From Jane Clark:
More road construction?
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Monday, November 5, 2001  Joe Shannahan, 515-281-0173

Vilsack Urges Congress to Enact Economic Stimulus

DES MOINES - In a letter to Iowa's Congressional delegation, Governor Tom
Vilsack urged federal lawmakers to pass an economic stimulus package that
will strengthen the economy and assist Iowans impacted by the downturn in
the economy.  Vilsack also urged Congress to provide additional assistance
to Iowa for increasing security and responding to domestic terrorism.

"Congress can help ease the impact of the economic downturn on Iowans and
their families," Vilsack said.  "I am urging Congress to adopt specific
legislation that will help protect the health of Iowans, provide expanded
unemployment benefits to Iowans, and create job opportunities through
targeted investment."

Vilsack's recommendations for a federal economic stimulus package include
the following:
* Expand unemployment benefits to cover part-time workers and reform the
extended benefits program to allow more people to qualify for assistance.
* Temporarily increase federal support for Medicaid.  With the economy down,
the need for health care services for low-income Iowans will increase
significantly.
* Increase funds for highway construction.  Highway construction projects
translate directly into construction jobs in Iowa, and are perhaps the
fastest way to directly stimulate our state's economy with new funds.
Transit bus purchases and airport infrastructure investments also provide a
direct economic stimulus.  While funding for passenger rail service is
important, funding for highway construction should be the top priority at
this time to help provide an economic stimulus.

Clipped here>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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