Erik Paulsen: “One year ago last week, the White House proclaimed that the summer of 2010 would officially be known as ``The Summer of…”

“One year ago last week, the White House proclaimed that the summer of 2010 would officially be known as ``The Summer of Recovery.'' Now, 52 weeks later, unemployment remains painfully high at 9.1 percent, the housing crisis has not improved, and nearly 14 million Americans are out of work. As I travel my district in Minnesota, from Bloomington to Wayzata to Coon Rapids, I hear from Minnesotans and small business owners that are understandably concerned. My constituents were told that a trillion- dollar stimulus package would keep unemployment below 8 percent. They were clearly sold a bill of goods, as unemployment has now been above 8 percent for more than 2 years straight. House Republicans do have a plan to jump-start our economy and actually create jobs. Our plan takes commonsense steps to reducing regulatory burdens that actually will help small businesses, that will help entrepreneurs. It actually takes commonsense steps to fix an out- of-date Tax Code so our employers are more competitive around the world. We also take steps to pass the three pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea that would create up to 250,000 new jobs through new sales to new customers. Also, we will maximize domestic energy production by reducing our dependence on foreign oil and also lowering gas prices. Finally, Mr.…”