# Looking Out for the Poor

*Published:* 2009-06-26
*Author:* Sam Parry

### Claim:

> “\[The American Clean Energy and Security Act\] will come down hardest on the poor.”
> 
> — Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), 6/26/09

### Truth:

> Actually, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office says low-income Americans will benefit the MOST from this bill. The CBO calculations show that low-income Americans will actually see a net cash gain from this bill, as the value of emission allowances is rebated back to consumers.
> 
> In contrast, it’s the cost of doing nothing that would fall most heavily on the poor: from greater health-care costs because of expanding disease vectors to the destruction of homes from catastrophic weather events , it’s the poor who will disproportionately suffer.
> 
> Instead of disingenuously trying to hide behind the least fortunate among us, Mr. Cantor should step up and support this legislation — legislation that would create job opportunities across the economic spectrum. Most importantly, jobs that would provide pathways out of poverty for Americans who need them most.