As families in the First Congressional District struggle with the brutal economic downturn, Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-01) voted today to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to reverse the economic downturn.
"Families in my district are struggling to make ends meet," Kirkpatrick said. "We need to create good jobs, give the middle class a tax cut, and invest in education and infrastructure. This legislation comes at a critical time for our communities and our country. We are attempting to stop an historic economic downturn. This is the first step among many we will need to take to get folks back to work and our economy back on track."
The next steps will be just as important as today's vote, Kirkpatrick said.
"Congress must demand and ensure full transparency for these investments at all levels of government," Kirkpatrick said. "We hold people accountable for using these resources wisely to create jobs. I am committed to using my role to ensure appropriate oversight."
Kirkpatrick also insists that state and local partners deliver resources to rural communities in Arizona, many of which are among the hardest hit by the economic crisis.
Arizonans have been hit especially hard by the brutal economic downturn. Unemployment has surged to 6.9 percent, the highest rate in 15 years. The state budget shortfall is more than $4 billion over the next 18 months, putting a strain on state and local government when families most need a safety net.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will create and save up to 4 million jobs, rebuild America and transform our economy for long-term growth. The bill, H.R. 1, will also put money directly into the economy, with a tax cut for 95 percent of American workers.
This fall, Kirkpatrick opposed the Troubled Assets Relief Program because it unfairly helped Wall Street over families and didn't have enough accountability, transparency or oversight measures.
"When the last Congress passed the bailout bill, it focused on corporations and Wall Street," Kirkpatrick said. "I support this bill because it is about people, jobs and making sure rural communities get their fair share."
Kirkpatrick also praised the accountability measures in the bill, and urged her fellow members of Congress to monitor how the money is spent. Among the measures: A dedicated Web site, recovery.gov, will allow citizens to track every penny and hold federal, state and local officials accountable for performance. No earmarks will be included in the legislation. The legislation calls for quarterly updates from the President on how the resources are affecting the economy.
Additionally, Kirkpatrick praised an amendment to help local police agencies hire more officers through the COPS grant program.
"Law enforcement agencies should never have to fight to keep enough officers on the street," Kirkpatrick said. "As a former prosecutor, I know the importance of having enough police in our communities."