Denver, Colorado – During a news conference in Denver today, Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak applauded President-elect Barack Obama for recognizing the need for an immediate economic recovery plan to create jobs, invest in America’s economic future, and strengthen the middle class.

Last month, the American people elected President-Elect Obama and the Democratic Congress to put our economy back to work for ordinary Americans by investing in health care, education, and jobs. Waak was joined by members of the Colorado General Assembly: Sen. Suzanne Williams, Sen. Betty Boyd, Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll, Rep. Karen Middleton and Rep. Andy Kerr. They applauded Colorado Democrats for working on an economic recovery plan that will do this by improving transportation, modernizing schools, promoting energy independence, creating good jobs, and increase federal aid to states and local communities to fund critical law enforcement, education and health care services. Speaker Carroll applauded efforts to complete a recovery plan for President-elect Obama to sign when he takes office in January and called on all of the Colorado delegation to join in passing a recovery plan

“At a time when jobs are being cut, wages are falling, and Coloradans are worried about keeping their homes, we need to put partisanship aside and pass a comprehensive economic recovery plan,” said Senator Williams. “There are no quick or easy fixes to this crisis, but we have an opportunity today to seize this moment to transform our economy, create at least 2.5 million more jobs over the next two years, invest in America’s economic future, and strengthen the middle class for years to come,” said Waak. “We need to have a plan completed and passed by Congress in time for President-elect Obama to sign when he is sworn in,” said Speaker Carroll.

Each member of the assembly talked about issues important to their districts. For Sen. Williams it was transportation. Sen. Boyd discussed healthcare reform, especially for children’s health. Rep. Middleton focused on education issues, and Rep. Kerr discussed the effects of the new plan on small businesses.

Since December 2007, more than 2 million American jobs have been lost including nationwide. Right here in Colorado the housing crisis has threatened the economic security of countless more working families.