Callahan talks jobs

Bethlehem mayor and Democratic congressional hopeful John Callahan rolled out his jobs agenda this week, a five-point plan that tracks closely with ideas circulated by some of the moderates in his party.

Callahan’s jobs plan, unveiled at a news conference in Bethlehem and during an interview with pa2010.com, centers on eliminating tax incentives for companies to outsource jobs overseas; enacting small business tax cuts; increasing financial aid for higher education; cutting “wasteful” spending; and streamlining federal regulations for small businesses. In a race that has just as often centered on local issues, Callahan used the focus on national policy to criticize incumbent Congressman Charlie Dent (R-15) anew. The race is currently No. 5 on the pa2010.com Congressional Power Rankings.

“No one wants to see our jobs go to Mexico or to China,” Callahan said. “It’s time for Washington to stop rewarding companies that engage in this culture of outsourcing.

“Earlier this month, Congressman Dent voted against closing some of the tax loopholes for corporations that export our jobs overseas… to avoid paying their fair share,” Callahan added, referring to GOP opposition to a $26 billion aid package for states that Democrats passed and funded by closing the so-called tax loopholes.

Callahan also chastised Dent for voting against the recent HIRE Act to provide tax credits for small businesses. Callahan wants to expand the measure, which would offer payroll tax exemptions for firms that hire unemployed workers and up to a $1,000 tax credit for each new employee. Opponents of the legislation question its effectiveness and criticize its $35 billion price tag.

In a statement, Dent insisted that Callahan is all about raising taxes.

“At least John Callahan is consistent,” Dent said. “His No. 1 plan is to always raise taxes—whether on income, sales, property, investment or savings. None of John Callahan’s tax increases will create jobs.”

Dent has been critical of Callahan’s leadership in Bethlehem, spotlighting the city’s budget deficit to say his opponent “has no credibility to talk about fiscal responsibility.”

But Callahan pointed to that same record in touting his understanding of how to streamline government regulations.

“When I was first elected as mayor, it took a small business 42 days to get its paperwork approved,” Callahan said. “But now… it takes just 14 days.”