(Warwick, R.I.)- Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today voted for the Conference Report on H.R.1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This legislation will appropriate $463 billion for transportation and infrastructure upgrades and construction, health care programs, education assistance, housing assistance and energy efficiency upgrades, and includes $326 billion in personal and business tax breaks, tax provisions intended to assist state and local governments, and energy-related tax incentives for a total of $789.5 billion to be expended over Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010.

“Rhode Island is facing unprecedented unemployment and foreclosure rates. Such dire circumstances require bold and swift actions. Today, I voted to create new job opportunities for Rhode Islanders, keep Rhode Islanders in their homes and invest in Rhode Island’s schools, small businesses and infrastructure,” said Langevin. “In these uncertain times, I understand that this legislation alone will not solve our problems overnight. Recovery and reinvestment take time, commitment and energy – three actions I am committed to on behalf of the families I represent.”

This measure is expected to bring critical federal investments to Rhode Island by providing tax relief to low and middle income families and creating 13,000 new jobs, over the next two years. For the Ocean State, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will grow the economy by:
Helping struggling families find or stay in their homes
Rhode Island will receive about $7 million in increased funding through the Emergency Shelter Grant program, which will help 1,100 families.

Improving our roads, transit, and bridges
The Recovery Act includes $27.5 billion to improve our nation’s roads and bridges – nearly $167 million of which will go to Rhode Island.

Providing tax relief to working Americans
Each working family will receive a tax rebate because of this legislation -- up to $400 per worker earning up to $75,000 and $800 for married couples earning up to $150,000.
An estimated 390,000 Rhode Island workers will benefit from this tax credit.

Helping our neighbors who have lost good-paying jobs
This bill extends unemployment insurance and makes it easier for those who have lost their job, and their families, to keep their health insurance through COBRA premium assistance.

Developing our local industries
As a co-founder of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, Langevin fought for several energy provisions to create new jobs while supporting a long-term energy policy that puts our nation on the path towards energy independence.  Rhode Island is quickly becoming a national leader in the development of renewable energy technologies and the state will have the opportunity to continue to attract business with the tax incentives and direct loan programs included in this bill. 

The Recovery Plan has unprecedented accountability measures built in - providing strong oversight, an historic degree of public transparency, and does not include earmarks. Once the final bill is signed into law, Rhode Islanders can track the spending at www.recovery.gov

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