Chuck Schumer: “I am in full support of the Collins-Rockefeller-Nelson amendment. Our localities and States desperately need aid. It…”

“I am in full support of the Collins-Rockefeller-Nelson amendment. Our localities and States desperately need aid. It makes no sense to tell John Q. Citizen that he will get a $100 rebate from the Federal Government and then have his State and local taxes rise $100. That does not put money in his pocket and stimulate the economy. Madam President, $20 billion is a decent sum, half going to FMAP and half to direct aid. I would like to see a little more going to localities. It is 60-40, as I understand it. My original proposal with Senator Collins and Senator Snowe was 50-50. That would be a little fairer because localities need help in property taxes a lot. But this is a good start. I am glad it is in the bill. I hope it will stay in the bill because our localities desperately need aid. Property taxes are going through the roof, and the best property tax circuit breaker is local aid. I wish it was higher as well, and I am glad that in a few minutes, my colleague from Washington will be offering an amendment that doubles that amount.”