LANSING – State Representative Richard E. Hammel (D-Mt. Morris Township) has been appointed to help determine the most effective way for Michigan to spend the approximately $7 billion it will receive from the federal economic stimulus package that President Obama will sign into law today.
"I want to make sure we're using this federal funding to create long-term jobs that make a real economic impact in Michigan," said Hammel, who is Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. "This is a one-time opportunity, and we have to make the most of it. I will work quickly with my colleagues to make sure this money is invested as responsibly and efficiently as possible."
Hammel has been assigned by House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township) to two key workgroups that have until Friday to determine the requirements associated with the federal funding. The selected lawmakers appointed to the workgroups will meet this week to research and develop plans to capitalize on the federal money that will soon be making its way to Michigan.
Hammel, who is Chair of the Appropriations Economic Development Subcommittee, will work on the areas of unemployment, worker training and housing, as well as energy and efficiency.
"Our state has seen record unemployment rates and people are losing their homes," Hammel said. "The federal economic stimulus funding can be part of the solution for both residents and businesses, as long as we spend it the right way."