With today’s news that Florida’s unemployment rate hit 7 percent, U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor welcomes the approval of legislation that extends unemployment benefits. The House took the lead in passing the legislation, approving it nearly two months ago. The Senate approved it on Thursday. “With the holidays around the corner and with unemployment rates in the state of Florida rising, this means more money in the pockets of those who need it most,” Castor said. “We’re all in this together.” The law provides an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to states with unemployment rates above 6 percent. The benefits go directly to workers who have lost their jobs. Read more »

Tampa, Fla. – U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced the details of the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program today, joined in Sulphur Springs by Mayor Pam Iorio. “This is exactly what Congress intended,” Castor said of money being spent in the neighborhoods. “This is absolutely vital.” Earlier this year, Congress approved the $3.92 billion Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Tampa is set to receive $13.6 million; Hillsborough County, $19.1 million. This program will help everyone in the area because it is designed to safeguard the values of nearby properties. Read more »

The bailout bill does not address the fundamental root causes of the economic crisis or the concerns I have consistently expressed. After assisting hundreds of Tampa Bay area families at my foreclosure workshops this summer, I could not in good conscience vote for a $700 billion Wall Street bailout that does not help middle-class families. They need mandatory “workout” provisions that require refinancing so they can achieve a little breathing room, keep paying mortgages and remain in their homes. Keeping families in their homes in our community means that our neighborhoods will not deteriorate and our property values will not fall. Read more »

After thoughtful consideration and review, I voted against President Bush’s $700 billion bailout. The Bush plan does not provide sufficient help to middle-class families in the housing squeeze or taxpayer protections. I assisted hundreds of Tampa Bay families at my foreclosure workshops this summer and I understand the need for direct, immediate action. The Bush plan failed to provide such action. I will work to ensure that this freewheeling deregulation that has brought our great country to this serious day does not happen again. I strongly support the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigations which begin this week, and will push for accountability for those responsible for the damage to our communities. Congress should go back to the drawing board as soon as possible this week to tackle the issue. Read more »