Press Releases
Yesterday, Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in opposition to an amendment that would eliminate funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) from the FY13 Energy & Water Appropriations Bill. ARC is a high-impact economic development federal/state partnership, targeting infrastructure, business development, education, and health needs of Appalachian communities. The amendment failed by a vote of 141-276.“For decades, Appalachia has experienced an economic lag – even during years of economic expansion, employment growth in this 13-state region was significantly lower than the nation as a whole,” stated Rogers.“ The Appalachian Regional Commission is uniquely qualified to administer these much-needed and targeted federal investments to close the economic gap between Appalachia and the rest of the nation, to bring the region’s 420 counties and 25 million people into the nation’s economic mainstream.”
Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving southern and eastern Kentucky’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit halrogers.house.gov
As Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers has maintained his strong support for proven, effective programs like ARC that create jobs and keep the economy moving. In the last five years, every dollar of ARC investment yielded ten dollars of private sector investment; as a result, 125,000 households were served by infrastructure investments, nearly 140,000 jobs were created or retained, and 100,000 students received vital job training skills. Studies indicate that if we do not sustain this vital investment in Appalachian communities over the next five years, the region stands to lose $9.3 billion in economic productivity and $3.7 billion in personal income. Click on the picture to hear Rogers speak on the amendment.
Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving southern and eastern Kentucky’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit halrogers.house.gov
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