Paul Sanford Says Budget Management Crucial to Saving Jobs
From a Press Release by Paul Sanford (note to other candidates: we’ll post your stuff, too):
Republican State Senate candidate Paul Sanford today said the 6.7 percent unemployment rate in Alabama must be addressed by the Legislature when it convenes next month in Montgomery. The jobless figures were just released and reflect the rate of unemployed Alabamians as of December 31, 2008.
Sanford credited Governor Riley for an economic growth policy that has brought new business and jobs to Alabama. He said the economic incentives offered in recent years by the state to businesses considering Alabama have been a major attraction. Sanford warned that if the budget deficit is not fixed, incentive offers to businesses will no longer be available. “The Legislature must plan a budget based on realism, not pie-in-the-sky projections, or we will continue to dig ourselves deeper into a hole,” Sanford said. “And if we are not able to attract businesses through incentives, the jobless rate will continue to climb,” he added.
Alabama’s jobless rate has traditionally been well below that of the national average, but according to the latest figures, that gap is narrowing. Unemployment on the national level is currently at 7.2 percent. “In recent years, Alabama has been able to market itself as the best destination for businesses to locate. My goal is to make our state a breeding ground for new business opportunities and job growth,” Sanford stated.
