WASHINGTON (AP) ? President Barack Obama is proposing spending $105 billion on public works projects as part of his package to spur job growth. He also is recommending that Congress renew nearly $50 billion in unemployment benefits for about 6 million people at risk of losing their jobless insurance.
The spending is contained in a broader $447 billion jobs plan that the president is unveiling Thursday before a joint session of Congress.
The proposal also contains deeper payroll tax cuts for workers and new payroll tax cuts for businesses.
In addition, the plan proposes spending $35 billion so that states and local governments can prevent layoffs of teachers and emergency services personnel.
White House officials say the proposal represents a bold response to serious economic weakening.
