Jobs.  Jobs.  Jobs.  My number one priority as Representative is to help enact policies that will lead to the creation of good-paying jobs in Illinois.

We are currently facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.  In 2008 alone, America lost nearly 3 million jobs.  Homeowners who have played by the rules are at risk of losing their homes.  Credit markets are near frozen and small businesses and community banks are having trouble getting the credit they need to sustain local commerce.

In the face of this crisis, we must act swiftly to enact President Obama’s four-part Rescue Plan for the Middle Class:

•    Immediate action to create good jobs in America
•    Immediate relief for struggling families
•    Direct, immediate assistance for homeowners, not a bailout for irresponsible mortgage lenders
•    Rapid, aggressive response to our financial crisis using all tools we have

I will do everything in my power to get Congress to work together to carry out this vital plan and create good jobs for Illinois.  The first step is crafting an economic recovery package that focuses on creating jobs and delivering it to the American people as soon as possible.