House Democrats would like to pass a jobs bill by Dec. 18, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told reporters today.With unemployment rates surpassing 10 percent, Democrats say they are getting input from economists on the most effective ways to get more people back in the workforce, CBS News Capitol Hill Producer Jill Jackson reports.Democrats are considering a range of ideas, Hoyer said, including providing aid to states, giving tax credits to employers as an incentive to hire more people and extending unemployment benefits or the federal subsidy of COBRA health insurance benefits.Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said today that "it's about time" Democrats start focusing on deficits and jobs, though he added that he was incredulous of their plans, Jackson reports."I say you've got to be kidding me," Cantor said. "They have for months now been about more spending, leaving a wake of deficits in their trails, and now they want to focus on what's important," he said.Cantor added that he urges House Democrats to consider Republican solutions for job creation. AMONG THE ITEMS UNDER CONSIDERATION * Could include transportation spending, tax cuts* Would likely add to budget deficit* A transportation bill that could cost up to $500 billion* A tax credit for businesses that create jobs* Assistance to state governments, which otherwise would lay off teachers, police and other employees as they cope with plunging tax revenues and rising social spending