The Recovery Act

These are unprecedented economic times, and they require unprecedented action. Economic conditions in western Wisconsin and across the country are very troubling. Getting the economy back on track and creating good paying jobs here in Wisconsin is my first, second, and third priority. 

The Recovery Act, enacted in January 2009, is saving and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country.  It strikes the right balance: tax cuts to give relief and spending power to 95 percent of American families, help for men and women hit the hardest by this recession, aid to state and local governments, and investment in infrastructure and new industries.

Finally, the Recovery Act has a strong focus on accountability and transparency - you can learn where and how your tax dollars are being spent by exploring the links below.

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Job Growth

Since it was enacted, the Recovery Act has created or saved up to 2.8 million jobs nationwide, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budet Office.

The Department of Labor reports that in November, the private sector added 50,000 jobs.  We have now seen our economy continue to grow and to create private-sector jobs for 11 months in a row.  In 2010, the private sector has gained 1.2 million jobs. Click here for a graph.

The job growth we’re experiencing tells us we’re moving in the right direction.  But the pace of recovery is too slow.  I will not be satisfied until everyone who needs a job can find work. That starts by extending expiring tax cuts for the middle class and extending unemployment insurance for Americans who are unable to find work.

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Recovery Act at Work in Western Wisconsin

View Recovery Act in Wisconsin's Third Congressional District in a larger map

Data reported as of June 2010. Source: Recovery.gov

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The Recovery Act by the Numbers

Most people don’t realize that tax cuts are the biggest individual piece of the Recovery Act. In fact, 95% of working Americans are receiving one of the largest tax cuts in history through the Recovery Act. Taxpayers in western Wisconsin and across the county benefited from tax savings this year including:

•    Nearly $100 Billion - Tax relief provided through the Recovery Act so far that has gone directly in the pockets of working families.
•    Nearly $3,000 - The record average tax refund taxpayers are seeing this tax season.
•    Nearly 10% - The percentage average tax refunds are up this year - something the IRS says is largely due to Recovery Act tax credits.
•    95% - The percentage of working families benefiting from the Recovery Act's Making Work Pay tax credit, making it the broadest tax credit in the history of the country.
•    Up to $2,500 - The expanded amount eligible taxpayers can collect with the American Opportunity Credit to help cover college expanses thanks to the Recovery Act.
•    700,000 - The number of new homeowners who qualified for the $8,000 First-Time Homebuyers Tax Credit through the Recovery Act in 2009.
•    Up to $1,500 - The amount homeowners can collect this year on improvements made to their homes like energy-efficient windows, doors and insulation thanks to Recovery Act tax credits

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Additional Links

Recovery.gov

Recovery Act Funding in Your Community

Impact of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on Wisconsin

Wisconsin Office of Recovery and Reinvestment

Frequently Asked Questions on COBRA Premium Reductions