Edwards Outlines Plan for Ohios Economic Recovery; Says Under Bush Ohio Lost 237,000 Jobs; Average Ohio Family's Income Fell by $1,500

Democratic Vice President nominee John Edwards, delivering a major economic address in Cleveland, outlined a new direction for America, and for Ohio in particular, after what he called a four-year assault on the middle class by President Bushs economic policies that have decimated the Ohio economy and American values. Edwards pledged to fight every day for an economic plan that will unleash the productive powers of Americas workers and companies, create millions of good-paying jobs and strengthen the middle class.

Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) September 29, 2004 -Democratic nominee for vice president John Edwards has called for a new economic direction in America, one which will honor work and responsibility, rather than wealth and privilege.

Edwards, delivering a major economic address in Cleveland, outlined a new direction for America, and for Ohio in particular, after a four year assault on the middle class from President Bush. While Bushs economic policies have decimated the Ohio economy and American values, Edwards pledged to fight every day for an economic plan that will unleash the productive powers of Americas workers and companies, create millions of good-paying jobs and strengthen the middle class.

Make no mistake. Bushs tax agenda is not a plan to grow the American economy. It is a plan to corrupt the American economy and shrink the winners circle."

In his speech, Edwards criticized the Bush administration as a Do-Nothing Presidency when it comes to creating jobs, bringing down health care costs or helping young people go to college. While all of America has been squeezed by the Bush economy over the last four years, Edwards said that Ohio has been hit particularly hard by the economic downturn, with record job loss, skyrocketing costs and falling incomes.

Edwards unveiled Fighting for a Stronger Ohio: John Kerry and John Edwards Plan for Ohios Economic Recovery" which details the Kerry-Edwards plan of how to restore economic prosperity to Ohio.

Edwards blamed the disastrous state of the Ohio economy on President Bushs failed leadership and dangerous ideology. In the last month, Edwards noted that Ohio lost an additional 12,000 jobs bringing the total under the George Bush to 237,000 jobs, more than one in four in the whole country. The manufacturing base in Ohio has been especially hard-hit, with 173,000 jobs lost. The typical family has seen its income fall by more than $1,500.

George Bushs presidency has also been a very bad for Ohio businesses. Real business investment and exports in Ohio are both down under George Bush, the first such decline during a single Presidential term in over 70 years.

"George W. Bush has not fought against this tide of job loss. He has not enforced our trade laws and has failed to address Chinese currency manipulation, putting American businesses at a disadvantage. While the Bush administration praised outsourcing as an economic strategy, thousands of Ohioans have seen their jobs shipped overseas," said Edwards.

Edwards also criticized the Presidents new tax agenda as corrupting American values. Its time to return to the idea that made this country great," said Edwards. Instead of helping wealthy people protect their wealth, we should reward the work of Americas middle class."

Said Edwards,This plan will attract new business to Ohio and create more manufacturing jobs. And it will strengthen and expand the middle class so that the American dream of building something better is never replaced with the dream of just getting by."

Edwards emphasized that America, and particularly Ohio, can do better. Edwards said that in the White House, he and John Kerry will fight to create better conditions for American businesses and American families. "That means cracking down on countries that are breaking basic trade rules. It means giving tax incentives to create jobs here at home and making American businesses more competitive by making health care and energy more affordable. It also means investing in the jobs of the future and the technologies so critical to Ohios economy."

Edwards outlined some of the details of the Kerry-Edwards plan for a stronger American Economy and stronger Ohio. "We will create good-paying jobs in America by ending tax breaks for companies creating jobs overseas and cutting taxes for 99 percent of businesses. We will help middle class families with tax cuts and lower health and energy costs. We will restore Americas competitive edge by ending energy dependence and investing in more research and development. And finally, we will restore economic confidence by cutting the deficit in half in four years, and paying for every proposal."

John Kerry and I will put America back on a virtuous path where work is rewarded, the middle class expands, and the American Dream is there for all who are willing to work for it," said Edwards.

For more details on or to read the complete Kerry-Edwards: A Real Economic Plan for Ohio, visit http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2004_0921a.html and click on Read The Complete Plan.

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