Capito Spreads Stimulus Message With Seniors in Berkeley County
Op-Ed
Capito Spreads Stimulus Message With Seniors in Berkeley County
Rep. Capito speaks to seniors and hosts a press conference at the Berkeley County Senior Center to help spread the word to seniors about this year's economic stimulus package. Residents must file a tax return in order to receive their economic stimulus payment.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As you may have noticed, my office has introduced a new format for this week's e-newsletter. I'm excited to introduce this new format, because it will provide a number of new tools - including survey technology and increased connectivity - to help me communicate more effectively with you.
In the coming weeks, I'll be seeking your feedback about the newsletter and the issues that you care about. I hope you find this new format helpful, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Congress Back in Session
Congress was back in session last week, and the housing market continued to be at the forefront of discussion as we look for bipartisan solutions to the housing crunch.
With many families struggling, Congress must come together in a bipartisan fashion to foster a responsible plan to address the turbulence that continues to plague homeowners and the entire housing market. We'll be holding committee hearings in the coming weeks and I'm looking forward to a discussion about housing market reforms.
Visit to Berkeley County Senior Center
When Congress passed the Economic Stimulus Act earlier this year, the center point of the plan was a tax rebate to put money back in the hands of low and middle income families. Yet, to receive a stimulus check, all taxpayers must file a 2007 tax return.
In a visit to the Berkeley County Senior Center on Friday, I highlighted the need for seniors and veterans to file returns this year. Many seniors and veterans who rely on Social Security or veterans benefits would not normally file a tax return, but they must do so this year. It's important that we spread this message so all eligible West Virginians can receive their stimulus payment.
$7.7 Million in Infrastructure Updates in Pendleton County
After visiting Martinsburg on Friday, I also had the opportunity to meet with local leaders in Pendleton County to announce $7.7 million in funding for communications technology improvements.
With this new fibernet technology, Pendleton County will be on the cutting edge of communications technology and will have the infrastructure necessary to support telecommuters and local high-tech call centers. This is great news for the county and I'm excited about its promise as an economic development tool.
Sincerely,
Member of Congress
In Case You Missed It...
Capito: New Legislation Would Create Incentives for Business Investment in Rural Areas
Elkins Intermountain
March 31, 2008
U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito R-2nd District, recently visited with local constituents, business leaders and other local officials in Lewis County. While speaking with area residents, she also announced new legislation the Rural Information Technology Investment Act to invest in information technology business in rural areas.
"We've seen the growth of high-technology industry and we need to capitalize on that growth in rural areas," Capito said. "Many high-tech support jobs can be performed almost anywhere in the world. Instead of seeing some of those jobs move overseas, I'd like to see investment and incentives to keep those jobs here in West Virginia, to spur local economic growth and to provide lower costs for American businesses."
The Rural Technology Investment Act would provide grants of up to $250,000 for organizations that invest in Information-Technology Support Centers in a rural communities. The grants would be administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and priority would be given to applicants who partner with local colleges and workforce investment boards to train workers.
Many rural areas often have high unemployment and face unique obstacles in attracting extensive business investment. Information-Technology Support Centers present an opportunity to counter these economic obstacles to train local workers and create new economic opportunities.
Capito noted that she will introduce the Rural Technology Investment Act when Congress reconvenes next week.
"We have an opportunity here to create economic opportunity, spur private-sector growth and create jobs," she said. "I call on my colleagues to support this bill."
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