By Ryan Morden
Oswego, NY – A jobs stimulus bill in Congress passed the Senate earlier this week and now heads to the House.
Syracuse area Congressman Dan Maffei, said he sees no problems with the Senate bill and would like the House to pass it right away.
If the bill passes, it would mean Central New York small businesses that hire unemployed workers could claim a tax break.
Maffei said if the credit benefits the economy, beyond a temporary aid to help the country out of recession, Congress could discuss making it permanent.
"You might find that this tax credit actually is a benefit that we might want to keep permanently after we do a temporary one, but Congress will decide that when the time comes," said Maffei.
In the meantime, Maffei said if the jobs bill becomes law, the next step would be to reach out to small businesses in his district and let them know the tax credit is available.
North country Congressman, Bill Owens praised the Senate's effort, calling the tax credit valuable and an opportunity to create jobs in Upstate New York.