Click here to see a map of local Recovery Act projects in the 23rd District

When President Obama and the 111th Congress were sworn in, our nation was in the midst of the worst recession in generations. The financial system was on the brink of collapse, more than 700,000 Americans were losing their jobs every month, and the credit markets were completely frozen.

However, thanks to swift, bold actions by the Obama Administration and Congress, we have stepped back from the brink and started down the road to recovery.  The financial and housing markets have stabilized, monthly job losses have abated, and banks have begun to lend again.

But there is still much more work to be done. I believe we must continue working to move our economy in a New Direction that strengthens the middle-class and provides for responsible long-term growth and prosperity.

 

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

One of the first acts of the 111th Congress was to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Recovery Act has pulled us back from the brink of economic disaster and is making a real difference for millions of Americans.  The Recovery Act has already created or saved about 2 million jobs overall—and is on-track to support 3.5 million jobs by the end of this year.  It cut taxes for 95 percent of working Americans and has invested wisely in critical areas such as renewable energy and infrastructure.  The legislation includes no earmarks, and unprecedented oversight.  For more information about this legislation and its implementation, please visit www.Recovery.gov.

Overall Economic Impact

Impact in California

Impact in the 23rd District

Unemployment

Unemployment has reached record highs, especially in California. Unemployment Insurance is an effective tool to help unemployed workers stay afloat while searching for a new job. During these tough times I believe additional measures are needed to help workers who have lost their jobs due to the recession. This is why I voted to create the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08) program, which provides up to 20 additional weeks of unemployment benefits, and supported the program’s extension in the American Recovery and Reinvestment and Reinvestment Act.

I also voted for the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (H.R. 3548), which President Obama signed into law on November 6, 2009. This legislation provides families in all states with 14 weeks of additional benefits, and an additional six weeks of benefits for the unemployed living in the 27 states with the highest unemployment rates, including California. Workers in these high unemployment states who have exhausted or will soon exhaust their benefits will be eligible for a total of 20 additional weeks of emergency unemployment compensation.

Click here for more information on eligibility requirements and how to claim your unemployment benefits.

Workforce Investment Boards

Our local Workforce Investment Boards (WIB) provide valuable job resources and training for both adults and youth.  Click on the links below for more information about your local WIB.

San Luis Obispo County
Santa Barbara County
Ventura County

Increasing Access to Credit

One of the most far-reaching problems of the economic crisis has been the lack of credit available for small businesses and consumers.  Reacting to the sub-prime mortgage mess, banks and other sources credit suddenly stopped issuing new lines of credit.  While the credit freeze has begun to thaw, it is an ongoing problem that has only exacerbated the ongoing recession by forcing businesses to cut jobs and consumers to cut back on spending. 

I strongly support the aggressive and responsible actions Congress and the Obama Administration have taken to help restore the flow of credit to small businesses and consumers.