From the earliest, planning, stages of the U.S. economic stimulus bill, Microsoft has indicated strong support for the initiative, arguing the critical necessity of the financial package. Last week, Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer addressed the U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Caucus Retreat, emphasizing yet again the need for the stimulus in order to sustain what the CEO referred to as the restart of the economic engine. On February 10, 2009, Fred Humphries, managing director, U.S. Government Affairs, Microsoft, applauded the Senate passage of the economic stimulus bill, and underlined that U.S. Congress needed to take critical steps to pass legislation that would jumpstart the economy, including handing out the necessary funds.

“We are pleased that investments in retraining our workers and providing the skills necessary for the 21st century economy are core elements of the stimulus bills in conference,” Humphries stated. “This critically needed funding will help unemployed citizens find jobs and empower current workers to enhance their skills. The technology sector is a vital engine of growth, even during tough times, yet many Americans lack the skills to qualify for even entry-level information economy jobs that can support them and their families for years. Technological fluency is essential to develop careers and achieve success in virtually every sector of the economy, from health care and construction to green jobs, agriculture and manufacturing. We urge you to keep worker training and skills development front and center as you finalize this crucial piece of legislation.”

The U.S. Senate voted 61 to 37 for the approval of the $838 billion package that would help reboot the country’s suffering economy. Portions of the financial resources have been reserved especially for IT, one example being the expansion of the country’s broadband infrastructure. Microsoft, via Humphries, urged Congress repeatedly to support the investments at the levels approved by Senate, arguing that such a move would create jobs, reduce private debt and drive innovation.

“The level of funding by the Senate to promote heath IT is a good first step, but much more needs to be done. We continue to believe that additional funding tied to measurable outcomes is needed to help the Administration and Congress achieve the goals of lowering healthcare costs for employers and workers and improving the quality of care. In addition, we urge the Congress to keep provisions that allow consumers to control their personal health care records. This will enable the health care system to be more efficient and will provide better care,” Humphries added.