Maine Democratic Party

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For Immediate Release
December 18, 2008
Contact:
Arden Manning
(207) 622-6233 x113

Maine Democrats Join President-Elect Obama in Calling for an Immediate Economic Recovery Plan

AUGUSTA- Thursday, the Maine Democratic Party joined with other State Parties in applauding President-elect Barack Obama for recognizing the need for an immediate economic recovery plan to create jobs, invest in America's economic future, and strengthen the middle class. Last month, the American people elected President-Elect Obama and the Democratic Congress to put our economy back to work for ordinary Americans by investing in health care, education, and jobs.

Maine Democratic Party Chairman John Knutson applauded Maine Democrats for working with President-Elect Obama on an economic recovery plan that will do this by improving transportation, modernizing schools, promoting energy independence, creating good jobs, and increase federal aid to states and local communities to fund critical law enforcement, education and health care services. "At a time when jobs are being cut, wages are falling, and Mainers are worried about keeping their homes, we need to put partisanship aside and pass a comprehensive economic recovery plan," said Knutson.

Arden Manning, executive director of the Maine Democratic Party emphasized the importance of having a plan ready for President Obama to sign soon after he takes the oath of office. "This crisis has no quick or easy fixes, but we have an opportunity today to seize this moment to transform our economy, create jobs, invest in America's economic future, and strengthen the middle class for years to come. We need to have a plan completed and passed by Congress in time for President-elect Obama to sign when he is sworn in. This is not a time for partisanship, empty rhetoric or commissions to slowly study our options; it's a time to work together for a solution. I sincerely hope that Senators Collins and Snowe will do the right thing and work with the President-Elect to quickly pass an economic recovery package."

Since December 2007, more than 2 million American have lost their jobs, unemployment here in Maine has grown to 5.7% [Bureau of Labor Statistics] and the housing crisis has threatened the economic security of countless more working families. Major industries are beginning to fail, and businesses can't find the credit to create new jobs. Just last week, reports showed that that the number of Americans filing unemployment insurance claims rose to the highest level in nearly 30 years. The American economy is already in the second longest recession since the end of World War II, a crisis that is expected to grow worse.

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