Markey-pushed Provisions on Health, Energy, and Broadband Will be Boon for Bay State

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) hailed the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Rep. Markey has championed several health, energy and technology initiatives that are included in the legislation.

“This bill is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create millions of new jobs, invest in vital priorities and position our economy for future growth,” said Markey.

“This package is a major down payment on the clean, renewable energy future this country has been waiting for and desperately needs. The bill includes close to $70 billion for clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives that will help the country achieve energy independence.”

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will start rebuilding our economy immediately by creating or saving millions of jobs. We can repair and renew our economy with smart, targeted investments in health, energy and technology initiatives. From advanced, plug-in hybrid batteries that will propel our vehicles and automotive industry into the future, to weatherization programs that will save consumers thousands of dollars on energy bills while creating thousands of new jobs, this legislation will modernize our cars, our homes and our workforce.”

“This economic recovery package will put people to work now and build the industries that will engineer long-term prosperity.”
 
Rep. Markey, a senior Democratic member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which crafted key provisions of the Recovery Act, pushed for several initiatives that are included in the economic recovery package, including:

--Funding for a nationwide, interoperable infrastructure for storing and sharing patients’ electronic medical records that includes strong patient privacy safeguards so that patients’ medical records are made unreadable to unauthorized users.
 --Increased investments in building weatherization projects totaling $6.2 billion.
--Grants for state energy programs totaling $3.4 billion.
--Grants and loans totaling $2 billion for advanced hybrid battery and clean car technology.
--Investments in broadband internet delivery to underserved areas, including requirements that networks funded in whole or in part by taxpayers operate on an open access or wireless open access basis so that public utilization of taxpayer-funded assets is wholly appropriate and represents simple taxpayer justice.
--Investments totaling $4.5 billion to create a smart grid that delivers electricity more securely and efficiently.

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