Rush calls potential loss of GM dealership in his district "especially cruel" in wake of soaring unemployment

CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (IL-01) released the following statement in wake of General Motor Corporation's (GM) intent to file for bankruptcy by June 1 and move to shutter 1,100 "underperforming" U.S. dealerships.  The news is equally sobering after hearing D'Andrea Buick, at 71st Street and Western Avenue, was asked to close its business of 10 years by an October 2010 deadline. As the nation struggles with soaring unemployment rates,  the automaker's decision will reportedly put 15,000 people out of work:

"It is has been said that when the U. S. economy catches a cold, the middle-class and the poor get pneumonia.  That sentiment rings particularly true after learning the owners of a valued Buick-Pontiac-GMC dealership in my district received word that their business will be shuttered along with hundreds of others by General Motors.  This unprecedented cut will leave thousands out of work," Rush said.

"D'Andrea Buick, Inc., owned by Nick and Amy D'Andrea, is slated to lose their GMC franchise by the fall of next year.  The dealership has provided a stable, middle-class livelihood for dozens of workers and families for years, including the D'Andrea family whose hard work allowed them to move from employees to owners.  Today's effort by GM's leadership is especially cruel given the nation has seen a sharp rise in unemployment.

"I look forward to working with the D'Andreas and other small business owners who are bearing the brunt of a brutal economic climate.  My "yes" vote in support of President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and last week's the introduction of the "Minority Business Enhancement Act of 2009" (H.R. 2299) are designed to provide greater access to financial assistance for small businesses attempting to weather the storm in these economic times."

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