Pingree says new figures show need to continue focus on economy
 
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement on the latest unemployment figures, released today.
 
“The unemployment figures out today show why we have to keep working hard in Congress to help get our economy back on track,” Pingree said.  “During these tough economic times, it’s important that we do everything possible to save and create jobs and help those who have been hardest hit by the economy.  That’s why this week in Congress we’ve passed measures to extend unemployment benefits, extend the first time homebuyers tax credit and protect consumers from sudden increases in credit card fees.”
 
“Passing meaningful health care reform is also critical to fixing our economy,” she said. “The bill we will consider in the House this weekend will make insurance more affordable and reliable for those who do have it, protect Medicare for seniors and put insurance coverage within reach for small businesses.  Our economy can’t recover without this reform.”
 
This afternoon Pingree’s Committee—the House Rules Committee—will hold the final hearing on the health care reform bill now in the House before it goes to the floor for a vote tomorrow.
 
Also this week in Congress:
 
On Wednesday the House passed legislation that which will make new credit cardholder protections effective as soon as the bill is passed by the Senate and signed by the President, instead of next spring, the date previously set when Congress first passed those reforms earlier this year.  Pingree said this reform “cracks down on the big credit card companies and their worst practices now, and not next year.”
 
Yesterday the House also passed an extension of unemployment benefits as well as an extension and expansion of the first time homebuyers tax credit.  The bill, which will be signed by the President later today, will extend unemployment benefits up to 20 weeks for beneficiaries in Maine.  The popular first time homebuyers credit, originally set to expire at the end of this month, will be extended through next April.  The income limit for the tax credit has also been increased and expands eligibility for veterans and individuals who had previously owned a home.