For Immediate Release:  Feb 16, 2011
Contact: Roy Moskowitz, Reciprocal Results (718) 370-3977 Mobile: (917) 992-1873 Email: R2ceo@aol.com 
Richard Reichard SIDA ((718) 440-6717 Email:  ReichardRA@aol.com

<strong>The Staten Island Democratic Association (SIDA) celebrates 3 Million jobs being created or saved
Press conference celebrating Stimulus Bill signing second anniversary  
2 p.m. February 17 at the St George Staten Island Ferry Terminal
Statement from former Congressman Michael McMahon (NY 13 CD Staten Island/Brooklyn)
McMahon strongly supported the Stimulus Bill</strong>

(Staten Island) <strong>The Staten Island Democratic Association (SIDA) </strong>applauds the<strong> 3 million jobs created or saved by the Stimulus Bill </strong>in a <strong>2 p.m. Thursday February 17 press conference</strong> at the <strong>St George Staten Island Ferry Terminal. 
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<strong>Former Congressman Michael McMahon </strong>(Democrat NY 13 CD Staten Island/Brooklyn), who was instrumental in securing Stimulus funds for the Ferry Terminal, released a statement concerning the event, but a scheduling conflict prevented him from attending the press conference.  He thanks SIDA for putting together the press conference and gives specific examples of the positive impact the Stimulus, formally known as the <strong>American Recovery</strong> <strong>and Reinvestment Act (ARRA),</strong> has had on his former constituents. 

"I want to thank the organizers and participants of today's event marking the two year anniversary," said McMahon.  <blockquote>My friends are rightly noting that because of this important legislation the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn are paying the lowest federal income taxes since the 50's, tens of thousands of school children have had teachers, we have kept our city safe and clean with cops, firefighters, sanitation workers and homeland security personnel.  We have for the first time in more than a generation made significant infrastructure investments in our mass transportation and roads with the Ferry, Staten Island expressway and park and ride expansions. Our hospitals and clinics are stronger and we have kept our senior centers open."</blockquote>

<strong>President Obam</strong>a signed the often misunderstood Stimulus Bill <strong>on February 17, 2009.</strong>  The legislation is misunderstood because rightwing propaganda efforts demonized the bill.  Republicans and the Tea Party have successfully spread lies and misinformation about the bill's content and success, resulting in many Americans believing it created no jobs.  However, most economists agree the Stimulus created  or saved approximately 3 million jobs ( <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2010-08-30-stimulus30_CV_N.htm">http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2010-08-30-stimulus30_CV_N.htm</a> ).  Even Moody's Chief economist and 08 Obama opponent Senator John McCain advisor Mark Zandi says unemployment would be considerably higher without the ARRA ( <a href="http://www.economy.com/mark-zandi/documents/End-of-Great-Recession.pdf">http://www.economy.com/mark-zandi/documents/End-of-Great-Recession.pdf).</a>

Conservatives have perpetuated the myth of the Stimulus raising taxes.  But in reality, tax cuts comprise 40 percent of the Recovery Act (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/u/united_states_economy/economic_stimulus/index.html). 

<strong>About SIDA:</strong>  SIDA is Staten Island's largest Democratic Club and is celebrating its founding's 50th anniversary.  For more information visit sidems.org.
 
<strong>Event Details:</strong>
 
<strong>Who: </strong> SIDA, Possibly former Congressman Michael McMahon
<strong>What:</strong>  Stimulus Bill press conference
<strong>Where:</strong>  St George Staten Island Ferry Terminal
<strong>When:</strong>  2 p.m. Feb 17
 
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