Teamsters Praise Congress for Passing Aid to States

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Aug 10, 2010, 05:00 ET

Hoffa: Saving Jobs Will Help the Economy Recover

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa today said he's pleased that the House passed a bill that will save the jobs of hundreds of thousands of police officers, firefighters and teachers.

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The $26 billion bill would provide emergency aid to the states, easing pressure on state budgets that have been stressed by the economic crisis and saving an estimated 300,000 jobs.

"The way to bring back the economy is jobs, jobs and more jobs," Hoffa said. "Public service workers stimulate the economy by spending money in their communities. Preserving their jobs is exactly what we need to do right now."

Hoffa said Congress raised money the right way – by limiting some U.S. multinational corporations to use foreign tax credits to lower their taxes.

The Senate passed the bill last week, and President Obama is expected to sign it.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women – including about 240,000 public service employees – in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters