Rush Votes "Yes" in Support of Urgently Needed Legislation That Will Save Jobs for Teachers, Firefighters, Health Care Workers and Others While Reducing the Federal Deficit

WASHINGTON –– Today, U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-IL-01) stood in solidarity with his House colleagues in support of important jobs legislation that is vital to thousands of working families and state and local municipalities throughout the United States.  Rush's "yes" vote not only helped to save or create almost 320,000 jobs––including saving the jobs of 160,000 teachers and preventing the layoffs of tens of thousands of police officers, firefighters, and nurses––but it also provided an important economic cushion for recession-plagued state budgets by providing $16.1 billion in health assistance that will help dozens of states reduce or prevent shortfalls so that other important public services can be delivered.

"Today's vote is just the latest example of the adage, ‘politics ain't beanbag.' At a time when far too many of my friends and colleagues on the other side of the aisle make false arguments about deficit spending, today, I proudly stood with my leadership to say loudly and clearly that teachers do matter, that public servants do matter and that listening to the urgent appeals from dozens of state and local elected officials—including a majority of our nation's governors—does, indeed, matter!  This was a responsible vote, a vote that was urgently needed and a vote that was paid for.  That's the message I'm taking back to my district and I look forward to President Obama signing this legislation as soon as possible so that these resources can begin to make a difference in the quality of life for the American people."

The legislation provides $10 billion in funding to save more than 160,000 teacher jobs.  It also provides $16.1 billion in health assistance to the states that, by reducing shortfalls and stimulating the economy, will save or create 158,000 jobs, including preventing the layoffs of police officers and firefighters, as well as creating private-sector jobs throughout our economy.
 
This measure is also fiscally responsible as it reduces the federal budget deficit by closing a tax loophole that actually promoted the shipping of U.S.-based jobs overseas.  This legislation enjoys the support of a majority of the nation's governors, including many Republican governors, as well as dozens of state and local civic organizations including the bipartisan National Conference of State Legislatures, the National Association of Counties and the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations.

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