HOUSE PASSES AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT PLAN

Rep. Towns fights to save 215,000 New York jobs

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (D-NY) voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which passed by a vote of 246-183. The Senate is expected to pass the bill later tonight, and President Obama has indicated that he will sign the bill, which is expected to create 3.5 million American jobs, provide a plan for American energy independence, cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans, and transform the economy.

“New Yorkers are really feeling the impact of this economic downturn; many have become homeless and experience difficulty feeding their families,” said Rep. Towns.  “They are looking for a way out – real answers to real problems.”

In addition to saving jobs, the bill will provide an immediate infusion of money to 7 million New York workers through Making Work Pay credits and reinvest over $2.77 billion to rebuild New York’s infrastructure.

The bill also:

• Makes America more energy independent by reducing reliance on fossil fuels;
• Modernizes the nation’s transportation system;
• Provides healthcare benefits to millions of workers that were laid off during the current economic recession; and,
• Disperses funds with accountability and transparency.

Towns concluded, “Turning this recession around will take time and perseverance, but at least we now have a solid plan.  Many hard working Brooklynites are suffering due to the tragic negligence of a few, and by enacting President Obama’s job creation package, we can help to jumpstart the economy in the short term, while also providing the necessary stability for long-term, substantial growth.”

###

Return to Congressman Towns' website