Obama unveils broad plan to boost job growth

Washington: President-elect Barack Obama on Saturday unveiled a broad proposal to boost job growth in the United States.

"If we don't act swiftly and boldly, we could see a much deeper economic downturn that could lead to double digit unemployment," Obama said in his weekly radio address

"That's why we need an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that not only creates jobs in the short-term but spurs economic growth and competitiveness in the long-term,'' he said.

To revive the US economy, Obama said "the number one goal" of his plan was to create three million jobs; with 80 per cent them in the private sector.

"To put people back to work today and reduce our dependence on foreign oil tomorrow, we will double renewable energy production and renovate public buildings to make them more energy efficient," Obama added.

He also called for "long-term investments," such as infrastructure building and "direct tax relief to 95 per cent of American workers."