WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) joined her Democratic colleagues in supporting an economic stimulus package to jump-start the economy. The Democratic stimulus plan will pump $136 billion immediately into the economy to create one million new jobs, help states with transportation improvements and provide tax breaks to America’s working families and small businesses.

“The Democratic plan will provide economic relief quickly, fairly and responsibly so that we can turn our economy around immediately without increasing the deficit,” said Rep. Woolsey. “President Bush’s plan will provide tax relief to the nation’s millionaires by increasing the deficit…by taking money from our children.”

“President Bush is mortgaging our children’s future on his unceasing advance towards war and by insisting on tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. He has fought for military funding levels that surpass those of the Cold War and a tax cut of over $300 billion for high income investors while he under-funds his own education plan by over $90 Billion, failed to fund special education and cut education grants that help economically disadvantaged Americans.”

“The estimated cost of war against Iraq is near $100 billion. Just think what we could do with that money if we decided to invest it in our kids?” said Rep. Woolsey. “Our scarce tax dollars are being spent on a questionable war when money is so desperately needed at home for education, prescription drugs, health care, Social Security and Medicare…issues of unquestionable importance.”

The Democratic economic plan will direct money into the economy towards Americans who have been hit hardest by the Bush recession. States and local governments will benefit by over $30 billion for highway and transportation improvements, and homeland security funding. American workers will receive a $300 “rebate check.” Small businesses will be allowed a 50% bonus depreciation for business investments in 2003.

“An acceptable economic stimulus plan should take care of the nation’s families, not our nation’s billionaires,” said Woolsey. “We can immediately stimulate the economy by providing for our children - creating jobs, giving money to families, providing workers with real unemployment assistance, and helping states meet their transportation needs.”

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