Senate Democrats Push $26 Billion Jobs Bill

Senate Democrats will push a $26 billion measure to help states and local school boards in a bid to preserve jobs.

The bill aims to preserve the jobs of tens of thousands of public sector employees by extending programs from last year's stimulus bill, the Associated Press reported. Democrats hope to gain support from Maine Republican Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins in a vote today.

Snowe and Collins had been concerned that the bill would cut funds to Navy shipbuilding accounts. The Bath Iron Works is one of Maine's major employers. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) removed the cuts on Monday.