We are facing tough times here in the 17th District. Folks are losing their jobs due to plant closings all the way from Rock Island County to Macon County and points in between. We need to ensure that when jobs are lost we are able to help people get their feet back on the ground.
I will fight hard for an extension of Unemployment Insurance Benefits for workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the Bush economy. I am also a supporter of the Keep America Working Act, that Congressman Evans co-sponsored, which provides access to unemployment insurance for all workers because no one should have to suffer when things they can’t control force them out of work.
We must also make sure that our National Guardsmen and women and Reservists have a job to come home to after their service to our country. They shouldn’t come home after their bravery and sacrifice to find out they have no job and no prospects.
At the same time, though we must create jobs and invest in small businesses and economic development.
