Bipartisan Economic Stimulus Package Garners Crowley's Approval

"When it comes to sustaining the health of our nation's economy, there is no room for partisanship or bickering," Congressmember Joseph Crowley declared after Democratic legislative leaders and President George W. Bush reached agreement on an economic stimulus plan.

At the heart of the package, Crowley said, are rebate checks to lower- and middle-income working families- the very people who need help during the economic downturn.

Crowley (D- Queens/The Bronx) added: "The inclusion of these families, who make up a majority of our nation, is incredibly significant, and was inserted despite initial objections from Republicans."

The stimulus package will, according to Crowley:

•Provide tax relief this spring of up to $600 (individuals) and up to $1,200 (married couples), plus $300 per child. A total of 117 million families will receive a check.

•Includes $28 billion in checks to 35 million working families who would not have otherwise been helped. More than 19 million of these are families with children.

•Doubles the amount small businesses can write off their taxes for new investments to get the economy moving again and provide immediate tax relief for all businesses to invest in new plants and equipment.

Crowley stated, "The package put forward today is the right start; however, it is not the end. Democrats will continue putting forward proposals aimed as strengthening our economy and creating a stronger and larger middle class. In the coming months, Congress will likely consider legislation to increase the Food Stamp program, extend unemployment insurance and streamline the IRS bureaucracy to better aid all taxpayers."

- John Toscano