Economic Medicine for What Ails Us

Op-Ed

Economic Medicine for What Ails Us

A lot of brilliant economists have spent a lot of time in the last two months telling the American people what we already know: our economy needs help. The debate goes on over whether today's economic conditions will become an official recession, but most people aren't interested in official definitions. We want help now.

Last night, Congress passed strong relief for America's ailing economy. Members of the New Direction Congress, meeting on a bipartisan basis, have developed an economic stimulus package that will start to get America's economy moving again. The package provides support immediately. American families will start to receive help by June. This package will put money in the hands of working people and families who need it most. Roughly 800,000 New Mexico households will receive an average of $875 each. And this package helps families with earnings too low to pay income tax, which shows both compassion and common sense. We know that low-income families are more likely to spend their rebate checks immediately, and that means more money flowing into our economy more rapidly. The bill also provides support to 20 million seniors living on Social Security and 250,000 disabled veterans.

Equally important, this package will not provide short term growth at the expense of long term prosperity. It does what must be done, but, more importantly, it does no more than is necessary. It contains no giveaways to any interest group, no pork barrel spending and no shortsighted changes in our tax structure. The bill provides a timely, targeted and temporary stimulus. As a result, it will secure our present without burdening our grandchildren with even more debt.

However, the stimulus package is not perfect. While this legislation would help millions of families, millions more still need our support. While we have provided relief to millions of workers, those who have seen their jobs disappear still face an uncertain future they did nothing to create. While we have provided temporary relief to millions of taxpayers, we also must renew the clean energy tax credits that give us hope for a stronger national economy and a more sustainable world. I have written to Speaker Pelosi calling for Congress to extend tax credits that stimulate the clean energy sector and help provide jobs to thousands of New Mexicans.

Congress's work is not over. As we celebrate this important legislation, we must recognize that it is a first step, not a final one. We must do more to provide economic security to the American people. Please be assured that I will continue to work with my colleagues to pass legislation that protects everyone suffering from our struggling economy.

DTV Changeover: Are You Ready?
On February 17, 2009, television stations nationwide must switch from the old method of transmitting TV signals, known as analog, to digital television (DTV). The change will free up the airwaves for emergency communication and other priorities, and it will provide better service to TV consumers. If you receive free over-the-air television signals through antennas (rabbit ears), you will be affected. To keep your service, you must take one of two simple steps.

Purchase a DTV Converter Box. Starting this year, you can buy a converter box that will allow you to receive DTV. You can receive a $40 coupon from the federal government to help you pay for the box by going to www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

Or

Purchase a Digital TV Set. Any television imported or shipped across state lines after May 1, 2007, already has a digital receiver. Some televisions purchased before this date will also receive digital signals. To determine whether your TV set already contains a digital tuner, check your owner's manual or visit the manufacturer's website.

For more information on the DTV changeover, go to www.dtv.gov.

New Restrictions at the Border
Starting January 31, 2008, visitors to Mexico or Canada will need to show passports at all crossings. For help with a passport request, please contact my office at (505) 984-8950.

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