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Coble focuses on economics
By J.D. Walker, Staff Writer, The Courier-Tribune

ASHEBORO - Economic stimulus measures were the prime focus of U.S. Rep. Howard Coble's (R-N.C.) address to local business people Thursday.

Coble was in Asheboro on a congressional workday that included constituent visits, storytime with a group of Head Start kids and a luncheon engagement at the Truilant Membership Advisory Council meeting.

Coble spoke with business representatives from Truliant Credit Union, Klaussner Furniture Industries, John Plant Company, Dart Container Corp., Oliver Rubber Co., Energizer, Ramtex and Goldston Concrete Works.

The luncheon was held at Asheboro Country Club.

Coble told the audience he voted for the $350 billion tax cut measure signed by President George W. Bush on Wednesday but added his support was lukewarm.

He said he felt in general there were more good than bad parts to the package.

Among other incentives, the 10-year measure provides new child care tax credits, modified tax brackets that lower federal taxes for many wage earners and a one-time $20 billion bailout for states.

North Carolina is expected to get $510 million out of the deal. Coble called the measure overly generous for states that got themselves into debt through poor spending habits in the 1990s.

However he qualified his remarks, saying in North Carolina he had at least a little sympathy for Gov. Mike Easley. Coble said much of what Easley and other state lawmakers are dealing with now is the result of poor leadership decisions made by former Gov. Jim Hunt.

"When Hunt left, he not only left the cupboard bare, he took the cupboard with him," said Coble.

Coble said he plans to direct his efforts for economic stimulus toward the creation of a furniture caucus. In conjunction with the American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA) and 22 other congressional members, Coble hopes to address the needs of furniture industry.

The first meeting of the caucus is June 10.

Coble said the furniture industry is being hurt badly by imports, especially those from China. He said many times America's free trade agreements don't include fair trade for U.S. manufacturers.

"Too often, we swing wide our gates only to have them slam their gates in our faces."

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