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Top Dems Push For Worker Relief October 17, 2002 Democratic leaders this week proposed a slew of initiatives to improve the lives of working people hit hard by the slumping economy. House of Representatives Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Missouri) laid out a five-point plan on Tuesday to restore short- and long-term economic growth. It includes a $75 billion, one-time tax rebate for working families, a $125 billion investment in school construction, health care and domestic security. He also urged cutting "corporate welfare" by $100 billion and enacting more corporate responsibility and pension reform legislation. "The fact is America faces a clear and present danger to the economic life of working families," Gephardt said. He was joined by Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-South Dakota) in calls for increasing the minimum wage and extending employment benefits for those who have lost their jobs. Republican opposition has repeatedly thwarted attempts in recent weeks by Daschle to pass another 13-week extension for unemployment benefits. Earlier this year, Congress passed a 13-week extension for people displaced from jobs by 9/11. Gephardt said the countrys preoccupation with talk of war in Iraq has detracted from domestic problems. "We need policies devoted to one central purpose: creating economic growth with more jobs and higher wages for Americans. If we do that, then we are truly working in the interests of all Americans," Gephardt said. "Great nations succeed when they are prepared for threats from both abroad and at home."
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