DeLauro Statement on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Washington, DC – Recognizing the need for bold action in response to the economic crisis, Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) highlighted the critical need for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Developed with the Obama Administration, this job creation package will rebuild America, making us more globally competitive and energy independent, and transforming our economy for long-term growth; give 95 percent of American workers an immediate tax cut; and invest quickly in the economy.

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a bold plan to create American jobs and move this country on the path to long-term growth. We must act now to help a middle class hit hard by job insecurity, stagnant wages, rising health care costs and a financial market in crisis," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "Ultimately, no investments are more critical than those we make in our human capital. Our nation's success today and generations to come depends on putting people back to work and taking care of our most vulnerable."

"To confront these dire challenges, we have an urgent responsibility to invest wisely and target limited resources to the proven initiatives we know will boost employment, support economic growth, and provide critical relief.

"That means expanding eligibility of the Child Tax Credit by reducing the threshold from $12,000 to zero. Over 16 million children would benefit," continued DeLauro. "It means child care and Head Start -- a serious infusion of resources to No Child Left Behind and IDEA. Investing in our long-term growth so future generations can compete. $40 billion for infrastructure and transit funding, and additional billions for water, housing, and school projects to put Americans back to work at a time when we are facing staggering unemployment.

"By putting these resources in the hands of people most likely spend them quickly, we can both jumpstart our economy and help those most in need. $100 billion in unemployment benefits and job training. $27 billion for rural development through health care and public safety services. An additional $150 million for The Emergency Food Assistance Program supporting Food Banks stretched thin by rising food prices and surging demand.

"And anyone looking for immediate and significant impact need look no further than food stamps which generate $1.73 in new economic activity for every dollar invested. This bill provides $20 billion to increase the food stamp benefit, which could reach 14 million households less than a month after the bill is enacted.

This jobs and economic recovery plan contains targeted efforts in:

Transforming Our Economy With Clean, Efficient, American Energy and Innovation and Technology that will create more than 1 million jobs;

Lowering Health Care Costs by funding aggressive adoption of health information technology, which will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and Broadening Coverage by helping those who cannot afford health care in these tough times.;

Modernizing Roads, Bridges, Transit and Waterways to create 1.5 million American jobs;

Education for the 21st Century, including an increased Pell Grant for students here in Connecticut and a higher education tax credit, so that students can stay in college despite these tough times;

Helping Workers Hurt by the Economy that are out of work, those who have lost their health care, and seniors; and

Saving the Jobs of Teachers and Police Officers.

The Recovery Plan has unprecedented accountability measures built in—providing strong oversight, an historic degree of public transparency, and including no earmarks.