Obama challenges critics of his economic policies in speech to Youngstown workers

President Barack Obama came to the Mahoning Valley today and challenged critics of his economic policies to face a crowd of Youngstown steel workers.

Speaking to employees V&M Star steel tubing plant -- some in hard hats, bandannas, Carhartt work pants and heavy work boots -- Obama defended his economic stimulus plan, saying he had to take "significant action to jump start economic growth and job creation."

Chiding his critics as naysayers, the Democrat said, "Come here and tell us why companies like this in towns like Youngstown shouldn't be given every chance to expand and add jobs."

He highlighted elements of the $787 billion stimulus bill passed last year, including $20 million that will help V&M Star expand. He also touted the recently passed health care reform bill, saying small businesses will benefit from tax credits for health insurance...

"Tell us why doing nothing would be better for America," he said.

Obama didn't downplay Ohio's economic troubles, noting that Youngstown has a 14 percent unemployment rate. But he repeated that manufacturing, in particular the nearby Lordstown GM plant, has benefited from his action.

"I think any fair-minded person would say that if we hadn't acted, more people in the Valley, more people in Ohio and more people across America would be out of work today," he said.

V&M Star has plans for a $650 million expansion in Trumbull and Mahoning counties that will create 400 construction jobs and 350 permanent jobs. Ohio spent $20 million in federal stimulus money to help pay for road improvements and relocation of rail lines near the facility.

Obama said the company's investment is a result of the federal money. But Gov. Ted Strickland, who accompanied Obama, and other local elected officials have stopped short of saying that the deal would have fallen through without the federal funds.

...

Read the full article here.