On July 1, 2009 one of our members, kjisbored wrote to President Obama and two Illinois Senators (see Submittals: July 1: “Is This The Response We Get On Health Care?”).

Below is the response received from Illinois Senator Roland Burris. Our thanks to Senator Burris!

Thank you for writing to express your views on the current financial crisis. I share your concern and appreciate your insight on this important matter.

My Senate colleagues and I are committed to getting the country out of this recession and providing American families with the assistance they need in these trying economic times. As part of this effort, Congress recently passed H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. My presence in the Senate and support of President Obama’s priorities were crucial to the final passage of this legislation that will help restore our economic strength.

The Recovery Act will deliver an immediate and tangible impact to the state of Illinois and the United States. Over the next two years, this legislation will create and save more than 3.5 million jobs in a range of industries, with over 90 percent in the private sector. It will put people to work rebuilding our roads, bridges, rail, and waterways and will help Illinois keep police officers, teachers, and firefighters at work servicing their communities. The Recovery Actprovides 95 percent of American workers with a tax cut and makes college more affordable through increased Pell Grant awards and tax cuts for higher education. This measure will also make vital investments in our health care system, move forward alternative energy development, and provide tax incentives to promote recovery.

The passage of H.R. 1 is a vital step towards putting our national economy back on track. As we move forward, I will continue the necessary work to reform our nation’s financial regulations, protect homeowners, crack down on predatory lending, and always put the needs of American families before those of Wall Street.

I will continue to listen closely to what you and other Illinoisans have to say about matters before Congr ess, the concerns of our communities, and the issues facing Illinois and the nation. My job is not about merely supporting or opposing legislation; it is also about bridging the divide that has paralyzed our nation’s politics.

Sincerely,
Roland W. Burris
United States Senator