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Senator Max Baucus October 2005 Newsletter

Like you, my number one priority is to create more good high-paying jobs in Montana. And here in Washington, I’m working with federal agencies to do just that.

As you know, the Economic Development Administration is the principle federal job-creating agency. EDA has invested millions of dollars in Montana, bringing with it thousands of new jobs. That’s why it’s critical for us to continue to work together on EDA projects.

Working with EDA officials, just last week, I helped bring a $100,000 grant from EDA to the City of Red Lodge to help recover from mudslides this past summer. Securing these dollars is not only a big victory for folks in Red Lodge, but people across the state as well. I’ll continue to do everything I can to bring federal economic development funds to Montana.

Like all Americans, I am tremendously concerned about the impact Hurricanes Katrina and Rita will have on the economies of the gulf coast. That’s why I personally traveled to New Orleans, Biloxi, and Mobile with other members of Congress who have leadership roles in the ongoing recovery effort. In Congress, we are doing all we can to ensure the victims can get back on their feet — that means creating jobs in that region. I worked to add $210 million to EDA for hurricane relief. At the same time, I want to ensure that Montana isn’t disproportionately affected. The communities of the gulf coast need our help, but I am working to ensure that Montanans communities won’t lose critical economic development funding in the process.

You have heard about the recently released regulations issued governing EDA. Most of these concerns surround the planning program within EDA that is so important to Montanans economic development agencies. In fact, many of you have contacted me and my staff with concerns that these regulations could harm our states economic development network. That is why I voted to amend the recently passed Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill to prevent the regulations affecting the planning program from taking effect for six months.

I have already begun a dialogue with EDA officials to improve these regulations. I recently met with Sandy Baruah, who will soon take over as the new head of that agency. I’m optimistic that during this six-month period, working with my colleagues in the Senate and officials at EDA, we can improve these regulations. I am committed to ensuring that changes to the planning program, or to EDA as a whole, will not hurt Montanans priorities. Our communities rely on EDA planning funding to help local governments craft and implement strategies to create jobs, boost Montanans economy, and make our state a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

I will continue to update you as I work with EDA to develop regulations that make sense for Montana. Please stay in touch with me with your thoughts and suggestions.

Senator Max Baucus

http://baucus.senate.gov/

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