FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Betsy Barrett 202-997-3266

DINGELL DELIVERS FOR THE 15TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Dearborn — This week Dingell for Congress will launch “Dingell Delivers for the District Week,” with events highlighting John Dingell’s fights that make a difference for the working families of the 15th Congressional District. Events will highlight accomplishments in job creation, transportation, senior issues and small business.  And in case you missed it, John Dingell has delivered a lot.

Dingell delivers needed jobs.  Ventower Industries in Monroe is ramping up to build as many as 300 wind turbine towers per year, employing up to 176 full-time personnel.  Sunrise Windows in Monroe County recently added 30 additional jobs at its Temperance facility, and it expects more hires.  In Brownstown, dozens of people have been hired by General Motors to build batteries.  In Ann Arbor, A123 Systems continues to add jobs for their next-generation battery industries, and they are opening a new plant in Romulus.  These examples of job growth are steps in the right direction towards more jobs in Michigan.  And each of these jobs are attributable to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – which Mr. Dingell supports and Rob Steele opposed.

Dingell delivers Social Security and better health care coverage for seniors. His work in Congress has earned him a 100% voting record from the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.  Almost 111,000 constituents in the15th district received Social Security benefits last year, with nearly 72,000 of those beneficiaries being over 65 years of age.  Dingell is committed to making and securing strong policy to keep Social Security and Medicare safe for the long-term and to keep this vital lifeline for seniors, workers with disabilities, and dependents out of the greedy hands of Wall Street.  Rob Steele would privatize this very successful program, and try to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits.

Dingell delivers innovation and infrastructure. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Dingell has helped deliver innovative transportation system upgrades for the 21st Century.  Dingell’s work has delivered $24 million in Recovery Act transportation funding for the 15th District to improve roads and safety across southeast Michigan.  His support helped the Ann Arbor Transit Authority get the facility it needs to effectively and efficiently accommodate the growing demand.  The Detroit Metropolitan Airport received $15 million for runway improvements. Monroe County has received over $2.6 million to repave and repair roads, and Washtenaw County has received $30.9 million for road construction projects. 2,219 miles have been improved, 38 bridges have been improved, 310 buses, vehicles or rail cars have been purchased in Michigan as a result of Dingell’s support.  These types of projects also help retain, create, and attract jobs to the 15th District.  Rob Steele would not support these improvements and has mocked the Recovery Act.

Dingell delivers help to small businesses. He has helped small businesses stay afloat in Michigan by delivering tax relief, better health coverage, and long-term support.  Just this year, Merit Network, Inc., received over $33 million in federal funds to provide high-speed Internet services in underserved areas of Michigan, including in Monroe, producing 900 jobs for Michigan while bringing homes and small businesses into the future with advanced technology.  Also, because of Dingell, approximately $82 million is on its way to Michigan to help small businesses expand and keep jobs.

John Dingell delivers.  He knows that Americans need jobs and seniors need security.  He knows that our young people need education to lead our future.  He knows that we must provide reliable infrastructure and innovative research to be effective and efficient.  And he knows that we must sustain small businesses, the backbone of our economy.  So he works and when he works, he delivers.  He delivers for all of us, young and old, for our families, for our health, for our livelihood, and for our Michigan.

Dingell for Congress will send press advisories throughout the week updating media of Dingell Delivers for the District Week events.

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