Rep. Doris Matsui Statement On Draft Of Economic Recovery And Reinvestment Plan

Press Release

Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) released the following statement regarding the draft of the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment plan that was released today:

"It is no secret that our economy is in serious trouble. I have talked to countless numbers of Sacramentans who are struggling to make ends meet and are facing layoffs, furloughs, foreclosure, unpaid medical bills, and a lack of support to help them in this crucial time.

"That is why I have been working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that we pass a robust economic recovery package that puts real Federal dollars into a wide variety of programs to help Sacramentans - and people across the country - get back to work and back on track.

"While this legislation will continue to change as we evaluate the nation's priorities, I am encouraged with the initial federal funding figures released today by the House Appropriations Committee. This package includes a historic investment in clean technology, transportation infrastructure, flood protection and our children's education. Congress also understands the need to assist our states in these difficult times - therefore this package includes unemployment and Medicaid aid.

"I will fight to direct funding toward important priorities in our city and region, such as strengthening levees on the Sacramento and American Rivers, much needed renovations at Sacramento State and in our local schools, light rail and bus investments for RT, and improvements to SMUD's electric grid. We also have progress to be made on the downtown intermodal station, the accompanying relocation of the downtown rail lines, as well as numerous road projects which may benefit from this package."

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