Lincoln Continues Call for Second Stimulus Package

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2008
Contact: Katie Laning (202)224-4843

Washington – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) is continuing to push for a second economic stimulus package that will help Arkansas’s working families, farmers, and food banks. 

In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid this week, Lincoln called for emergency assistance for our nation’s farmers who suffered crop losses from a natural disaster or any related condition.

“Agriculture is the economic engine of many rural communities,” Lincoln said.  “Farmers in Arkansas and other southern states faced severe flooding in the spring as well as the devastating storms of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which destroyed already planted crops or caused delays in planting.  Yet our producers have not benefited from the additional disaster assistance given to Midwestern states that faced similar circumstances this year.  Our southern farmers desperately need relief.”

In addition, Lincoln noted the pressure food banks are under to serve an increasing number of families due to our struggling economy.  Lincoln called for additional funding to help food banks serve the growing demand from families in need.

“An economic downturn is particularly hard on states like Arkansas, where the proportion of low-income working families is above the national average,” Lincoln said.  “These families, who under a more robust economy would not experience food insecurity, will be facing food shortages in their households.  At such times, food banks and the agencies that they serve perform an especially critical role in providing for the health and stability of families and communities.

“I strongly believe a second stimulus package should be our top priority when Congress returns for a lame duck session next week.  Families are struggling now, and we shouldn’t wait until next year to provide relief.”

Since Congress passed an economic stimulus package last February, which included rebate payments for millions of working families, seniors, and veterans, Lincoln has called for a comprehensive, long-term plan to revitalize our country’s economy.  In addition to assistance for agricultural producers and food banks, Lincoln has said any plan should include investments in infrastructure, education, unemployment insurance, and food stamps.