THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF OHIO CONGRESSMAN CHARLIE WILSON.

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Wilson (OH-6) today joined a majority in the House of Representatives and backed a plan that begins to reinvest in the American people’s priorities and provides critical support for economic development and law enforcement in the Ohio River Valley. The Omnibus Appropriations bill, which includes funding for the federal government and key projects in the Sixth Congressional District was approved by the House by a vote of 253-154.

“We didn’t get everything we wanted, but we stuck to our priorities,” Wilson said. “We reversed the President’s harmful budget cuts and began reinvestment at home. It was disappointing that Congressional Republicans’ blocked so many of our efforts to make all the fiscally responsible investments we need. But, I will keep fighting to use our resources to make our country stronger.”

The legislation backed by Wilson includes support for important projects and secures $6,385,400 for Ohio’s Sixth Congressional District. Those projects include money for a carbon sequestration study, job training and money for local Sheriffs Departments.

“I don’t think southeastern Ohio always gets its fair share,” Wilson said. “I’m proud to bring more than 6.3 million dollars back home in federal investment. These are meaningful projects that will help bring jobs to the district and protect our citizens.”

In particular, the carbon sequestration study will seek to identify major geologic sites in the region in which carbon can be captured and stored in the ground in Ohio. It’s key to helping bring a new coal-to-liquid fuel plant in Wellsville.

“Helping the development of this technology and helping to make this coal-to-liquid plant a reality will mean thousands of jobs for the Ohio River Valley,” Wilson said.

Overall, the legislation approved by the House makes significant improvements to the President’s budget request. The House bill reinvests in:

· Medical Research: $607 million above the President’s request to study diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, Parkinson’s and diabetes.

· Healthcare Access: $1 billion above the President’s request, making targeted increases to programs like Community Health Centers to provide 280,000 more underinsured Americans with access to healthcare and High Risk Insurance Pools to help 200,000 more people afford health insurance.

· Rural Healthcare: $147 million above the President’s request to help 1,200 small, rural hospitals.

· K-12 Education: $767 million above the President’s request with targeted increases to Title 1, Special Education, Teacher Quality Grants, After School Programs, and Head Start.

· Student Aid: $1.7 billion above the President’s request for Pell Grants and other student aid programs.

· Vocational Education: $575 million above the President’s request for technical training at high schools and community colleges.

· State and Local Law Enforcement: $1.2 billion above the President’s request to help local communities across the country.

· Homeland Security Grants: $1.8 billion above the President’s request, recognizing that fighting terror must be a top priority.

· Highway Infrastructure: Meets the guaranteed levels set in the authorization bill and provides a $1 billion initiative for our bridges.

· Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency: $486 million above the President’s request for important investments in Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Biofuels, and Energy Efficiency, with a careful blend of new scientific investments and conservation efforts.