Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2008-12-16, Gov. Easley Urges Congress To Act Now To Pass Economic Stimulus: Aid For Important State Projects And Jobs Cannot Wait

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Seth Effron Date: December 1 6, 2008 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY URGES CONGRESS TO ACT NOW TO PASS ECONOMIC STIMULUS Aid For Important State Projects And Jobs Cannot Wait RALEIGH - Gov. Easley today asked North Carolina’s congressional delegation to immediately move ahead with an economic stimulus package to help states start on important road and other building projects and put citizens back to work. The text of the letter Gov. Easley sent to North Carolina’s Congressional Delegation follows: “I am writing to urge you to move ahead, without delay or waiting for the new Congressional session, to pass an economic stimulus package to enable North Carolina, and other states, to move ahead with infrastructure projects that are ready to go. Congress cannot wait until next year to deal with a national crisis that continues to worsen. “The national economy lost over half a million jobs last month and December does not look to be any more promising, hi North Carolina we have held our own on job creation through most of this year. But the national economic environment is dire and we too are beginning to see the job losses in big numbers. “I urge you to complete the stimulus package this year and as soon as possible. People are hurting now and as the national economy continues to weaken, state revenues across the country are depleting. Some states are already making double digit cuts to critical programs at a time when our people need them the most. Medicaid, child health insurance and education are all going to suffer as well as our national infrastructure. “North Carolina is ready to go and start work right away on more than $5 billion in transportation projects alone. America risks losing the competitive edge in creativity and innovation that has been the foundation of our success. I urge you to take action right away to get Americans back to work and our economy back on track.” ### Governor's Press Office State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166