Bill Creates American Jobs and Makes Critical Investments in Infrastructure and Transit

[Washington D.C.] Today, Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) helped pass the Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act (H.R. 7110), a second economic stimulus package that aims to boost America's lagging economy and create good paying American jobs.  H.R. 7110 would invest $60.8 billion into the economy, placing an emphasis on much needed investment in infrastructure across the nation.  For Illinois, this legislation would provide an additional $436.8 million for highway infrastructure investment, $271.6 million to expand accessibility to mass transit, and $290.3 million for sewer and water treatment projects over the next year. 

"American families continue to experience great economic hardships," said Rep. Lipinski.  "Unemployment is the highest it has been since 1992 with the economy losing 605,000 jobs this year alone.  At the same time, it is estimated that the United States is in need of a $1.6 trillion investment in the next five years to replace aging infrastructure.  For nearly a year, I have made the case that an economic stimulus package should include investments in public infrastructure.  Investment in infrastructure is win-win for all Americans-funding is spent on projects that are desperately needed and good-paying jobs that cannot be exported are created."

H.R. 7110 provides $30 billion for investment in infrastructure improvements, including funding for:

• Airports - $600 million to construct projects that improve safety and reduce delays.
• Amtrak - $500 million to make necessary upgrades to tracks and stations.
• Clean Water - $7.5 billion for drinking water and sewer projects.
• Energy - $1.6 billion to modernize the electric grid and make energy infrastructure more secure.
• Highways - $12.8 billion to improve highways and bridges.
• Schools - $3 billion to repair crumbling schools and provide students with first class technology.
• Transit - $4.6 billion to expand public transportation and make improvements to facilities.
• Water Resources: - $5 billion to improve and boost water infrastructure.

"Every $1 billion invested in American infrastructure creates and supports 47,500 American jobs," stated Lipinski.  "As the transportation hub of America with one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, Illinois will greatly benefit under this legislation.  We need more investment in our outdated infrastructure that will create more job opportunities.  From improving local roads and sewers, to expanding access to mass transit and Amtrak service, to improving schools and modernizing the electric grid, to improving water resources and airport facilities, this stimulus bill will help invest in Illinois' transportation system, while putting thousands of Illinois residents back to work."

H.R. 7110 also provides resources for unemployment compensation and job training programs.  This legislation passed the House on September 26, 2008 by a vote of 264 to 158 and it will now be considered in the Senate.