The progressives first goal is to prevent economic growth. In conjunction with that they want to redistribute the wealth that currently exists.
How do you create jobs in a zero growth economy (no private company is going to ad jobs if they aren’t growing)? You invent government jobs. This accomplishes both goals. Steal resources from the private sector that could be invested for growth and give it to the new government employees.
Any politician (R or D) that only talks about jobs is in league with progressives.