From Illinois' REPUBLICAN Congresswoman

[CG6468]

Dear Friend,

Jobs Outlook
Despite Punxsutawney Phil’s sour forecast yesterday, we saw a ray of sunshine this morning with news that unemployment fell from 8.5 to 8.3 percent.  But we still have a long trek up a steep hill, and the President and Congress need to pick up the pace.  That means enacting a year-long extension of the payroll tax cut, a responsible budget that cuts our debt, and dozens of House-passed bills to put people back to work.  Today’s report is just a glimpse of the growth we can achieve if we really work together.   

Recipe for Disaster
President Reagan once famously said that a government program was about “the nearest thing to eternal life.”  Well, this week, the House voted to end one of those expensive, unworkable programs.  By a bipartisan vote of 267-159, the House approved H.R. 1173 to repeal a component of the Administration’s health overhaul called the Class (Community Living Assistance Services and Support) Act.  The long-term care program was advertised as a cost-saver, but several months ago, the President cancelled the roll out after experts declared it ‘a recipe for disaster’ and ‘fiscally unsustainable.’  Click here to read a column from Forbes about repeal of the CLASS Act. 
 
Welfare Reform
With nearly half of Americans living in poverty or low-income levels, it’s more important than ever that we make every dollar count for those who need it most.  This week, the House overwhelmingly approved, by a vote of 395 to 27, legislation to prevent welfare assistance from being used in strip clubs, casinos and liquor stores. Seriously.  I’d like to think this kind of abuse is not common, but any step that strengthens our safety net for struggling families is a good one.

(snip)

Finally, wouldn't it be loverly if the governor of Illinois leveled with citizens about the financial debacle over which he presides?

Judy Biggert's site