(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The U.S. Senate today passed its version of the Jobs Bill, which will help create good-paying jobs, cut taxes and boost Montana's economy.

The senators said the Jobs Bill, formally known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will create or save jobs in Montana and across the country and will provide tax cuts for working families. The Jobs Bill will also invest in long-term projects like rebuilding Montana's highways, water systems, schools, energy facilities and health care facilities.

"The best way to get our economy back on track is by creating and keeping good-paying jobs and cutting taxes for hard-working folks. That's what this bill does," said Baucus. "This bill is not a bailout. Jon and I worked hard to make sure this bill is right for Montana and for the country. We're going to keep working with our colleagues to get this bill to the President's desk. It's the right medicine for our ailing economy."

As a member of the influential Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester approved discretionary spending in the bill. He also praised the accountability provisions of the bill that limit administrative costs and establishes an oversight board to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not wasted.

"After years of failed policies that put our economy in the tank, we need jobs, not politics as usual," Tester said. "Now is not the time for Congress to vote against jobs. It is time to rebuild our economy from the ground up by putting folks to work rebuilding our roads, water and energy systems, health care facilities and schools. I've been working closely with my colleagues from both political parties to put the focus of the bill on priority items that will get the job done."

Baucus and Tester will release state specific funding numbers as they become available.

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