Rep. Markey hails today’s signing by President Obama of his historic plan to create jobs and boost the economy

Medford, MA – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Malden), who chairs key energy and global warming committees in the House, hailed today’s signing of critical legislation to create and save 3.5 million American jobs. President Obama’s job creation package passed by Congress will rebuild America, making us more globally competitive and energy independent, and transforming our economy for long-term growth; give about 95 percent of American workers an immediate tax cut; and invest quickly in the economy.

"Today, President Obama signed into law a historic plan to create or save more than 3 million jobs, taking a critical step towards putting the American economy back on track," said Rep. Markey.  "Just three weeks after President Obama's inauguration, we have taken the bold action needed to get the American economy moving again and provide opportunities for people to get back to work."

"I am very pleased that the bill provides funding for clean energy technologies, which will be particularly beneficial to our local economy. With local companies leading the way, Eastern Massachusetts will help kick-start the green revolution."

"This economic recovery plan will create American jobs now, provide tax cuts for about 95 percent of Americans and lay a foundation for long-term growth through clean energy, innovation and education. I am especially glad to see that the bill will provide an estimated 7,700 jobs right here in the 7th District," said Rep. Markey.

This jobs and economic recovery plan will:

  • Create or save a projected 7,700 jobs here in Massachusetts' 7th District (out of 79,0000 state-wide) over the next two years
  • Provide a Making Work Pay tax cut of up to $800 for over 2.5 million workers and their families, designed to start paying out immediately into workers' paychecks, as well as tax cuts to spur businesses large and small.
  • Transform our economy with clean, efficient, American energy and innovation and technology that will create more than 1 million  jobs.
  • Lower health care costs and improve care by computerizing medical records, consistent with patient privacy, which will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and help those who cannot afford health care in these tough times.
  • Modernize roads and bridges to create jobs with an extra $437,865,255 here in Massachusetts along with other critical infrastructure like high-speed rail, the boldest investment since the creation of the interstate highway system a half century ago.
  • Modernize schools and make college more affordable with improved Pell Grants for the 103,202 Pell Grant recipients here in Massachusetts and a higher education tax credit for 71,000 students in our state.
  • Saving vital jobs, including teachers, police officers, health care workers, and protecting the important services they provide. 

#  # 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2009

  CONTACT: Maura Quinn 781-396-2900