Rahn To Meet With LaHood Next Week About Stimulus

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he'll meet with the transportation heads from all 50 states in Washington next Wednesday about how to prioritize funding for projects included in the economic stimulus package.

In a conference call with Midwest reporters Thursday afternoon, LaHood said he has asked DOT directors to bring "ready-to-go" projects to his attention at the meeting, but added, "I don't know how much each state is going to get."

"The fastest way to get the money out is through the state DOTs. We want projects that are ready-to-go," he added.

LaHood's conference call was part of a full-court press offensive by the Obama administration Thursday. Other Cabinet officials held similar conference calls in other regions of the country.

LaHood also announced the formation of TIGER, a multi-modal economic development team that will make sure the stimulus money id spent on projects "rapidly, legally and wisely."

The Secretary also pressed these points about the package:

• It's expected to create 3 to 4 million jobs over the next 2 years
• 75% of the funding in the package will be spent during the first 18 months
• "We're going to do it without earmarks. The President's been clear about that," LaHood said.
• Transparency will be paramount. The public will be able to track the money and spending down to their specific locales at www.recovery.gov.
• "We're going to hold the Governor's feet to the fire on this," LaHood said, responding to a question about accountability.

MO' STIMULUS INFO:

The White House has also released a fact sheet on how each state would benefit from the economic stimulus package. Highlights:

• Will create or save 73,300 Missouri jobs
• Provide a tax cut of up to $1,000 for 2.2 million Missouri families
• 74,000 families eligible for college tax credits
• Unemployment insurance benefits to 326,000 Missouri workers who have lost their jobs
• Funding to modernize at least 163 schools

McCaskill Questions LaHood On Earmarks

It was smooth sailing for former U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood at his Transportation Secretary confirmation hearing Wednesday -- except for Claire, reports Chicago's Daily Herald.

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The Hill reports LaHood endured "aggressive questioning" from McCaskill.

"Clearly there is some robbing Peter to pay Paul that goes on," she said. "How do you view your job in terms of bringing more transparency to the process?," McCaskill asked LaHood.

"The longtime Republican congressman from Peoria got rave reviews from most lawmakers, although Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill pressured him on earmarks," reports the Herald.

For years, LaHood has secured millions of dollars in earmarks for his Illinois district. Citizens Against Government Waste has dubbed him "Porker of the Month."

THE HERALD REPORTS LAHOOD'S ANSWER:

"President Obama has made it clear in his economic stimulus bill there will be no earmark money," LaHood told McCaskill, adding it's up to members of Congress to police the earmark process. Referring to the upcoming highway reauthorization bill, historically a repository of pork, he noted, "if it doesn't have one earmark it won't cost me any heartburn."

THE HILL REPORTS MCCASKILL'S CONCERN:

"McCaskill said she is worried about the prospect of earmarks in the massive highway bill that lawmakers will begin writing this year. Her time in Washington, she said, has shown her that earmarks often go to the districts or states with the most senior members of Congress, not necessarily the most worthy projects."