Statement by
Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers
On President-elect Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan

WASHINGTON – President-elect Barack Obama's message of urgency and shared responsibility for addressing our national economic crisis underscores this perilous time for America. We support the president-elect's call to Congress to pass a sweeping economic stimulus package as soon as possible to stem further economic collapse.

We are pleased the proposed plan includes a focus on smart investments, especially those made in education, healthcare and other vital public services. Obama's call to build 21st-century classrooms, labs and libraries, and create new technologies for students is an important step in preparing our children for the jobs of tomorrow and ensuring that each has a shot at the promised American Dream. We understand that solutions are not just about dollars, but about investments in opportunity and in our future.

The decisions policymakers make in the days ahead will have lasting effects for years to come. We join the president-elect in his push to get America on the road to recovery, and we understand this is truly a fight for America's future.

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