John Kline: High Gas Prices Stalling an Already Struggling Economy

Editor's note: the following is a column from U.S. Congressman John Kline, (R-Second District) of Lakeville.

Another month of positive job gains is welcome news for the nation’s workers, but the reason unemployment has remained above 8 percent for more than three years is because Washington won’t get out of the way of small businesses and private sector job creators – which are the true engines of our economy.

As employers strive to grow their businesses and invest in our economy, and American families work to make ends meet, they shouldn’t have to contend with rising gas prices. The pain of these prices affect more than our ability to fill our gas tanks. High gas prices drive up the cost of everything from food to clothing, and stall an already struggling economy.

In campaign speeches, the President insists he supports our ‘All of the Above’ energy strategy. Unfortunately, his rhetoric fails to meet reality. For years, I have been championing a comprehensive approach that would reduce our dependence on hostile regions of the world and increase all forms of American energy. My plan is based around stopping government policies that are driving up energy prices and expanding American energy production to lower costs and create more jobs.

To assist constituents during this continued economic uncertainty, I am hosting a career and jobs fair Monday, May 14 at the Eagan Community Center. I encourage men and women of the 2nd district to attend this event and share the information with anyone they know who is looking for a job. I hope my career and jobs fair provides new opportunities to bring workers and prospective employers together and put Minnesotans back to work.