U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek Helps Pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -

Florida's Democratic Representative on the Powerful House Committee on Ways and Means Votes to Jumpstart the Economy and Create or Save 3.5 million new jobs

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) voted to create or save 3.5 million jobs and immediately cut taxes for 95% of American workers by passing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The bill passed by a vote of 246 to 183.

"Families throughout Florida are experiencing serious economic problems. Parents are getting laid off in record numbers, families are now applying for food stamp benefits, and the number of homeless students has soared. During these dangerous economic times, inaction is a reckless course of action," said Congressman Kendrick B. Meek. "A small band of Republican leaders chose to adopt a 'just say no' philosophy as Democrats repeatedly reached out to Republicans in a bipartisan spirit. Pursuing a political strategy that risks the future of our economy is a political gamble rooted in partisanship, not sound public policy."      

The compromise package of $789 billion will create or save 3.5 million jobs over the next two years. According to economists Christina Romer, Chair of the President's Council of Economic Advisers and Jared Bernstein, Chief Economist for the Vice President, Florida will gain an estimated 206,000 new jobs resulting from the passage of the economic recovery plan. Only California (396,000 new jobs), Texas (269,000 new jobs), and New York (215,000 new jobs) will have more jobs created in their states than will be created in Florida.

The 17th Congressional District of Florida, which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties and is represented in Congress by Congressman Meek, will see an estimated 7,500 new jobs created following the passage of the economic stimulus plan.  

Additionally, in an effort to transform our nation's economy for long-term growth and stability, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will also contain targeted efforts such as: clean, efficient, American energy; investing in roads, bridges, mass transit, energy efficient buildings, flood control, clean water projects, and other infrastructure projects; restoring and transforming our economy with science and technology; lowering health care costs and ensuring broader coverage; and providing an historic level of transparency, oversight and strong accountability measures that will help guarantee taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17^th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and also sits on the House Armed Services Committee.

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