Presidential Election 2016: D.N.C. Calls Jeb Bush's Hourly Work Comments 'Out-Of-Touch;' Details [Video]
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush said Wednesday that for economic growth, Americans "need to work longer hours."
"My aspiration for the country and I believe we can achieve it, is 4 percent growth as far as the eye can see," the former Florida Governor told the New Hampshire Union Leader in response to a question about his plans for tax reform. "Which means we have to be a lot more productive, workforce participation has to rise from its all-time modern lows. It means that people need to work longer hours" and, through their productivity, gain more income for their families. That's the only way we're going to get out of this rut that we're in."
Bush was wlready disliked by many on the other side of the aisle and Democrats were quickly in an uproar over the comments. The Democratic National Committee responded with a statement calling the comment by Bush, who's the son of one former president and brother of another, "easily one of the most out-of-touch comments we've heard so far this cycle."
While outside of the political realm, Twitter users also voiced their displeasure.
@JebBush Longer hours!? We work the longest hours; have little or no sick leave; no paid parental leave; and get paid a 1970s wage. #NOVOTE
— Jana La Sorte (@janalasorte) July 9, 2015
Wonder what @JebBush thinks https://t.co/HT3vf9AwQl — GlobalPost (@GlobalPost) July 9, 2015
The past 24 hours have told us everything about @JebBush - he spends infinitely more time w/billionaires rather than hardworking Americans. — Marcy Stech (@etchaStech) July 9, 2015
Why's everyone jumping down Bush's throat and not jumping on board with his plan for people to spend more time at work?
Well...
According to the State of Workplace Productivity Report, more than two-thirds of U.S. employees suffer from work overload. And it's a condition that's getting worse; employees who felt overworked increased from 54% in 2013 to 68% in 2014.
Somewhere along the lines, it doesn't seem as if Bush is in touch with the real world of everyday living. There are people who are already working two or more jobs to take care of their families. And according to most experts, it's not more working hours that's needed for economic growth but increased wages.
Sensing that he may have stepped on a few toes, Bush later clarified his comments saying, "If we're going to grow the economy people need to stop being part-time workers, they need to be having access to greater opportunities to work."
Ahh, so Bush thinks the 6.8 million Americans working part-time should have opportunities to work more hours and NOT that those already working full-time should be forced to work more. Wages though? Eh, leave 'em. Those folks may be just getting by, but they're getting by. Nice backpedal, Bush III.
ABC US News
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