Manufacturers association launches ad opposing energy tax increases

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) on Wednesday launched a multi-state, multi-million-dollar ad campaign opposing the energy tax increase President Obama seeks to pay for his $50 billion infrastructure initiative. 

The ad's message is that tax increases will limit job growth in the country. 

"Our message to Congress is very clear," NAM President and CEO John Engler said in prepared remarks. "At a time when unemployment remains over 9 percent, costly energy taxes will make our nation's economic situation worse by raising costs for businesses and consumers. ... We are encouraging manufacturers, small businesses and the public to tell Congress to say yes to jobs and no to higher energy taxes." 

The ad urges viewers to call Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to express their opposition to the tax increase. 

"Congress is pushing higher energy taxes that could cripple American manufacturing and eliminate countless jobs," the ad states. "We need more jobs, not higher energy taxes."

The initial phase of the campaign will focus on Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. 

Organizations like the National Federation of Independent Business and several state manufacturing associations will join the campaign.