Economic recovery package has bipartisan backing

According to Senator Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), the process of drafting the economic recovery package has been a smooth, bipartisan effort.

“We all know there is no longer a debate as to whether there should be a stimulus package, only what’s going to be part of it,” said Schumer during a press conference with Senator Rober Menendez (D-N.J.). Also in attendance were the Presidents of Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

“There is a broad agreement on both sides of the aisle that a package, a large, broad package is necessary. That’s made negotiations very productive,” said Schumer.

The Senator from New York commented that there have not been any attempts by Members of Congress to alter the package by leveraging their influence.

“I haven’t heard a single member say ‘if this isn’t in or that isn’t in, I’m not voting for the package’. Usually when you have large, comprehensive packages at this stage in the negotiations that’s what you hear,” Schumer noted.

Schumer went on to describe the benefits of the package, noting that there are provisions aimed at rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure, creating jobs, and providing individual states with fiscal relief.

In addition, Schumer stated that education will be a key aim of the package, made evident by provisions for tax credits to improve college affordability and upgrades for failing schools.

Schumer complimented President Elect Obama’s handling of the package, saying that he had provided Congress with a basic outline and leaving the specific details for their discretion. He also mused that this has helped it gain popularity among his colleagues.