WASHINGTON, DC  -  As Congress began its district work period in early April, I was fortunate to spend the time working with and talking to folks across East Alabama.

At “Congress on Your Corner” events across the Third District, residents had a chance to talk with me face to face about their concerns, from upcoming legislation to casework.

Folks from all walks of life stopped by. We were in Jacksonville, Centre, Valley, Lineville, Hollis Crossroads, Dadeville, Smiths Station and Talladega. More are planned for May in other locations.

Most folks wanted to talk about the Congressional Budget and the Stimulus bill.  They said they’re deeply concerned about the large amounts of money the Federal Government is spending.

While most folks understand the need to help stimulate our recession-plagued economy, judging by the feedback I got, folks seem to believe all that money Congress is spending – and borrowing – doesn’t seem to be making a difference.

At an event at Auburn Montgomery, students were interested in hearing about the increasing partisanship in Congress. In  Auburn,  Agriculture majors said they were concerned about proposed changes to last year’s Farm Bill.

At Piedmont Elementary, I stopped by to see firsthand Governor Riley’s KidCheck program at work.  This is an important program in which students are screened for medical problems and can become eligible for help with medical insurance coverage.

Ensuring coverage for our kids is critically important in these tough times when so many working families are having a hard time keeping their healthcare coverage – and another reason why I supported expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) recently.

Speaking of healthcare reform, folks agree our healthcare system is broken. It costs too much, and is full of waste and inefficiencies - issues that need to be looked at in order to improve the quality, cost and availability of care.

As Congress debates healthcare reform, Washington should remember the concerns of East Alabamians who agree on the need for improvements but don’t want to see a European-style, single-payer system.

On this tour of the district and in meeting with folks across East Alabama, it’s clear the sacrifices everyone is making to get by.  So many more are living paycheck to paycheck in this stalled economy.

Folks want good paying jobs, and those who’ve recently lost their jobs, just want some real relief.

The Federal Government should get to work to set a better example in these tough economic times by tightening its belt too, just as East Alabama taxpayers are.

As always, I appreciate hearing from you.  Please continue to share your concerns with me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.