House Passes Second Economic Stimulus Bill; Provides Much Needed Relief for Sacramento Families

Press Release

Today, Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) voted for the economic stimulus bill, H.R. 7110, the Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act of 2008. The stimulus package takes critical steps to support job creation, infrastructure investment, and economic assistance.

"The families of Sacramento have been particularly hard-hit by the mortgage crisis. The legislation that we worked quickly to bring forward in Congress will provide much needed relief to Americans and will help those on Main Street weather these uncertain financial times," said Rep. Matsui.

The economic stimulus bill provides $60.758 billion for job creation, unemployment relief, Food Stamp assistance, and protection of health care coverage. The bill also includes $5 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in order to build and maintain vital water resources infrastructure.

"I am pleased that this important legislation included critical funding that the Corps will be able to use for projects such as the Joint Federal Project, as well as the miles of levee rehabilitation in our city. The bill directs funds to be used to accelerate existing contracts, and I look forward to working with the Corps to secure vital funds for Sacramento's ongoing flood protection needs," said Rep. Matsui.

Major Provisions:

* Provides $5 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers to invest in the nation's water resource infrastructure with improved flood protection, navigation and hydropower and to increase the efficiency of existing water infrastructure.
* Includes funds for highway infrastructure and water resource infrastructure projects, public transit improvements, and airport safety improvements;
* Provides funds for repairing public schools, public housing, and drinking water and sewer projects;
* Invests in energy development through advanced battery technology loans, domestic energy technology, and modernization of electricity infrastructure;
* Provides $15 billion for a temporary increase of Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) to all States and territories, targeting more relief to States in greater economic distress;
* Amends current Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) to provide another 7 weeks of unemployment benefits to every State and an additional 13 weeks to States with unemployment rates at 6% and higher;
* Provides $2.6 billion in food assistance for seniors, people with disabilities and very poor families with children.

"This funding will be used to support people's basic needs. This funding will go toward creating jobs, supporting our nation's infrastructure, extending unemployment benefits, and supporting Medicaid programs. We must continue to invest in the American people in order to shore up our economic future," said Rep. Matsui.

For a detailed summary of programs in the bill go to: http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/StimulusSummary09-26-08.pdf

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