I last sent Senator Durbin an email about the economic recovery package back in January 2009.  I finally received a response a few days ago.  Here it is!  How detestable!

Dear Mr. Kmiecik:

 

Thank you for contacting me regarding the economic recovery package. I appreciate hearing from you.

 

We are facing tough economic times. Americans across the country are feeling the squeeze of this recession as hardworking men and women lose their jobs, state and local governments cut services to avoid deep deficits, and credit is cut back.

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) (P.L. 111-5) enacts a broad mix of tax cuts and incentives aimed at individuals and small businesses. The act also makes investments in infrastructure, moves forward on alternative energy development, and provides tax relief to working families across the country. These provisions are designed to help our economy on the road to recovery.

 

Critics of the recovery bill argued that the measure does nothing to scale back foreclosure - the number one cause of the economic downturn. The Obama Administration has announced an aggressive new policy to stem foreclosures, and Congress is considering legislation to help homeowners stay in their homes and strengthen regulation of the mortgage market.

 

Some have expressed concern that the bill adds to the federal budget deficit. While we need to address the deficit over time, the first order of business is to put our economy back on track. No earmarks were included in this bill.

 

This legislation is a necessary step toward economic recovery.

Thank you again for writing to me. I will keep your thoughts in mind as Congress considers legislation to address the downturn. Please feel free to keep in touch.

 

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin