Bill Expected to Create Up to 4 Million new Jobs, Including Over 800,000 in California

Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) today joined a majority in the House of Representatives to support legislation that will create new jobs, rebuild America’s infrastructure, make our nation more globally competitive and energy independent, and transform our economy for long-term growth.  H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, passed the House of Representatives with a 244 to 188 vote.

Prominent economists estimate H.R. 1 will create and save 3 to 4 million jobs, while at the same time investing capitol quickly into the economy through targeted spending in infrastructure, nutrition and unemployment insurance programs.  In addition, 95% of working families will receive an immediate tax cut from the proposal.      

“Right now, our nation is in the middle of its worst economic crisis in a generation,” said Rep. Baca.  “The problem is even greater in the Inland Empire, where we suffer from the fifth highest rate of foreclosure in the nation and have an unemployment rate above 10%.  We must take immediate action to help turn our economy around.  This economic stimulus proposal contains the right mix of targeted government spending and tax cuts to American workers and business – that will create 4 million jobs and get our economy moving again.”

Of the $825 billion included in H.R. 1, $550 billion will come in the form of new government spending while $275 billion will come in the form of tax cuts for workers that puts money directly into the hands of American consumers.  The new spending includes:

• $130 billion for health care, to help states cope with the rising demand for Medicaid;
• More than $100 billion for education, to help local school districts avoid the impact of state budget cuts;
• $20 billion increase in the SNAP program (formerly the food stamp program) – to ensure struggling American families will be able to put food on the table;
• Over $40 billion in unemployment benefits;
• $30 billion for highway construction;
• $10 billion for mass transit and rail; and
• $3 billion for airport improvements.

“As Chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on nutrition, I am pleased this stimulus package includes a $20 billion increase in SNAP funding,” added Rep. Baca.  “This money will help put food on the table for an additional 30 million struggling Americans.  It will also help to revitalize our economy be creating $36 billion in new economic activity.”

“Everyday we sit by and do nothing more American families lose their jobs, their homes, and their piece of the American dream,” concluded Rep. Baca.  “It is our moral imperative to act now to right our economy, create more jobs, and help working families survive these trying times.”