Manchin Announces ‘Rebuild America Jobs Act’ On His Tour Of ‘Commonsense Ideas For A Stronger America’
Additional information on legislation, infrastructure in West Virginia is attached
Charleston, W.V. – With American roads and bridges crumbling, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced he is cosponsoring the Rebuild America Jobs Act to invest $60 billion in infrastructure as he kicked off his weeklong “Commonsense Ideas for a Stronger America” tour.
“I didn’t go to Washington to be part of the problem or to play blame games, I went to be part of the solution,” Senator Manchin said. “So today I am proud to announce that I am introducing the Rebuild America Jobs Act with several other Senators to finally make a substantial, $60 billion investment in a true job-creator: rebuilding our roads and bridges. For the sake of our nation’s economic future, we must work together – Democrats and Republicans – and try and find more commonsense solutions that protect and create jobs, without adding to our growing deficits and debt.
“This week is all about the commonsense ideas that West Virginians have to make America strong again – without our federal government digging a deeper hole. And believe me, these are some good ideas and I believe that there is plenty of bipartisan support for what we’ll be talking about.”
Background on the Rebuild America Jobs Act and Infrastructure Needs in West Virginia:
- The bill would invest $50 billion in our roads, bridges and air traffic infrastructure.
- Moody’s estimates that for every $1 spent on infrastructure, GDP is raised by about$1.59.
- According to the Labor Department, the greatest percentage of West Virginians making unemployment insurance claims are from the construction industry – with 19.8 percent of all the claims coming from unemployed construction workers.
- West Virginia ranks eighth in the nation for the number of bridges that need to be repaired.
- Driving on roads in need of repair costs each West Virginia motorist an average of $280 annually - $371 million state-wide.
- The bill would create a $10 billion infrastructure bank, which would essentially create public-private partnerships to fund important development projects – both in cities and in rural areas. This is an idea with support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
- The bill would be paid for by a 0.7 percent surtax on millionaires – to be specific, any income over $1 million. But I am willing to listen to any suggestions for paying for these investments, because I think they are just that important.
- The bill is expected to be introduced on Oct. 31, when Senators return from the state work period.
Additional Events this week:
TUESDAY, October 25, 2011
Parkersburg South High School
When: 10 - 11 a.m.Where: Parkersburg South High School, 1511 Blizzard Drive, Parkersburg
What: Senator Manchin will speak with juniors and seniors at Parkersburg South High School.
***Please note, media are invited to attend, but not permitted to take close-up shots of students.
Parkersburg High School
When: 12:15 - 1:15 p.m.Where: Auditorium, Parkersburg High School, 2101 Dudley Avenue, Parkersburg
What: Senator Manchin will speak with seniors at Parkersburg High School.
***Please note, media are invited to attend, but not permitted to take close-up shots of students.
Groundbreaking for the North Central Advanced Technology Center
When: 3 p.m.Where: Robert H. Mollohan Research Center, I-79 Technology Park, Fairmont
What: Senator Manchin will speak at the groundbreaking of the North Central Advanced Technology Center.
WEDNESDAY, October 26, 2011
Media availability following roundtable on substance abuse
When: 11 a.m.Where: Raleigh County Public Library (meeting room in basement), 221 North Kanawha Street, Beckley
What: Senator Manchin hold a media availability following a roundtable with community stakeholders on substance abuse in West Virginia.
Visit Oceana Middle School
When: 12:30-1:30 p.m.Where: Oceana Middle School, 309 Cook Parkway, Oceana
What: Senator Manchin will with students at Oceana Middle School about substance abuse in the community.
Visit Mercer County Courthouse
When: 3 p.m.Where: Mercer County Courthouse, 1501 Main Street, Princeton
What: Senator Manchin will visit the Mercer County Courthouse and speak with residents.
THURSDAY, October 27, 2011
Remarks at lunch honoring West Virginia’s 2011 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50
When: 10:45 a.m.Where: West Virginia University Erickson Alumni Center, 1 Alumni Drive, Morgantown
What: Senator Manchin will deliver remarks at a lunch honoring West Virginia’s 2011 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50.
Keynote Address, WVU College of Law’s Energy and Sustainable Development Symposium on Marcellus Drilling
When: 8 p.m.Where: West Virginia University Erickson Alumni Center, 1 Alumni Drive, Morgantown
What: Senator Manchin will deliver the keynote address at WVU College of Law’s Energy and Sustainable Development Symposium on Marcellus Drilling.
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