MOUNT VERNON — Although Republicans in the U.S. Senate successfully filibustered President Obama’s comprehensive American Jobs Act, efforts are being launched to place components of that act before Congress.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, held a telephone press conference Wednesday to announce the introduction of a bill to keep or rehire more than 400,000 teachers, firefighters and police officers nationwide. The bill would be financed by a surcharge of one-half percent on income over $1 million.

Brown said 4,300 education jobs have been lost in Ohio alone and cuts will cost thousands more jobs nationally in the coming year or two.

“Our children’s education is our greatest investment in our collective future,” Brown said in opening the conference call. “Teachers prepare Ohio’s future citizens and work force so our democracy remains strong and our companies can compete with anyone in the world. Ohio’s firefighters and law enforcement officers ensure domestic security so citizens and companies enjoy safety in their communities.