February 17, 2009

Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (C0-07) attended the historic signing into law of H.R. 1, the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, by President Barack Obama at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. H.R. 1 was approved by the House of Representatives by a vote of 246-183 last Friday.

“After months of bad news, Americans have something to smile about today. This bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama will rebuild , makes us more energy independent, transforms our economy for long-term growth and provides tax relief for 95% of working Americans. It is estimated to save or create 3.5 million jobs - especially in Colorado ’s infrastructure and renewable energy sector. It is fitting the signing ceremony is at a Colorado building with solar features installed by Namaste Solar, who also installed the panels on the roof of my District Office.

H.R. 1 has unprecedented accountability and transparency measures in place to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively—including no earmarks and a new (recovery.gov) website allowing Americans to track the investments. I will continue to work with the President and my colleagues in Congress to stabilize our economy and promote job growth,” stated Perlmutter.

Below are some Colorado specific data of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act:

* Creating or saving 60,000 jobs over the next two years;
* Providing a Making Work Pay tax cut of up to $800 for over 1.8 million Coloradans and their families, as well as tax cuts to spur businesses large and small;
* Modernizing roads, bridges and infrastructure to create jobs with over $538 million invested here in Colorado, the boldest investment since the creation of the interstate highway system a half century ago;
* Education for the 21st Century, modernizing schools and making college more affordable with improved Pell Grants for the over 108,000 Pell Grant recipients here in Colorado and a higher education tax credit for 36,000 students in our state;
* Helping workers hurt by the economy, including over 167,000 Coloradans that are out of work by increasing unemployment benefits and assisting with COBRA health insurance payments.

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