There is an old truism on farms throughout the Sixth District. In order to have a good harvest this fall, farmers must work hard and make the right choices in the spring. In Missouri, we understand that you will reap only what you sow. In Congress, we have an opportunity to plant the seeds for economic growth. In order to do that though, we must make creating jobs our top priority.

On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that our unemployment rate was now 8.5 percent. Behind those numbers are real people who live in our own communities. We all know someone who has lost their job or has had their hours reduced. Missouri families are struggling and Congress needs to act.

Government does not create jobs, but it does have a role to play. Every policy should be evaluated with one question in mind: will it help create jobs?

That is why increasing taxes and spending trillions on big government programs is the wrong prescription for what ails our economy. The worst thing we can do is raise taxes during a recession. Not only will it not help create jobs, but it could end up costing us jobs.

Instead, Washington should be putting more money into the hands of small businesses and individuals.  Every time it has been done it has helped create jobs.  Allowing Americans to spend more of their own money will help stimulate the economy.

It is time Washington put aside partisan squabbling and made creating jobs our number one priority.

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