DEMOCRATIC STATE REP CANDIDATE JOSH COHEN DETAILS AGENDA TO CREATE JOBS, STIMULATE ECONOMY IN THE 194TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Josh Cohen, Democratic candidate for State Representative in Pennsylvania’s 194th legislative district, today laid out his proposed legislative agenda to create jobs and stimulate the economy of the unique city/suburban district, which encompasses the communities of Roxborough, Manayunk, Wynnefield Heights, West Parkside, and parts of Wynnefield and East Falls in the City of Philadelphia, as well as Lower Merion, Belmont Hills, Bala Cynwyd, Merion, and part of Merion Station in Montgomery County. Cohen’s platform included drawing down stimulus dollars for infrastructure improvements, an emphasis on the emerging “green” economy, and tax breaks for small businesses and entrepreneurs to foster growth.

 

“There is no single solution to jump-starting our stagnant economy, but through the common sense, multi-tiered approach I am advocating, we can realize immediate gains that will help our region emerge from the national economic downturn quicker and in better shape than a lot of other regions across the country,” said Cohen. “First, the state legislature must do a better job of drawing down our fair share of federal stimulus dollars for much-needed infrastructure work that will improve transportation safety in our district and across the state, and create thousands of jobs in the process. I concur with Governor Rendell that Pennsylvania must find ways to generate billions of dollars in the next 20 years to build and repair roads and bridges and subsidize SEPTA and other mass-transit systems. Secondly, I will work to create more state grant opportunities, low-interest loans, and tax incentives, both to support companies already working in ‘green’ industries and to encourage more businesses to pursue opportunities in this rapidly growing sector, particularly in the fields of solar and wind energy. With electricity rate caps set to expire next year, consumer demand for these cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly alternative energy sources will skyrocket. The business sector needs to be ready to meet that demand and, as a State Legislator, I can help companies plan for success in this new arena. Finally, I believe the Legislature can and must offer small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs more financial assistance to stimulate growth and create jobs. With banks severely restricting their loan practices, it’s incumbent upon the state to fill that void through grants, low-interest loans and tax breaks. As State Representative, I will be a friend of small business.”

 

For more than a decade, Cohen has played pivotal roles in Philadelphia’s city government and has been a progressive, involved community member. A lifelong Democrat who is the son of two career Philadelphia public school teachers, Cohen’s first political experience was as a Committeeman in the city’s 52nd Ward. He served for three years as Assistant Press Secretary for former Mayor John F. Street before accepting a position as Deputy Chief of Staff to former City Councilman Juan Ramos, a position he held for four productive years. In 2008, Cohen’s sterling reputation for providing highly responsive and effective constituent services attracted the attention of newly-elected City Councilman Curtis Jones, who hired Cohen as his Deputy Chief of Staff, a position he held until he resigned to run for state representative.

 

Pennsylvania’s Primary Elections are Tuesday, May 18th.