Most LI pols back U.S. jobs bill, but see more need

While most of Long Island's congressional delegation backs the $15-billion jobs bill passed by the Senate Wednesday, they also said more needs to be done.

"I'd prefer a more robust package similar to the $150-billion bill that passed the House last year, but would most likely support what is ultimately brought to the floor," said Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Roslyn Heights).

The Senate bill, called the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, was sponsored by Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). The focus of the bill is a $13-billion plan offering companies a one-year break from paying a 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax for each new worker hired from those unemployed for more than 60 days. The other $2 billion is for infrastructure projects and small-business aid.

The delegation member who is the most cautious toward the plan is the lone Republican, Rep. Pete King of Seaford, who said: "I voted against the [$150-billion] House bill and am looking closely at the Senate bill."

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy of Mineola said, "there are some good tax deduction opportunities as well as other items in the Senate bill, which should encourage business investment."

While she said the Senate bill is "a good start" and that more must be done, in the end, she said, she would vote for it if it comes before the House. The other Democrats pretty much followed suit.

"[The Senate bill] is a good step and I'll support it," said Rep. Steve Israel of Dix Hills. "But one step won't get us across the finish line. " Rep. Tim Bishop of Southampton called the Senate bill "a step forward in creating jobs, but we have a lot more work to do."

Data from Schumer's office show that about 45,400 people in Nassau are eligible for hire under the HIRE Act; 56,900 in Suffolk, and 414,800 in New York City.