Making the case for a jobs bill.
In his weekly address, U.S. President Barack Obama says Americans need to be ready to "pay their fair share" to narrow the U.S. deficit, previewing his proposals to Congress that are expected to include more taxes on the rich.
SOUNDBITE: U.S. President Barack Obama, saying: (English):
"On Monday, I'll lay out my plan for how we'll do that -- how we'll pay for this plan and pay down our debt by following some basic principles: making sure we live within our means and asking everyone to pay their fair share."
As part of the President's efforts to reduce unemployment Obama said his $447 billion jobs plan will feature tax breaks for small businesses and workers.
SOUNDBITE: U.S. President Barack Obama, saying: (English):
"This jobs bill cuts taxes for every small business owner in America. It cuts them even more for small business owners that hire new workers and raise workers' salaries. And it cuts taxes for every working family in America so that you'll have more money in your pockets, and businesses know they'll have customers to buy what they sell.
He also is looking for funding for public works projects.
SOUNDBITE: U.S. President Barack Obama, saying: (English):
"This jobs bill puts construction workers back to work rebuilding our roads and bridges and modernizing our schools."
On Monday Obama is expected to present his plans to a congressional "super committee" tasked with finding at least $1.2 trillion in budget savings over 10 years. He is also expected to float plans for more taxes on the rich, as well as companies getting some tax breaks
Republicans on Capitol Hill see higher taxes on the wealthy as a problem for jobs, given that entrepreneurs and companies would be strongly affected.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters