News
February 17, 2009
harkin: economic recovery package begins a new era of transformational change in our economy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) released the following statement today in anticipation of Senate passage of the economic recovery package. The measure was passed by the House earlier today and after passage in the Senate will be delivered to President Obama for his signature.
“We are in the grips of a destructive recession that has shaken people’s confidence in America’s economic system. People are hurting. Millions have lost their jobs, retirement savings and access to health care. It took many years of flawed policies and reckless behaviors to get us into the current economic mess and recovery will not happen overnight.
“Congress needed to act urgently and we did just that. While this package is not perfect, it will help stop the bleeding and put Americans back to work.
“The economic recovery package that Congress is expected to pass today will chart a new course for America. It will invest in our most important natural resource - our people. It begins a new era of transformational change in our economy – one that will give us true 21st century health care system emphasizing information technology, prevention and wellness, an energy system based increasingly on clean, renewable, domestically produced electricity and fuels, an education system that begins with world-class early childhood education and ends with giving every American access to higher education and advanced training.”
Among the national highlights of the conference report:
• $19 billion to ensure widespread adoption and use of interoperable health information technology, something that will reduce medical errors, save countless lives, and cut health care costs.
• $10 billion for advanced biomedical research and to improve facilities at the National Institutes of Health.
• $1 billion to begin the transition from our current sick care system to a genuine health care system, one that emphasizes wellness and prevention.
• $39.5 billion for local school districts for school modernization, to prevent layoffs, and to reward schools that improve student performance.
• $13 billion for Title I programs.
• $12.2 billion for special education.
• $15.6 billion to increase the maximum Pell Grant by $500.
• $11 billion to begin upgrading the nation’s electricity grid so that it can accommodate a rapid expansion in the production of wind and solar power.
• $7.2 billion to extend broadband Internet services into unserved and underserved areas of America, especially rural America.
• $19 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help families obtain food.
• $2.76 billion to support local law enforcement.
• $4.6 billion for the Core of Engineers.
• $16.8 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
• $27.5 billion for highway and bridge funding.
• $13 billion for housing programs.
