"Let me assure you that as your U.S. Representative, I am doing everything possible to ensure that the economic stimulus plan we adopt in Congress is one that will be fair, fast acting, and fiscally responsible.  Our President has proposed a so-called economic stimulus package, and House Democrats have offered up an alternate plan.  As we debate these two plans, the question of comparison is simple: will it work?  Will it get our people back to work now?  Will it spur economic growth and development?

"For the President’s plan, I’d have to say the answer is no, and this is not a partisan thing for me.  As many of you know, I was one of 28 Democrats to cross party lines and support the President’s tax cut in 2001, the biggest tax cut in 20 years, totaling $1.3 trillion.  The President’s own council of economic advisers says the plan would produce only 190,000 jobs this year – that’s less than a fifth of the jobs created in our Democratic plan.  His plan is slow to take action when people need relief now.  It is not truly an economic stimulus plan, it is a tax cut aimed at helping out our country’s wealthiest individuals.  In fact, 78 percent of the President’s $700 billion plan only helps the top 20 percent of Americans.  Meanwhile, the plan leaves behind 1 million workers who lost their jobs in the past 2 years. 

"For our Democratic plan, the answer is yes.  It will create 1 million new jobs this year, put money and purchasing power in the hands of consumers, provide tax relief to small business owners, and provide relief to laid-off workers.  It costs only a third of the President’s plan.  It sends crucial funding to struggling states like Arkansas, to cover the cost of homeland security and healthcare.  It is a plan for Main Street, not a plan for Wall Street.

"I meet people every day who find themselves unemployed for the first time in their lives.  I meet small business owners who know how to attract business, but can’t afford to.  I meet big business owners who are afraid of going bankrupt and having to lay off workers.  I know families who are cutting corners and can’t afford the kinds of purchases that get our economy moving again.  I meet people who planned to retire this year but no longer can, because the value of their 401-K had declined so much.  These people need help now – working families who are hurting right now – these are the people that our plan is designed to help."  

Photo:  Mike Ross speaks with area residents at the Logan County Courthouse in Booneville.

“I am extremely proud of these young students,” said Ross, “and I am honored that they would step forward to take active roles in our military in a time when our military has been called upon to defend and protect us from the evils of terrorism.  The admissions process for our service academies is highly selective, and I wish these students the best as they compete for admission.  Our academies seek not only those in peak physical condition, but also those who display natural leadership, high moral character, and a commitment to academics.  I have no doubt these outstanding young adults will make their families, communities, and our country very proud.” 

Ross has named the following students from the Fourth District for the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, or the U.S. Military Academy: