• January 28, 2009

    McIntyre Votes Yes To Create Jobs and Get Our Economy Moving Again

    Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre voted today to save and create jobs and help get our economy moving again. 

    In supporting the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, Congressman McIntyre stated, “This jobs plan is about Main Street, Rural America, and the American economy.  It is a broad-based package that targets many aspects of the American economy - not just one specific industry.  In addition to helping small businesses with tax incentives, this bill also includes tax cuts that benefits families by returning more money to them, helping them afford college, and assisting first-time homebuyers.   By having a comprehensive bill, the maximum numbers of taxpayers receive the maximum number of benefits.  Our nation is facing the bleakest economic situation since World War II, and inaction is not an option.  We need help, and we need it now!

    McIntyre continued, “I am especially pleased that North Carolina is likely to be a big winner for allocated funds for rural water and wastewater programs.   Water projects put people to work immediately and are investments for homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses.  Like transportation projects, these types of investments benefit citizens and communities for generations to come.”

    McIntyre concluded, “146 economists from all across the political spectrum have said that we must take bold action or our economic situation will get worse.   This is a challenging time for our communities and citizens, and by working together to keep improving this bill as it moves forward will help our nation and our citizens.  We must invest today so that tomorrow will be better and brighter for our children.”

    Specifically, North Carolina will benefit under this jobs package through investments of:

    · $1.83 billion for the state fiscal stabilization fund over two years;

    · $996 million for highways, bridges, transit, and clean water investments;

    · $645 million for Pell grant awards helping 185,383 North Carolinian students pay for college;

    · $551 million for education modernization, renovation, and repair;

    · $81.7 million for employment and training; and

    · $67 million for child care;

    · Approximately $40 million for rural water and wastewater ; and

    · $6 million for elderly nutrition services.

    The American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will help get our communities moving again by:

    · Creating and saving 3 to 4 million jobs;

    · Investing quickly into the economy with 75% of the jobs package being done in the first 18 months;

    · Giving 95% of working Americans an immediate tax cut;

    · Doubling renewable energy production;

    · Reducing college costs with a tuition tax credit;

    · Helping first time homebuyers with a tax credit;

    · Rebuilding roads, bridges, and schools;

    · Investing in USDA rural drinking water and wastewater systems;

    · Bringing high-speed Internet to every community;

    · Updating and computerize our health care system and investing in community health centers;

    · Building 21st century classrooms, labs, and libraries;

    · Providing funds for the Corps of Engineers to for operations and maintenance activities;

    · Protecting vital services like law enforcement; and

    · Assisting those who have lost their jobs by extending unemployment benefits and help them keep their health care.

    Representative McIntyre has recently conducted a series of economic roundtable discussions throughout Southeastern North Carolina with business and civic leaders, elected officials, and concerned citizens.