Richardson Reveals Economic Plan

A couple of days ago, Bill Richardson revealed the economic plan he would pursue if elected president in 2008. While I think his healthcare plan needs some work (as do the plans of the other major candidates), I think he's definitely got the right idea with his economic plan. Here's what he had to say when he revealed the plan:

"The Bush administration's economic policies have failed the middle class, created huge deficits, and caused wages to stagnate. We have created over 80,000 jobs in New Mexico. We have balanced five budgets and offered tax-credits to pro-growth employers. My record of promoting responsible development is unmatched.

We can balance the federal budget and avoid passing on debt to our children. We can give tax credits to responsible employers who pay above the prevailing wage. We can develop renewable energy technologies to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and sustain the environment. All of this is possible. The country just needs a president who knows how to get things done."

Unlike his opponents, Bill Richardson has experience both in Congress and as the chief executive of a state. He fully understands what it will take to put our economy on the right track, and how to get it accomplished. Here are some of the highpoints of his economic proposal:

* Get our troops out of Iraq and leave NO residual forces behind.

* Repeal the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.

* Slash Congressional earmarks and corporate welfare.

* Eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax that squeezes the middle class.

* Establish a Rural Jobs Tax Credit for employers in less-populated areas.

* Give a tax credit to employers paying above the prevailing wage.

* Promote "green jobs" in renewable energy.

* Double and make permanent the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit.

* Establish an Angel Investor Tax Credit to promote investment in hi-tech industries.

* Hire 100,000 new math and science teacher's to increase our children's competitiveness.

* Build 250 Math, Science & Innovation Academies by 20012 to train the next generation of American scientists, mathematicians, engineers and teachers.

* Offer rebates to businesses hiring economically underprivileged students.

* Create incentives for "green building".

* Protect the rights of workers by defending collective bargaining.

* Index the minimum wage to the rate of inflation.

This sounds like a very good start to putting the American economy back on the right track. It not only helps workers, but it does so without penalizing small businesses. It's a far cry from the Republican program of helping only the rich.

If you're still not sure who you will support for president in 2008, I urge you to go to Richardson for President and see what this truly qualified and innovative candidate has to offer.