Governor Rendell Outlines Plans for
Spending Stimulus Money
HARRISBURG — Making what he called the first of many regular reports to the people of Pennsylvania, Governor Edward G. Rendell today outlined his administration’s plans to ensure that federal stimulus dollars are spent wisely, transparently and in a manner that ensures accountability.
Governor Rendell said the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act enables Pennsylvania to provide struggling families with relief that will help them recover from these tough economic times. He also announced plans to ensure the public has an opportunity to provide input on the process so that citizens can track stimulus spending and be confident that the process is working for them.
“We will first and foremost put more of our citizens to work and keep those currently working in their jobs, but this money helps us accomplish other worthy goals,” Governor Rendell said. “These stimulus dollars will help Pennsylvania achieve energy independence, lower the cost of health care, and improve public schools while stabilizing property taxes.
“President Obama has insisted these precious resources be spent in a manner that is transparent and in plain sight of the public, so taxpayers can be certain we’re acting responsibly. Over the next week and a half, we’re going to accept suggestions and input from every corner of the state for their thoughts on how we can best put these dollars to work for Pennsylvania.
“Additionally, the Web site we’re unveiling today provides a window to this process for everyone to see; the public will be able to track how every dime is spent and for what project and where. We’re committed to making this an open process for everyone.”
The Governor added that he will appoint a chief accountability officer within two weeks to work with each agency to ensure every dollar is used to meet appropriate goals and the impact is reported to the public.
Citizens will be able to track expenditures through the stimulus program and provide input on how funds are invested at www.Recovery.PA.gov. The Web site will be an online tracking system that is linked to the commonwealth’s accounting system.
The site will also enable citizens to track how effective the commonwealth is in meeting the stimulus program’s objectives.
“Citizens can use this Web site to get quarterly updates and track if we are meeting the goals of the stimulus program,” Governor Rendell said. “For instance in the case of a transportation project: did we repair the bridge on time and did Pennsylvanians get jobs?”
Pennsylvania will receive an estimated $16 billion in grants provided by federal formulas, as well as tax relief and other direct benefits to commonwealth residents. That figure includes $9.8 billion in economic recovery and reinvestment formula-driven grants that can be spent over the next 24-27 months, made up of:
· Health Care - $4 billion
· Education - $2.56 billion
· Transportation Infrastructure - $1.4 billion
· Energy Independence - $472 million
· Other Infrastructure & Housing - $361 million
· Job Training & Other Relief for Pennsylvanians - $1.1 billion, including:
o $425 million for Job Training/Unemployment Services
o $347 million for State Budget Relief
o $120 million for Crime Fighting/Victim Services
o $116 million for Targeted Assistance to Pennsylvania Families
o $82 million for Child Care and Head Start
Governor Rendell said he was committed to applying for every competitive stimulus grant that will benefit Pennsylvanians and the state’s economy.
The Governor has set out an aggressive schedule to solicit input from the Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation, state and local elected officials, as well as advocacy and constituent groups by March 15. He promised to release a plan for spending the money no later than early April to ensure that dollars begin flowing for Pennsylvania without delay.
The Governor asked Pennsylvanians to review the Web site and the information that will be made available on each stimulus project and provide their feedback on how the system can be improved.
“We want to ensure Pennsylvania can start benefiting from this investment sooner rather than later, and the public’s participation in that process will certainly be beneficial,” the Governor said. “I encourage everyone to take some time and review the Web site and give us your thoughts. This is an important time for our nation and our commonwealth; if we all play a role we can help ensure that we emerge from this economic crisis stronger and more competitive in the long term.”
For more information, visit www.Recovery.pa.gov.
Governor Rendell said the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act enables Pennsylvania to provide struggling families with relief that will help them recover from these tough economic times. He also announced plans to ensure the public has an opportunity to provide input on the process so that citizens can track stimulus spending and be confident that the process is working for them.
“We will first and foremost put more of our citizens to work and keep those currently working in their jobs, but this money helps us accomplish other worthy goals,” Governor Rendell said. “These stimulus dollars will help Pennsylvania achieve energy independence, lower the cost of health care, and improve public schools while stabilizing property taxes.
“President Obama has insisted these precious resources be spent in a manner that is transparent and in plain sight of the public, so taxpayers can be certain we’re acting responsibly. Over the next week and a half, we’re going to accept suggestions and input from every corner of the state for their thoughts on how we can best put these dollars to work for Pennsylvania.
“Additionally, the Web site we’re unveiling today provides a window to this process for everyone to see; the public will be able to track how every dime is spent and for what project and where. We’re committed to making this an open process for everyone.”
The Governor added that he will appoint a chief accountability officer within two weeks to work with each agency to ensure every dollar is used to meet appropriate goals and the impact is reported to the public.
Citizens will be able to track expenditures through the stimulus program and provide input on how funds are invested at www.Recovery.PA.gov. The Web site will be an online tracking system that is linked to the commonwealth’s accounting system.
The site will also enable citizens to track how effective the commonwealth is in meeting the stimulus program’s objectives.
“Citizens can use this Web site to get quarterly updates and track if we are meeting the goals of the stimulus program,” Governor Rendell said. “For instance in the case of a transportation project: did we repair the bridge on time and did Pennsylvanians get jobs?”
Pennsylvania will receive an estimated $16 billion in grants provided by federal formulas, as well as tax relief and other direct benefits to commonwealth residents. That figure includes $9.8 billion in economic recovery and reinvestment formula-driven grants that can be spent over the next 24-27 months, made up of:
· Health Care - $4 billion
· Education - $2.56 billion
· Transportation Infrastructure - $1.4 billion
· Energy Independence - $472 million
· Other Infrastructure & Housing - $361 million
· Job Training & Other Relief for Pennsylvanians - $1.1 billion, including:
o $425 million for Job Training/Unemployment Services
o $347 million for State Budget Relief
o $120 million for Crime Fighting/Victim Services
o $116 million for Targeted Assistance to Pennsylvania Families
o $82 million for Child Care and Head Start
Governor Rendell said he was committed to applying for every competitive stimulus grant that will benefit Pennsylvanians and the state’s economy.
The Governor has set out an aggressive schedule to solicit input from the Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation, state and local elected officials, as well as advocacy and constituent groups by March 15. He promised to release a plan for spending the money no later than early April to ensure that dollars begin flowing for Pennsylvania without delay.
The Governor asked Pennsylvanians to review the Web site and the information that will be made available on each stimulus project and provide their feedback on how the system can be improved.
“We want to ensure Pennsylvania can start benefiting from this investment sooner rather than later, and the public’s participation in that process will certainly be beneficial,” the Governor said. “I encourage everyone to take some time and review the Web site and give us your thoughts. This is an important time for our nation and our commonwealth; if we all play a role we can help ensure that we emerge from this economic crisis stronger and more competitive in the long term.”
For more information, visit www.Recovery.pa.gov.
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