"This job has given me something to do everyday, something to look forward to" ...read more
- Andrew Cano, Recovery Act Funded Intern for Weisburg Construction
The Recovery Act "helps younger students like me meet...needs we need to meet" ...read more
- Arrielle Nieves, Computer Lab Assistant.
"I definitely owe my job to the Recovery Act." ...read more
- Alison Barber, Castle Rock Construction Foreman
"The Recovery Dollars will definitely help..." ...read more
- Darnell Mascarenas, Food Stamp Supervisor, Denver Human Services
"This is the reason why I have a job, and why a lot of other youth have jobs in Colorado." ...read more
- Julia Kirklen, Job Coach at the Denver Youth Workforce Office.
"The stimulus bill is helping my family. It's bringing home more money. I'm sure it will help..." ...read more
- Jose Aguirre, a worker on the first highway project funded by the Recovery Act.
"I was hoping that I would get some of that stimulus money and here I am." ...read more
- Alex Johnson, a weatherization installer in Northern Colorado.
"The economy has hurt a lot of people. I'm getting affected myself. I have family members and friends who come through." ...read more
- Jean Echeverria, a Weld Food Bank worker.
"It will allow us to take better care of patients at an earlier time." ...read more
- Dr. Marc Moss, a pulmonary critical care doctor.
"The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act will help energize Colorado's economy, create new jobs and advance our efforts to spur innovation, invest in infrastructure and strengthen our communities."
Top Story: Recovery Act Showing Gains in Transportation Projects, Jobs
- August 25 - Gov. Ritter Announces Rural Projects to Receive Recovery Act Dollars
- August 18 - Accountability Board Meeting Details Announced
- August 18 - Governor's Economic Recovery Team - Statewide Outreach Tour
- August 17 - Registration Begins for FederalReporting.gov
- August 14 - Recovery Act Broadband Grant Application Deadline Extended
All told, Colorado could receive more than $7 billion in direct funding and tax relief, plus funding that flows to federal research labs and other agencies with operations in Colorado.
In Colorado, millions of dollars from the Recovery Act have already been used to increase unemployment benefits, reduce taxes for working families, give more money to people on Social Security, and keep our schools operating in the face of dwindling tax revenue. Major highway and bridge projects are set to begin in the next month, creating jobs and investing in a critical part of the state infrastructure. The benefits of the Recovery Act will become even clearer in coming months.
Gov. Ritter's focus has led to a doubling of Colorado's renewable energy requirement and to the creation of Colorado's first Climate Action Plan. Gov. Ritter has signed legislation that requires 20 percent of electricity in Colorado come from renewable sources by 2020 and allows residential customers to sell excess solar electricity back to their utility company.
State officials plan to use Recovery Act dollars to create jobs, develop clean energy sources, reduce energy costs for residents, cut emissions of greenhouse gases, and provide financial assistance to energy projects stalled by the economic slowdown.
The Recovery Act offers numerous opportunities to improve on those gains, including education initiatives like the $5 billion Race to the Top competitive grant for education reform and grants that fund several technology improvements with medical records. The law also provides numerous safety net services, including more unemployment benefits, more reimbursement for Medicaid services, and funds for job training and placement.
Gov. Ritter plans to use Recovery Act funds to make even more progress, including competing for grants that will create jobs in the state's research facilities and healthcare industry.
Special Reports
and Reinvestment Act:
What It Means for Colorado
Updated: August 17, 2009
