Bread for the World Congratulates Congress on Finalizing Economic Recovery Package
WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bread for the World's president Rev. David Beckmann today extended warm congratulations to Congress for finalizing an economic recovery package that will help low-income workers afford basic needs for their families, especially in light of another recent rise in the nation's unemployment rate.
He issued the following statement:
"Today Congress finished its work on a robust package of investments that will help low-income families as it gets our economy going again. This could not have happened at a more critical time with a jobless rate now up to 7.6 percent, the highest since 1992. In addition, record numbers of people are relying on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or food stamps) to put food on the table. Over 31 million people participated in SNAP in November of 2008, over 4 million more than the same time in 2007.
"The investment Congress has approved for programs that serve low-income families, such as SNAP, unemployment insurance, and refundable tax credits, protect the people who are suffering the most from the current recession. They will also stimulate the economy and help move us toward recovery.
"These have not been easy negotiations and there will continue to be challenges as we face the coming months. However, the passage of this economic recovery package by the House and Senate is a powerful step in moving both families and the economy to a more secure future. I applaud those who voted to begin that process."
Bread for the World (www.bread.org) is a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.
