Schakowsky Votes for Economic Stimulus Bill

SCHAKOWSKY VOTES FOR ECONOMIC STIMULUS BILL

Washington, D.C.–U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a Democratic Chief Deputy Whip, voted in support of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to jumpstart our economy. H.R. 1, which passed the House by a vote of 244 to 188, will help rebuild America, make us more globally competitive and energy independent, and transform our economy for long-term growth. Under this bill, Illinois will receive approximately $12 billion over the next two years and it is estimated that this bill would save or create over 200,000 jobs in Illinois.

Congresswoman Schakowsky delivered the following statement on the House floor last night in support of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"I rise today in strong support of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Our nation continues to face serious economic circumstances, with all signs pointing to a long and difficult recovery. The unemployment rate in my state of Illinois was 7.6 percent in December — an increase of forty percent in one year. Yesterday brought us news of 75,000 more Americans losing their jobs, or 75,000 more reasons that we need to act.

Let me give you my top ten reasons for why we need to support this bill.

1) It will save and create 3 to 4 million jobs.
2) It provides a critical boost in Medicaid assistance to states so that budget shortfalls don't harm access to health care.
3) It will help those who have lost their jobs maintain health insurance.
4) It invests in renewable energy technologies and research.
5) It provides a 100 percent increase in weatherization funding to help make homes and businesses energy efficient.
6) It extends unemployment insurance coverage through the end of the year and increases the benefit by $25 per week.
7) It increases the maximum Pell Grant to help more people go to college.
8) It provides infrastructure and financial support to school districts.
9) It increases funding for affordable housing and homelessness prevention programs.
10) It will enact the "Making Work Pay... tax credit for 95 percent of American workers, a credit worth up to $1,000.

This is a good bill and I urge my colleagues to support it....