Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this jobs and economic assistance package, which includes an extension of numerous tax provisions critical to sustaining and building jobs, while providing relief to thousands of Rhode Islanders who are still struggling to rebuild after a devastating recession and recent catastrophic flooding. Our economy is beginning to show signs of recovery, but that progress has been slow in reaching Rhode Island. People are still looking for jobs, small businesses are struggling to keep their doors open and homeowners continue to face high rates of foreclosure. These problems were only compounded by historic flooding in the Northeast, which damaged and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses across Rhode Island. Our constituents deserve to know that we are doing everything in our power to support them during these difficult times. This bill extends unemployment insurance through November 30th to help families make ends meet while they look for new job opportunities. It also continues important small business lending programs to help spur job growth and hiring. I am particularly pleased that this bill contains an extension of the national disaster tax provisions through 2010. Since the catastrophic floods hit Rhode Island, I have worked tirelessly with our state's delegation in pursuing every avenue of assistance and relief that the federal government can provide.…”