LANSING –State Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township) has been appointed to help determine the most effective way for Michigan to spend the approximately $7 billion it will receive from the federal economic stimulus package that President Obama is expected to sign into law.
"This economic stimulus plan has the potential to jumpstart our economy and get our hard working families back to work," Gonzales said. "The projects included in this plan will have wide reaching benefits for the nation and our state and will help create jobs now, something our citizens and economy desperately need. The Legislature is ready to work with the Governor to identify shovel ready projects and get Michigan working again."
As Chair of the Appropriatons Transportation Subcommittee, Gonzales has been assigned by House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township) to the transportation
workgroup to help determine the requirements associated with the federal funding. The selected lawmakers appointed to
the workgroups will meet this week to research and develop plans to capitalize on the federal money that will soon be
making its way to Michigan.
"This one-time opportunity is a short term solution, but a solution we welcome here in Michigan," Gonzales said. "Our
unemployment rates are at record lows and Michigan families and businesses are struggling to make ends meet. This
federal funding plan could not have come at a better time to stimulate our economy and create jobs by accelerating
transportation infrastructure projects. I applaud President Obama for making such a quick decision and introducing this
bold economic stimulus plan."