Thank you for expressing your views on the need for a second economic stimulus package. It is important for me to have the benefit of your views, and I appreciate you taking the time to contact me.
The dramatic slowdown of America's economy demands bold government action. In response, the House passed a new economic stimulus package (H.R. 7110) in September, 2008 that authorized targeted investments to expand the economy, create jobs, and assist low-income and middle class families in these difficult times. However, the bill stalled in the Senate and died when the last Congress adjourned in December.
In the coming weeks, the House will consider a new plan proposed by President-elect Barack Obama on January 8, 2009, which includes new investments in infrastructure and a tax cut for middle and low-income Americans. Though the package is not yet finalized, the President-elect's priorities include: doubling the production of alternative energy within three years; computerizing all medical records in the country within five years; modernizing 75 percent of federal buildings and improving energy efficiency in 2 million homes; upgrading classrooms, libraries and laboratories in thousands of schools; and expanding broadband access to rural areas.
As it advances through the legislative process, I am hopeful the final package will include additional unemployment benefits and job training for Americans struggling to find work, as well as food assistance and other benefits for seniors, low-income families, and people with disabilities. The federal government should also provide assistance through Medicaid and other programs to states like New York that are facing falling tax revenues and rising deficits.
A large component of the package will be funding for "shovel-ready" infrastructure projects including road and bridge improvements, drinking water and sewer projects, school construction, and renovations to public housing. This component of the stimulus package will create jobs, alleviate the burden on local and state economies, and make necessary upgrades to America's deteriorating infrastructure.
The package must also invest in alternative energy development to reduce America's dependence on foreign sources of oil. In particular, I support proposals to create "green jobs" that will advance necessary conservation projects and infrastructure improvements on public lands, including national parks and wildlife refuges.
Please be assured that I will keep your views in mind as the proposed stimulus legislation is debated in the House of Representatives. Throughout the process, I will work to ensure the federal government provides struggling Americans with the help they need while making necessary investments in our infrastructure and future prosperity.
Thank you again for sharing your views. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. For more information and to find out about other important issues that I am working on in Congress, I encourage you to visit my website at
www.timbishop.house.gov and sign up for my e-newsletter.
Sincerely,
Timothy Bishop
Member of Congress
