Stimulus Bill Op-Ed
During the month of February, Congress completed work on a $790 billion stimulus bill (H.R. 1). The House passed the measure by a vote of 246-183, and the Senate passed the measure by a vote of 60-38. President Barack Obama signed the measure into law on February 17. Congressman Todd Russell Platts voted against the bill, arguing that better alternatives were available. An op-ed more fully explaining his vote is posted on the web site.
(http://www.house.gov/list/hearing/pa19_platts/stimulus.shtml)
Other Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
Rep. Platts Introduces First Responder Bills
Congressman Platts recently introduced three bills related to first responders: a bill to ensure that federal firefighters receive the same access to job-related disability and retirement benefits as state, county, and municipal firefighters (H.R. 948); a bill that would offer financial assistance for higher education to the children of police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty (H.R. 959); and, a bill that would give a tax deduction to volunteer firefighters to be used for the purchase of personal safety clothing needed when performing fire fighting services (H.R. 343).
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/emergency.shtml)
Renewable Energy Legislation Introduced
Reps. Ed Markey (MA-07) and Todd Platts have introduced bipartisan legislation that aims to ensure America is generating a quarter of its electricity from clean energy sources by 2025.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/RES2009.shtml)
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