WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  It seems every day brings word of new economic challenges. Prices are high, home values are stagnant and our unemployment rate continues to rise.

 All of these are taking a toll on our working families. Folks in East Alabama are in pain in these tough economic times, and all of us are ready for things to improve.

It’s going to take a lot of hard work from Congress to help get our economy on the right track, and it can start by passing legislation that eases the economic pain on working families and stimulates economic growth.

 In September, I voted in favor of a bill, H.R. 7110, that would extend unemployment benefits in tough times and increase Federal funding to states to help pay for vital healthcare programs like Medicaid. Over 900,000 Alabamians, including many children, are eligible for Medicaid. 

Congress should also work to help create good paying jobs.  East Alabama has one of the best, most proven workforces in America. The defense industry and agriculture are two of the leading sectors of our economy.

In September, Congress passed a bill that included funding for the upcoming year for the Defense Department that helps ensure our men and women in uniform continue to receive the resources they need in battle. It also ensures the men and women who serve our warfighters at the Third District’s three vital military facilities – Fort Benning, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, and the Anniston Army Depot – continue to receive critical Federal support they need to do their jobs for our nation.

Congress also passed the Farm Bill earlier this year. That legislation provides critical support for the thousands of Alabama family farms that help feed our nation.

But the bread and butter of job creation is our small businesses. According to latest statistics from the United States Small Business Administration, Alabama is home to over 77,000 small businesses which employ around 826,000 people.

That’s why Congress should pass legislation that not only helps keep taxes low on small businesses, but helps them offer affordable healthcare to more of their workers.

An estimated 47 million Americans do not have health insurance.  Over half of those are small business owners, employees, and dependents. To help increase healthcare coverage, Congress should pass legislation that allows association health plans.

These plans would allow small business to join together across state lines and increase their ability to purchase health insurance at a lower cost for their employees.  This isn’t the only answer for making healthcare more affordable, but it is a good place to start.

Of course, over the long term one of the best things Congress can for our economy is to help make our nation energy independent.

We must drill, but Congress must also invest heavily in Alabama-grown renewable energy sources. Congress must also invest in new refineries, the next generation of clean and safe nuclear power plants, and new technologies that use wind, solar, hydrogen, and bio-mass as energy.

Investing in energy independence is an investment in our economy and our jobs. Looking ahead, Congress must make strengthening our economy its top priority. As always, please contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers with your concerns.