January 23, 2010
A year after the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the stimulus has proved its ability to create jobs and maintain services for Montana families.The act flushed money into the Montana Economy, and made sure thousands of people could maintain their incomes, and stimulate growth through consumer spending.
MBPC Executive Director Tara Veazey reflects on the progress of the ARRA in the Montana Standard, and also notes that a lot of work is left to be done:
"Congress should provide additional relief to states to help minimize the harm of deep cuts on Montana families, businesses, and the economy. In addition, as we look forward to the 2011 legislative session, state leaders must approach the problems of rapidly declining state revenue with a balanced approach that includes not just spending cuts to the programs, services, and infrastructure that are helping maintain strong and healthy communities, but also targeted efforts to increase revenue.
Montanans deserve continued solutions that help us dig out of the recession and prepare for a more prosperous future for all. The one-year anniversary of the Recovery Act is a reminder of how far we have come and how far we have left to go."
MBPC is a nonprofit organization focused on providing credible and timely research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues that impact low- and moderate-income Montana families.