Use Government Contracts for U.S. Workers. Some states have begun outsourcing government contracts. For example, New Jersey has outsourced government services to help move people from welfare to work. The idea of using taxpayer dollars to send entry-level service jobs overseas to administer a program aimed at finding domestic entry-level service jobs for welfare recipients makes no sense. John Kerry believes that U.S. Federal contracts where possible should be performed by American workers. He will direct his Cabinet Secretaries to look at procurement policies and assure wherever possible Federal contracts are not being outsourced overseas.
Stop Giving Government Contracts to Corporations Breaking the Rules. John Kerry will also make sure the Federal government does not give lucrative contracts to companies that have a record of accounting fraud – like WorldCom – or are moving offshore.
Consumers “Right to Know” on Call Center Workers. In today’s economy, consumers increasingly use the telephone or Internet to buy goods and services, inquire about transactions and bills, and get technical support or other information. More than 70 percent of customer interaction occurs in call centers and an estimated 6 million Americans work in call centers. In recent years, many call centers have shifted operations overseas, to places like India, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The US has lost 250,000 call center jobs since 2001. John Kerry wants to keep jobs on the booming call center market here in America, and help provide a measure of security for telephone and Internet consumer transactions. He believes that consumers should have a right to know where they are calling. The Federal Trade Commission enforces standards to ensure commercial compliance with “Made in USA” labeling. Kerry believes a “consumer’s right to know” should also apply the same principles of disclosure to telephone- and Internet- mediated customer service transactions.
End Every Single Tax Credit That Gives Corporations Breaks for Moving Jobs Offshore. John Kerry will close every single loophole that gives companies incentives to move jobs abroad, including stopping American companies from setting up virtual headquarters in foreign countries just to avoid paying U.S. taxes and stop tax breaks for companies that move jobs abroad.
A Tax Credit to Create Manufacturing Jobs. Bush has done nothing to end incentives that encourage companies to move abroad. John Kerry supports a corporate rate reduction for manufacturers who produce goods in the U.S., and he has proposed a new jobs tax credit to encourage manufacturing companies to stay and expand in America.
More Jobs in Small Business. Bush is proposing to cut the Small Business Administration by 25 percent. John Kerry has a plan to make it easier for small businesses to get capital and loans. He also has a health care tax credit for small businesses and a comprehensive energy plan that will help businesses cut costs.
Jobs Through Energy Technology. Bush’s energy plan is a handout to big oil and fails to invest in the innovative energy technology of the future. John Kerry has a plan to invest in renewable energy and technologies that will create 500,000 jobs and make energy more affordable for businesses.
Enforce Trade Laws to Protect American Workers. George Bush supported cuts to trade enforcement, even though we need more enforcement to stop the drain on manufacturing jobs. John Kerry will crack on countries that violate trade agreements and will take action when American industries are hurt.
Make Sure Americans Can Compete in 21st Century Economy. In the 21st Century economy, many jobs will require a college degree or beyond. That is why John Kerry has a plan to make college as universal as high school with a tax credit on the first $4,000 of tuition for each year of college. |
