Rep. Doris Matsui Statement on Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Plan Federal Funding to Assist Local Projects
D.C. - Rep. Doris Matsui(CA-05) spoke on the House Floor today in support of H. R.1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:
FOR IMMEDIATERELEASE
Wednesday, January28, 2009
CONTACT: Alexis Marks
(202) 225-7163
Rep. Doris Matsui Statement on Economic Recovery andReinvestment Plan
Federal Funding to Assist Local Projects
WASHINGTON,D.C. - Rep. Doris Matsui(CA-05) spoke on the House Floor today in support of H. R.1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:
"Everyone knows about the dire state of our economy. Ihave talked to many of my constituents in Sacramentowho are struggling to make ends meet. They are facing layoffs, furloughs,foreclosure, unpaid medical bills, and a lack of support to help them in thiscrucial time.
"Last month the Greater Sacramento's unemployment rate rosesix-tenths of a point to 8.7 percent, the highest monthly job loss since1993. Approximately 4,700 jobs were cut in the region. Andlast month, the State of Californiasuffered the third biggest monthly job loss since the end of World War II.
"That is why my colleagues and I have been working todevelop this responsible economic recovery package. This package includesa historic investment in clean technology, transportation infrastructure, floodprotection, and our children's education. It also goes to great lengthsto assist our states in these difficult times with unemployment, Medicaid aidand COPS funding. These investments will help important priorities in mycity and region as well as across the state.
"Sacramento needs urgent funding to strengthen levees on theSacramento and American Rivers, make renovations at Sacramento State and in ourlocal schools, invest in Sacramento Regional Transit's (RT's) light rail andbus, improve the terminal at Sacramento International, and work to improveSacramento Municipal Utility District's (SMUD's) electric grid. Thefederal funds will also be able to be used on the downtown intermodal station,the accompanying relocation of the downtown rail lines, and will help theairport to move forward with construction.
"I am glad that all of these important projects will beeligible for funding under this package. Each project will improve ourcity and create jobs that will stimulate the economy. This legislationwill go to great lengths to help Sacramento's8.7% unemployment rate.
"I also understand that California could receive $10 billion overtwo years in education spending; something our state desperately needs.
"Another key investment in this package is in our nation'sbroadband. It is unacceptable that our country has progressively fallenbehind in broadband deployment. This new investment will ensure thatevery American can access information so that they may achieve the Americandream.
"Of significant importance to Sacramento is flood protection. Theconstant threat of flooding makes it more urgent than ever that the Federalgovernment commit to flood protection infrastructure.
"I am encouraged that this bill includes $2 billion to fundthe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Account. This money willhelp restore levees in my District and other flood control infrastructureacross the country.
"I know that more needs to be done - especially in theNatomas area of Sacramento. I look forward to working with Chairman Obey and Chairman Visclosky to continuetheir commitment to the Corps and ensure that adequate resources are dedicatedto flood protection and public safety.
"We need to address this economic crisis head-on. Thispackage is a step forward. And as we have heard from experts on both sideof the aisle, this will not cure our economy's problems, but it will begin toensure that hardworking Americans get back to work and back on track.
"I urge others to support this important investment in ourcountry's future."
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