FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith D-Chester www.pahouse.com/BSmith

McIlvaine Smith posts ARRA reports on Web site

Reports show how federal funds are benefiting Pa., Chester County

HARRISBURG, Jan. 26 – An updated report detailing how Pennsylvania spent American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds is now available on state Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith's Web site at www.pahouse.com/BSmith.

McIlvaine Smith, D-Chester, said the quarterly report is required by the federal government. The program became law in February 2009 to stimulate the economy, save and create jobs, bolster state and local budgets and make strategic investments that will benefit the economy.

"ARRA is an unprecedented investment into the economy, and taxpayers deserve to know if their money is being used responsibly and appropriately," McIlvaine Smith, D-Chester, said. "This report ensures transparency and accountability to the taxpayer and shows exactly how the ARRA funds are benefiting Pennsylvania and specifically, Chester County. I encourage everyone to visit my Web site to look at the report."

According to the Commonwealth, Pennsylvania expects to receive more than $26 billion from the Recovery Act. Of that $26 billion, about $11 billion is allotted for individual and business federal tax credits and benefits. More than $13.5 billion will go to formula-driven funding for health care, education, infrastructure, job training, housing and other aid.

To date, the state government’s use of federal stimulus funds has injected more than $4.06 billion into the Pennsylvania economy, and there is an additional $1.7 billion committed for expenditure. This amounts to $1,157 in Recovery Act funds invested per household in the state.

Additional information on the state's use of ARRA funds can be found at www.recovery.pa.gov.

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