Rangel presented the outline of the program, which includes aid to states and investment in infrastructure development intended to spur economic growth across the country. He also noted that a significant component of the stimulus package will involve tax expenditures that fall under the jurisdiction of the Ways & Means Committee, which he chairs.
Of particular concern to New York are provisions that could relieve the state’s Medicaid burden, as well as incentives for job creation, and job training opportunities for those who are hardest to employ.
“Our cities and states are hurting and President-elect Obama has sounded the call to action,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel. “Congress has responded and we are in the process of finalizing a robust economic recovery package that will provide critical relief for hardworking families and incentives to create and maintain jobs. The challenge of this economic downturn requires a comprehensive response and I am so pleased that the business and labor leaders of our great city have responded with their ideas on how we can strengthen our local economy and help drive recovery efforts for the entire nation.” Said Rangel.
“New York is being hard hit by the global recession and we are very fortunate to have Congressman Rangel in a position to make sure the Obama stimulus package provides the necessary tools to help restore a healthy economy,” stated Chenault. “Congressman Rangel has always been a forceful and effective advocate for New York, and we in the business community are confident that he will again do everything he can to help the City and State get through our current crisis.”
“Business and labor in New York are united in support of Chairman Rangel's efforts to move quickly on a stimulus program that can put people back to work,” said Denis Hughes, President of the New York State AFL-CIO.
“A well-crafted federal economic stimulus package is absolutely necessary to stem the economic tidal wave spreading across America,” said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. “The solution isn’t just about dollars but about the kind of smart investments that will stem the economic free-fall and strengthen education, health care and public services in order to restore and preserve opportunity in this country. New Yorkers know that they can trust Chairman Rangel to be steadfast in fighting to achieve these goals.”
“When it comes to negotiating the stimulus package, we are relying on the Chairman to represent New York’s interests in the House of Representatives in a way that no one else can,” said Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City. “After many years of working closely with New York’s leaders of business and labor, Congressman Rangel understands the complex needs of our economy.”