Washington, D.C.—Representative Raúl M. Grijalva released the following statement regarding today’s announcement of an Economic Stimulus Package:

“Today’s announced economic stimulus package provides for some necessary measures.  I commend both sides for coming together to produce what is urgently needed in this country. 

“I am glad to see that the stimulus package included some tax relief for our working families. This package is more inclusive for those earning the lowest wages, increases the child tax credit and provides assistance with foreclosure issues.

“Given that the 7^th Congressional District of Arizona has a high rate of uninsured, high foreclosure rates, a great number of families and households surviving on fixed incomes, and a poverty rate almost twice the national average, the relief in the package will be helpful.

“Unfortunately, the package is not inclusive as it does not do more for workforce creation, summer youth and job training, unemployment compensation and food stamps.  It is my hope that those are dealt with soon.

“The package laid out today is only a temporary fix as we face a reality of a recession.  We must also take steps to rollback the tax cuts for the multi-millionaires and corporations.  Congress now needs to re-assess the misguided economic policy of the Bush Administration to undo further detriment to our economy.”