Rep. Fudge Stood by her Promise to the 11th Congressional District when on January 28th she, along with 243 other members of Congress, voted to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“President Obama and his economic team deserve an opportunity to put in place an economic package to address the current crisis. While the recovery plan is not a ‘magic bullet’ it is a positive first step on the long road towards recovery.” stated Rep. Fudge. “The people of Ohio are crying for relief and this package begins to address our areas of need.”
With Ohio ranking near the top in foreclosures and suffering from an unemployment rate higher than that of the national average (7.8% - December), Rep. Fudge believes the act to be a good start at bringing jobs and relief to the state. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will offer much needed relief to millions of working families and unemployed workers suffering from the economic downturn. It will also provide incentives for businesses to grow and create new jobs.
“There is something in the recovery plan for every American and direct aide for our cities,” said Rep. Fudge. “Of course, the 111th Congress will monitor the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan’s real world effect and if it needs modification I will be the first member at the table.”
Highlights of expanded services and aide that benefit Ohio directly are as follows:
Unemployment Benefits Extension: A total of 91,704 Ohioans will receive an extension to their unemployment benefits. Money from the recovery package will continue the current extended unemployment benefits program – which provides up to 33 weeks of extended benefits – through December 31, 2009. (National Employment Law Project)
Increased Benefits: In Ohio 666,416 individuals will received a $25 per week increase in their unemployment insurance benefits. (National Employment Law Project)
Strengthening Medicaid: In a recession, more people need Medicaid, but the state revenues available generally decline. The recovery plan will bring $2,826,900 to Ohio in order to prevent the state from cutting provider payment rates, eliminate services, and cut eligibility levels. The recovery plan will temporarily raise the federal matching rate for each state through the end of 2010. (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)
Invigorating Ohio School District: Approximately $1,725,900,000 will be infused into Ohio schools for student advancement, school tools and school modernization. The breakdown of funds are below.
o Title I – $478,600,000
o IDEA – $512,300,000
o School Modernization – $515,400,000
o Higher School Modernization- $219,600,000
(Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)
Pell Grants: Pell Grants will be increased by $500, for a maximum of $5350 in 2009 and $5550 in 2010. That increase will affect well over 205,000 Ohioans. (Ohio Board of Regents)
Child Care Development Block Grants: Over two years, Ohio will receive $68,140,840 to provide child care services for 8,180 children, during a two year period, in low-income families while their parents go to work. (Center for Law and Social Policy)
Stafford Loan Limit Increases: To further help students, the recovery plan increases limits on unsubsidized Stafford loans by $2,000. This will affect over 450, 000 students and bring over $900 million to those Ohio students. (Ohio Board of Regents)
