House Dems want fast economic stimulus

Democratic lawmakers expressed urgency Friday about putting together an economic stimulus package before the next administration takes office.

They also argued a great deal of the money should go toward aid to states and infrastructure investments, rather than tax rebate checks, the focus of an initial stimulus bill earlier this year.

{mosads}“When you look at the fallout from our current situation it almost appears that nothing can be done fast enough,” said Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Education, Labor and Workforce Committee.

“If this initiative doesn't move forward until after a new president is sworn in, we're talking January,” said Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) “Time is of the essence.”

Democrats have held a score of panel hearings on a stimulus, which could be taken up as early as a lame-duck session. At the same time, it is unclear whether Democrats will move on a package before a new administration takes office, as they may wish to postpone a vote until next year, particularly if their party wins the presidency.

The Bush White House has expressed openness to discussing a stimulus, but has expressed skepticism over Democratic proposals to spend on infrastructure and provide aid to states.

Miller said the second stimulus bill should include money to support job training, food stamp and heating assistance programs, as well as to pay for infrastructure projects, and to help cash-strapped state governments meet costs.

“We had the rebate policy earlier this year,” he said. “That's when people thought this was a different kind of problem for the economy.”

Jared Bernstein, an economist at the Economic Policy Institute, a think tank, said the package should start at $150 billion, and should include money to offset state budget shortfalls, expand unemployment insurance and food stamps, and build infrastructure. He also offered support for tax rebate checks in addition to those funds.

“After the $150 billion, I think that's where you go,” he said.

Robert Blackwell, chief economist at the AFL-CIO, said the package should be closer to $300 billion.

Democrats and several economists at the hearing also appeared interested in using some of the money in a stimulus package for clean technology investments and broadband access programs.