When the Governor Says "Stimulus" You Go A Runnin'

Late yesterday afternoon, I received a call from the Governor's office asking me to attend a meeting to discussion the transportation portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) - also known as the federal stimulus program.  It's kind of hard to say "no" to that sort of thing.

So this morning, around 10AM, I hurried down Capitol Avenue and headed to the Romney Building.  I even wore green for the occasion (or for St. Patty's Day).  I was escorted to the Cabinet Room where 20 folks from various transportation interests were already waiting.  Before I knew it, we were all discussing the stimulus program and quickly learned that tomorrow the House was going to act on a supplemental appropriations bill that would authorize spending the ARRA money.

Before the meeting ended, we all agreed that now is the time for our collective membership to start calling their state legislators to tell them the following things:

1. We need them to vote YES on HB 4582 (introduced by Rep. Lee Gonzales).
2. We need them to offer no amendments on HB 4582.  We don't need this bill tied up with any political games.
3. We need them to vote YES on HB 4582 by April 2, 2009 because there a clock ticketing on the ARRA money.  We have to have 50% of it obligated by June 28th or the federal government will give the money to other states.
4. We need them to act quickly to vote YES ON HB 4582.

Needless to say, we need you to call folks.  We'll have an official "action alert" out tomorrow so keep your eye out for it!!! Here's some other talking points for you to use as well:

But for now, let me say "Thank you" in advance for the calls and the work that you're doing to help get this bill moving.