Proof that the economic stimulus is working - and why we need more

I agree with the economists who believe that Obama's economic stimulus plan should have been larger. But, even still, it was better than nothing.

The proof: I was recently driving through some heavy construction on a major Philadelphia area highway. A sign on the side of the road said: "Project Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act"

As I drove past that sign, I realized that the workers who were doing that construction would quite possibly be unemployed right now if not for the stimulus plan that was funding their work. And the improvements they're making to that highway will improve the lives of everyone who drives on it.

It seems obvious to me that with the unemployment rate remaining close to 10 percent, we need more of these projects, funded by even more stimulus funds.

Put America to work fixing up even more of our existing infrastructure and creating new and more efficient infrastructure as well.

Invest more stimulus dollars in research projects to develop clean energy alternatives so that the drilling can stop. In other words, put people to work building wind farms and solar energy infrastructure. Obama's proposed tax credit expansion for alternative energy is a start, but much more is needed.

And invest in the arts, like they did under FDR's New Deal. Fund projects for artists, musicians, and writers, and the sale of their works will further stimulate the economy as well as our imaginations.

The first stimulus plan has put some of us back to work, and its effects benefit everyone.

Now we need an additional stimulus plan to put more of us back to work. Again the effects will benefit everyone -- even the Republicans, although they'll never admit to it.