wilson's Weekly Watch published the results of a survey Congressman Wilson sent constituents asking them to rank job creation suggestions. The suggestions with the most support include:

· 15% Provide a 5% across the board income tax cut

· 13% Allow small business to take a tax deduction equal to 20% of their income

· 12% Make the lower 15% rate on Capital Gains and Dividends permanent

· 12% Make all withdrawals from IRAs Tax-and Penalty-Free

· 11% Repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax on individuals

· 10% Permanently repeal required distributions on retirement accounts

· 9% Make unemployment benefits tax free

· 6% Offer a home-buyers credit of $7,500

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