Recovery Bill Passes with little help from Renoblicans

According to U.S. government reports, the economy lost 598,000 jobs in January, and the unemployment rate rose to 7.6 percent. Congressional leaders said the country is facing its deepest economic crisis since the Great Depression, one that calls for swift, bold action."

The stimulus bill provides $311 billion in appropriations, including the following critical investments that create jobs, support for the states and the country's future:

· Investments in infrastructure and science -- $120 billion

· Investments in health -- $14.2 billion

· Investments in education and training -- $105.9 billion

· Investments in energy, including over $30 billion in infrastructure -- $37.5 billion

· Helping Americans hit hardest by the economic crisis -- $24.3 billion

· Law enforcement, oversight, and other programs -- $7.8 billion

Funding for energy programs in the bill includes upgrading the energy grid, research into clean coal technology and $6 billion in loan guarantees for renewable energy projects. It includes a 3-year extension of the production tax credit for wind energy. In addition, the bill expands and extends Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits, with specific funding programs to help workers and families hit hardest by the economic crisis. These programs include nutrition assistance, child care development, head start and the homeowners' assistance program.

The USW has a 'Make Our Future Work' program with union leaders across the nation involved in oversight on the provisions of the economic stimulus bill to be sure state and local infrastructure investment projects meet the terms of the Buy America provision.