Today's National Debt:  $9,396,039,488,166.83
Your Share:  $30,900.12

Across the country, Americans are paying the price for a failed energy policy, and rising gasoline and diesel prices are taking a heavy toll on us all. That is why I was proud to cosponsor and help pass the “Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act.” This comprehensive legislation extends tax incentives for renewable energy while creating thousands of “green collar” jobs. Overall, it provides $55 billion in tax relief for thousands of America’s working families, farmers and small businesses.

This bill makes a major investment in clean, renewable energy, and aims to create thousands of “green collar” jobs through research and innovation. I am proud that many of the provisions within this bill are also included in my American Made Energy Act of 2008, such as expanding tax incentives for renewable electricity, extending the biodiesel production tax credit and provisions to spur cellulosic ethanol production, and providing incentives for energy efficient homes, businesses, and appliances. The many new American jobs that could be created because of this worthwhile investment would also help to wean our country off foreign sources of energy and put our nation on a path toward energy independence.

In addition, the tax incentives included in this bill can have a direct impact on thousands of Arkansans while helping to protect the environment. More than 52,000 of Arkansas’s working families and farmers could benefit from a reduced sales tax, and 24,000 Arkansas families who are paying college tuition could receive a deduction for education expenses. Deductions will also be given to over 26,000 Arkansas teachers for out-of pocket expenses for their classroom.

This common-sense legislation not only provides immediate tax relief, but is another component needed to help meet our nation’s long-term energy needs. With my seat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I will continue to work to solve our energy crisis and do all I can to put in place policies that can help bring down the price at the pump while stimulating and growing our economy.

Sincerely,

Mike Ross

Please remember that if you have issues related to the federal government such as Social Security, Medicare and veterans benefits, you can visit with staff from my office in a community near you. My office will host community office hours at the following locations, dates and times:
Warren - June 4th at 11:00 a.m., at the Bradley County Courthouse located at 101 E. Cedar Street;
Wilmar - June 4th at 1:00 p.m., at the Wilmar City Hall located at 2504 Highway 278 W;
Monticello - June 4th at 2:30 p.m., at the Drew County Courthouse located at 210 S. Main Street.