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This is a joyous time of year but for many, it’s not as joyous as it should be. While Nebraska has not been hit as severely by the sluggish economy, some businesses are struggling and people have lost their jobs.
As you gather to celebrate the New Year please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
I am hopeful that 2009 will see a return to better times for the economy. Many tools to stimulate the economy and provide jobs are already in place but more must be done, and that is Job One for President-elect Obama and the 111th Congress.
Another Economic Stimulus Plan
The economic recovery plan the President-elect is expected to introduce seeks to create jobs in part by rebuilding America’s infrastructure.
A direct investment in infrastructure not only creates jobs, but also makes a lasting impact on the future by modernizing our nation’s basic support network.
In a letter to President-elect Obama, I urged him to seek a broad investment in infrastructure to encompass transportation, health care, public works, and energy infrastructure systems.
Roads And Bridges
A targeted and timely infusion of funds for road construction, capital improvements, and bridge projects will stimulate the economy and create jobs.
Because most state and local governments are facing significant budget shortfalls, I urged the President-elect to make these infrastructure funds a direct payment to states while waiving state or local matching fund requirements.
This could speed money to hundreds of shovel-ready projects, thereby triggering a building boom that will ripple through the entire economy within a few months.
Rural Needs
Before the economic crisis erupted, many rural communities were struggling with water and wastewater infrastructure needs, particularly those faced with new federal environmental regulations for drinking water.
In my letter, I urged the President-elect to seek an economic stimulus package which invests in helping communities upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure.
Access to Health Care
An economic stimulus plan should aim to improve access to health care together with added job training to help Americans get back on their feet.
Federally qualified health centers and health profession training institutions have growing unmet infrastructure and educational technology needs which are diminishing their ability to serve people.
Investing in health care infrastructure will help create and stabilize jobs and provide welcome support for Americans seeking health services and job training in the months ahead.
New Energy Economy
I applaud the President-elect’s plans to promote energy, renewable energy, and “green jobs” in the stimulus legislation.
Now is a perfect time to seize the opportunity to begin building a new energy economy by expanding renewable electricity from wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass, as well as expanding renewable fuels by accelerating the production of next-generation biofuels.
Bipartisanship in the New Congress
Working with the new President, my hope is that Republicans, Democrats and Independents will join in a spirit of partnership and bipartisanship that will take us away from the divisiveness of the old “Washington way” and return our great nation to economic vitality.
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