January 18, 2008: Statement on Economic Stimulus Package

Rising unemployment, rising food, fuel, and health care costs, the home
foreclosure crisis, rising budget and trade deficits --all demand
attention and action. A short term fiscal stimulus that reaches
America's workers, families, and communities is a step in the right
direction. To build our nation forward at home again, and stem the
outsourcing of living wage jobs, requires more than a short-term fix.
Our goal must be to invest here at home, and to export more than we
import to recapture dollars forfeited abroad.
I have suggested several ideas be incorporated into the short-term bill
that will meet immediate needs while also investing in these longer-term objectives. Investing in our roads and community infrastructure
creates jobs and improved assets. Clean energy applications will create
jobs and move our nation toward energy independence again. Immediate help in the form of food for our depleted food pantries and food kitchens is essential.