Economic recovery

February 27, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Change to Win chair Anna Burger, issued the following statement about the first meeting of the Middle Class Task Force today, chaired by Vice President Joe Biden, at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

“The world is facing a historic opportunity to rebuild our global economy through investments in sustainable projects that will create new jobs, reduce our dependence on oil and protect our planet after decades of mismanagement.    » read more »

Peter Orszag, OMB Director

February 26th, 2009 -- "One of the questions I received throughout the day today, as we released the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, is why we are proposing to raise taxes on high-income taxpayers during a recession. And the answer is simple: we’re not.

First, the Recovery Act that was enacted earlier this month included $288 billion in tax reductions, as part of an overall effort to bolster the economy and help to fill in the "GDP gap" (the gap between how much the economy could produce and how much it is current producing). During a recession, we’re cutting taxes.    » read more »

Principal Financial Focus Of Call To End TARP-Subsidized Lobbying

February 24, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Change to Win has called on the Treasury Department to plug the hole that has allowed TARP recipients to lobby against the interests of the taxpayers who bear the burden of paying for the Wall Street bailout. Change to Win specifically registered its opposition to granting assistance to the Principal Financial Group (NYSE: PFG), which has applied for up to $2 billion in TARP funds.    » read more »

Granholm says economic recovery package will create jobs today, jobs tomorrow

February 24, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today met with local officials in Howell and Ypsilanti to discuss drinking water infrastructure projects in their communities that are eligible for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). In her meetings, the governor highlighted the statewide impact stimulus funding will bring by creating new jobs and allowing Michigan to make needed investments in its infrastructure.

"Michigan will use this federal recovery funding to create all kinds of jobs for all kinds of people," Granholm said. "These projects mean jobs for Michigan workers and more vibrant communities for Michigan families."    » read more »

February 23, 2009 -- Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Office of Thrift Supervision, and the Federal Reserve Board today issued the following joint statement:    » read more »

February 23, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC - Change to Win Chair and SEIU International Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger issued the following statement after participating in today's White House Fiscal Responsibility Summit:

"Today under President Obama's leadership, representatives from government, civil society, academia, business and labor united as a country to get our economy back on track.

"One thing we know is that to meet this challenge, we must tackle one of the biggest causes of economic insecurity for families: our broken healthcare system.    » read more »

Leaders establish Clean Energy Dialogue, discuss global security concerns

February 19, 2009 -- Ottawa, Ontario -- President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Stephen Harper today agreed the United States and Canada will pursue economic recovery measures and efforts to strengthen the international financial system to counter the global economic recession.

"I value our strategic partnership with Canada and look forward to working closely with the Prime Minister to address the global economic recession and create jobs, to protect our environment through promoting clean energy technologies, and achieve our shared goals in responding to international security challenges." said the President.    » read more »

February 18, 2009 -- The deep contraction in the economy and in the housing market has created devastating consequences for homeowners and communities throughout the country.

* Millions of responsible families who make their monthly payments and fulfill their obligations have seen their property values fall, and are now unable to refinance at lower mortgage rates.

* Millions of workers have lost their jobs or had their hours cut back, are now struggling to stay current on their mortgage payments – with nearly 6 million households facing possible foreclosure.

* Neighborhoods are struggling, as each foreclosed home reduces nearby property values by as much as 9 percent.    » read more »

February 18, 2009 -- President Barack Obama’s February 18, 2009 announcement of a comprehensive set of new initiatives to assist beleaguered homeowners is an important, fresh approach that could make a significant difference in cooling off the housing crisis, according to the Consumer Federation of America (CFA).    » read more »

February 13, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today issued the following statement on the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the economic recovery bill:

"I applaud the Michigan members of the U.S. House of Representatives who voted in favor of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act this afternoon," said Governor Granholm. "This legislation means that over 100,000 jobs will be created in Michigan, that we can provide immediate help for struggling Michigan families, and that we can make the long-term investments needed to diversify our economy. Once this legislation is passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Obama, Michigan's economy will get the jump start it needs to create jobs today and jobs tomorrow."

Source: Michigan Governor

Announces $125 Million in Cuts to State Spending

February 11, 2009 -- MADISON — Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today unveiled legislation that will reduce the state’s current budget gap by $700 million. The Legislation includes $125 million in cuts to state spending, secures new federal revenues through an assessment on hospital revenues, invests in growing the state’s economy by expanding tax cuts for businesses and expanding worker training programs and authorizes the spending of federal stimulus funds so work can begin immediately on transportation projects.    » read more »

Advisory group will focus on leveraging competitive grant dollars to advance Oregon’s economic recovery efforts, particularly around green and sustainable investments

February 11, 2009 -- (Salem) – Today Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski issued Executive Order 09-06 creating a new public-private advisory council to use Oregon’s green advantage to maximize potential grants from the federal economic recovery package to create jobs immediately and for the long term.

The advisory group – called The Oregon Way Advisory Group – will advise and assist state agencies seeking competitive federal stimulus grants by developing grant proposals that include innovative elements that promote sustainability, renewable energy, carbon reduction, energy efficiency and green development.    » read more »

WASHINGTON (January 28, 2009) –Wesley Warren, Director of Programs for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), issued the following statement in response to the passage of the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009”:

“The House is getting on board with moving America to a clean energy economy. President Obama and Congress are investing in solutions that will help solve our economic and energy challenges together. By repowering our nation with clean energy, we will create millions of jobs that can’t be sent overseas. By harnessing the energy of the sun and wind, we can refuel our nation and end our addiction to oil.    » read more »

January 29, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. - SEIU Secretary-Treasure Anna Burger tonight issued this statement on U.S. House passage of the economic recovery plan:

"Last week, Americans across the country stood on the National Mall in the freezing cold to support a new president who would do whatever it takes to help the millions of people losing their jobs, including reaching out to House Republicans yesterday in an unprecedented way.

Unfortunately, House Republicans won't return the favor. Their only solution to our economic crisis is tax cuts, but tax cuts only work for people who are working. People who have lost their jobs and watched their futures go up in smoke don't want more hot air ... they want action and got it today from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.    » read more »

Multi-pronged solution includes FY09 fix, FY10 budget and new revenue tools for communities

BOSTON — January 28, 2009 – Amid a deep national recession and unprecedented fiscal crisis, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick today submitted his Fiscal Year 2010 budget proposal and an emergency plan for closing a $1.1 billion budget gap in the current fiscal year. Both are key components of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Emergency Recovery Plan that will help stabilize and position the Commonwealth for long-term economic success. The Governor will also file legislation to help municipalities increase revenue to offset local aid cuts.    » read more »