Durbin Comments on Economic Stimulus Package
Statement
Durbin Comments on Economic Stimulus Package
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement regarding the economic stimulus package:
"The economic stimulus agreement announced by Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader Boehner and Secretary Paulson today is a bipartisan breakthrough and holds out help and hope for millions of Americans."
"This agreement shows that government can and should help prevent market failures in our economy, and should step in when necessary to kick-start the economy when it's needed."
"Under this stimulus package working families will receive at least $300 and as much as $1,200 in tax rebates, depending on the number of children in the family."
"In Illinois, more than 5.2 million individuals and families will be eligible for some form of rebate check - approximately 1.8 million of those filing jointly and 3.4 million who filed as individuals."
"The plan also provides tax relief for small businesses - giving them incentives to invest in new equipment and provide more generous expensing rules. More than 1 million small businesses in Illinois would be eligible for this assistance."
"The bill is not perfect. Congress still must address problems with the food stamp program and extend unemployment benefits beyond 26 weeks."
"We can help 1.2 million low-income people in Illinois alone - and over 26 million people nationwide - by increasing the food stamp program. And in Illinois, there were over 20,000 new unemployment insurance claims filed last week (13% more claims than the week before.) We should extend unemployment benefits so that workers benefits don't run out before they find work."
"Congress must now debate this plan, improve it where possible, and get it to the President for his signature as soon as possible. Passing this bill will take hard work and will require willingness to give and take, but this is serious business. The futures of millions of American families and the health of our economy are on the line. That's why all of us - no matter what our political persuasion - should be work together to pass this bill."
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