President Barack Obama is trying to reach out to corporate America and look for ways to jumpstart the economy. But the effort doesn't appear to be well-received by business leaders.
At a speech in Texas, Obama called for making higher education more affordable for all Americans.
"That's why I'm absolutely committed to making sure that here in America, nobody is denied a college education, nobody is denied a chance to pursue their dreams," he said.
His message was well received by the students. However, on the campaign trail, his talking points about improving the economy have not resonated with the majority of the public, corporate America, or Republicans in Washington, D.C.
"Where are the jobs?" Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, asked on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday.
"The reason we don't have new jobs is because of the job-killing agenda pursued by President Obama and his allies in the Congress," Boehner said
Despite the administration's attempt to reach out, business leaders remain skeptical.
Many see new regulations such as the recent financial overhaul and healthcare reform law as anti-business, which is evidenced by the nation's unemployment rate stuck at 9.5 percent.
Democrats are hoping Tuesday's vote on $26 billion jobs bill will help give them an advantage. They said the measure is supposed to help states ease severe budget gaps with programs like Medicaid and stop the layoffs of up to 300,000 teachers.
"In my own state they estimate that it will save the jobs of 7,000 teachers and that's critically important," Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., said.
However, critics argue the bill is a payoff to union bosses and liberal special interests, adding more fuel to GOP claims that Democrats are hurting the economy and aren't helping business.
"The job-killing agenda pursued by President Obama and his allies in Congress they really do have employers scared to death," Boehner said. "I talk to a lot of employers who are fearful about what's coming next out of Washington."
The White House denies being anti-business, pointing out corporate profits are up 65 percent from two years ago. But critics noted that hasn't yet translated into creating more jobs.