Nelson to request fewer earmarks

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) announced today that he will seek fewer earmarks this year for Nebraska projects now that $1.1 billion in federal funds are coming to Nebraska for economic stimulus, including about $52 million for one-time projects.

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is on the job: hundreds of millions of dollars will flow into Nebraska's economy creating and saving jobs, fixing roads and bridges, and investing in our education system," Senator Nelson said. "While much of the money is committed to specific programs, the state has flexibility with some fiscal stabilization dollars.

"For projects representing one-time time investments that have a lasting impact on the state, I would urge Nebraska constituents to seek stimulus funds before pursuing a congressional earmark. I will continue supporting earmarks for Nebraska projects that serve a clear public good and that won't be funded otherwise in a timely way. But I hope the stimulus funds can meet many of Nebraskans' needs this year," Nelson said.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will deliver more than $52 million to Nebraska for one part of its State Fiscal Stabilization Fund allocation. The state has discretion over how the funds will be spent.

Section 14002 (b)(1) from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) states:

"The Governor shall use 18.2 percent of the State's allocation under section 14001 for public safety and other government services, which may include assistance for elementary and secondary education and public institutions of higher education, and for modernization, renovation, or repair of public school facilities and institutions of higher education facilities, including modernization, renovation, and repairs that are consistent with a recognized green building rating system."

Sen. Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.

Sen. Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available. Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov for more information.

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