NE 2: Job Creation and Infrastructure Renewal Act - Passed

[Lincoln Republican]

Job Creation and Infrastructure Renewal Act

1. Half of the surplus funds from the Northeast Region's budget will go into a fund created by the regional government to support immediate and direct job creation through public works and infrastructure building.

2. The fund will be administered by a Committee for Public Works, the members of which will be selected by the Governor of the Northeast Region.

3. This act will not take effect unless there is a surplus in the regional budget.

4. This act will be automatically repealed once the regional unemployment rate is below 6% for three consecutive months.

Sponsor:  Alfred F. Jones

Debate time:  72 hours

[Lincoln Republican]

I actually like the proposal from Representative Jones.

Putting funds into infrastructure and public works construction can have a positive effect on a lagging economy by providing jobs, and putting money into infrasctucture and public works has positive spin off effects for the economy as those earning an income again will themselves put money back into the economy, paying rent or a mortgage, buying groceries, other family spending, etc.

Public funds going into infrasctucture and public works projects in which private sector companies are hired to do the work allows these private sector companies and industries  to hire more workers, and expand their businesses.

This is actually a good use for surplus public funds, but only to be used when there is in fact a surplus, as stated in the bill.

We should find a way of incorporating this bill into the capital relocation issue.  The two need not be mutually exclusive.

[Lincoln Republican]

We should find a way of incorporating this bill into the capital relocation issue.  The two need not be mutually exclusive.

While it may be difficult to accomplish with less than a week remaining in this legislative session, this is a worthwhile proposal. Rep. Winfield, do you have any idea as to how this might be accomplished?

Thank you Governor.  We would have to prioritize the expenditure of excess public funds as they become available.  The construction of a new capital would be a major infastructure and public works project in and of itself, clearly the major project for some time.  If infrastructure or public works elsewhere are essential, then these essential projects should be completed, as not to build or fix when necessary would cause greater costs in the future.

[Lincoln Republican]

Debate has now ended.

Voting is now open on this bill.

Voting will be for the next 24 hours or until all members have voted.

[Lincoln Republican]

Aye

[Lincoln Republican]

Voting has closed.

The vote

Aye          3
Nay          0
Abstain    0

The bill passes.