Costello on Stimulus Package

Rep. Jerry wants us to know he's really earning his paycheck in Washington:

COSTELLO VOTES FOR ECONOMIC STIMULUS BILL

Washington – Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today voted for H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, an $825 billion dollar plan to create jobs and stimulate the economy. The bill would mean over $1.8 billion in infrastructure spending for Illinois as well as over $2.7 billion to the state to meet pressing needs. It also includes $275 billion in tax cuts, many targeted to the middle class and small businesses. The bill has been endorsed by hundreds of economists and a variety of national organizations, including the American Medical Association and the National Association of Manufacturers, for its expected beneficial effect on the economy.

“Like most legislation we consider, this is not a perfect bill, but we need to act and it will help our economy,” said Costello. “It is estimated that this bill will save or create 203,600 jobs in Illinois by the end of 2010 and reduce the state’s unemployment rate by 1.9%. I have said repeatedly that infrastructure spending is the best way to create jobs and make our transportation system more efficient, and Illinois will see a substantial direct benefit from this funding. In addition, money for family planning programs and landscaping on the national mall has been removed, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to improve the bill as the legislative process continues.”