WASHINGTON, DC ---- We are in the midst of the largest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Just this past Monday alone nearly 65,000 workers were laid off across the United States.  These are difficult times, which require a strong and timely response to restore our ailing economy and help the unemployed and low-income families through this economic crisis.

“Tonight, I voted for H.R. 1: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, but we must do more than pass bills and provide funding.  We must act by deeds, not just words. Now is the time for us to unite, empower, and employ millions of Americans who have fallen victim to this economic downturn.  I call on our state and local officials across this nation, and particularly in Illinois and in Chicago—to step up to the plate and work to bring the jobs that will be created by H.R. 1, to our poor families, our unemployed, and our most vulnerable and depressed communities. 

 “Now is the time to act.  We must focus the relief set out by this legislation on those who are suffering most.  Together, local, state and national leaders must prioritize well-paying and long-lasting jobs to poor individuals, bring road and transportation projects to low-income neighborhoods, improve schools in struggling underfunded districts, where students are using outdated textbooks and technology in rundown facilities, so that all our children have a fair chance to learn and all our families have a fair chance to live.

“When working to distribute these funds Congress and state and local officials MUST ensure that the poor families, single-parents and unemployed who are struggling just to get by, are not forgotten. H.R. 1 is full of examples of how we can benefit our most vulnerable.  For example, the “Making Work Pay” tax credit serves to stimulate the economy by putting $1,000 into the hands of more than ninety-five percent of working families and an additional increase in the earned income tax credit provides tax-relief to working families, helping them pay-off mortgages,  pay health insurance premiums and feed and cloth their families.

“This legislation expands access to COBRA Premium Assistance for the recently unemployed, providing workers and their families with quality health care, at a time when they most desperately need it. Finally, H.R. 1 also helps states maintain their Medicaid programs and gives states the option of providing coverage to additional low income individuals who would otherwise be left in the cold.

“We have a moral obligation to step up and do more than pass a bill.  Now is the time to commit these funds to people and projects that will get people back to work. Now is the time to commit these funds to people and projects that will revitalize our communities. Now is the time to commit ourselves to the greatest form of service—helping those in need.

“Let us not forget the daily debate many hard-working American families will have to decide tonight:  How will we keep our house?  How will we feed our family?  How will we keep the lights on? Now is the time to reach a hand out and help our neighbors up.”