Washington, D.C. -- "This legislation may represent the most dramatic and decisive turnaround in federal government history," said U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie.  "Less than four weeks ago, the Bush Administration was still standing on the sidelines while small businesses and large corporations closed, millions of American jobs disappeared and American families were losing their homes.  Today, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to revive the U.S. economy and set a whole new direction for the country." 

The Hawaii delegation was very successful in making sure that Hawaii’s economy was not left out. Economic stimulus provisions targeted to Hawaii in the bill include:

• 490,000 workers and their families in Hawaii receiving tax cuts of up to $400 for individuals and $800 for couples;
  
• 11,000 Hawaii families receiving $2500 partially refundable tax credits to help with the cost of college tuition;
  
• 55,000 workers in Hawaii who have lost their jobs will receive an additional $100 per month in unemployment benefits, and Social Security beneficiaries, Social Security Insurance recipients, and disabled veterans will receive $250;
  
• $257 million for a variety of education and worker training programs;
  
• Funding to modernize at least 33 Hawaii schools to provide labs, more classrooms and libraries;
  
• More than $325 million for infrastructure, including roads, bridges, flood prevention and clean water projects;
  
• $32.3 million in law enforcement grants and programs;
  
• $30.3 million for energy efficiency efforts, including government buildings and vehicles, and for renewable energy research.

It is estimated that the stimulus spending and tax cuts in the legislation will lead to the creation or saving of 15,000 jobs over the next two years.

The House of Representatives passed the bill this afternoon without a single Republican vote.  The Senate is expected to pass the legislation with three Republicans in support, and President Obama is expected to sign it into law early as Saturday.

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