Pingree: Stimulus “represents significant change”

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, put out a statement this week to share her thoughts on the $789 billion stimulus plan that Congress is scheduled to vote on today. Here's what she had to say: "I am pleased to hear that House & Senate negotiators were able to reach an agreement so quickly. We all know that our economy is in bad shape and will keep getting worse if we don't act immediately. Congress worked closely with President Obama to craft this plan, which is going to create or protect 15,000 jobs in Maine and 3.5 million jobs around the country. The recovery plan also creates an immediate tax cut for 95% of all American workers and will invest in roads, bridges and clean energy technology in Maine and around the country." "Our economic problems didn't happen overnight. Years of failed policies have gotten us into this situation, and repairing the damage is going to take time. But this economic recovery plan is an important first step and represents significant change." "One critical component of this plan is an investment in education. In the short term any money we can get to local school districts for modernization and renovation will stimulate the local construction industry. But our long-term economic health is tied closely to the kind of education we provide for our children. Every dollar that goes to creating better schools will come back to us many times over."