For Release: Friday, February 13, 2009
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO VOTES FOR FINAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY BILL

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today voted for H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a $789.5 billion bill designed to create jobs and spur economic activity. The legislation passed the House and will next be considered by the Senate.

The bill invests in the United States by providing $120 billion for infrastructure improvements for roads, bridges, railroads, waterways, schools and other projects. Funds will also be used for green energy and health care information technology projects, which will improve the efficiency of our energy grid and health care system. In addition, over $300 billion goes towards tax cuts for individuals and small businesses. It is estimated the bill will create hundreds of thousands of jobs in Illinois, and it has been endorsed by a wide range of national organizations, including labor unions, the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“We are facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, and we need to act to bolster the economy,” said Costello. “The infrastructure investments in this bill will create good-paying jobs, make our economy more efficient and leave us with long-term economic assets. For the last six years, we have spent over $860 billion dollars in Iraq and Afghanistan, billions of which have gone to rebuilding those countries, and it is time we made similar investments here at home. As I said when this bill passed the House, it is not perfect legislation. But it is necessary legislation, because our economic situation demands action.”

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