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| Statement by Edward J. McElroy, President, American Federation of Teachers, On the Stimulus Package Approved by Congress ***Boston MA*** | | Flag this posting as inappropriate Click here to contact posting owner | | | Note: The U. S. House and Senate voted overwhelmingly yesterday to approve a $168 billion economic
stimulus package that would provide tax rebates to most Americans and grant tax incentives for
business investment. Under the plan, individuals will get a maximum $600 rebate, which will phase out
for those with incomes between $75,000 and $87,000. Married couples will get a maximum $1,200
rebate, which will phase out for those with incomes between $150,000 and $174,000. Because of
changes made by the Senate yesterday, low-income seniors and disabled veterans also will be eligible
for $300 payments. The bill now goes to President Bush for his expected signature.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The legislation passed yesterday is a first step toward providing working
families with much-needed economic relief. However, our ailing economy needs more than a one-time
shot in the arm. Yesterday’s action should be seen as a down payment on a broader economic stimulus
plan that can’t come soon enough for struggling families, seniors and working Americans.
Going forward, Congress should move swiftly to enact an additional package that includes an
extension of unemployment benefits; increased fuel assistance and food stamps for low-income
Americans; a boost in Medicaid payments to help cash-strapped states; and long-overdue investments in
our nation’s crumbling schools, roads, bridges and infrastructure. We look forward to working with
Congress to advance this agenda with the same urgency that was brought to passing the initial stimulus
plan.
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The AFT represents 1.4 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related
personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; nurses and healthcare workers;
and federal, state and local government employees.
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