Political Quotes

“I thank you for the opportunity to vote on this important bill that will provide critical aid to states and local governments. The House of Representatives twice has passed bills to provide federal assistance for education and health. I am pleased that we finally are able to deliver this desperately needed federal support to our constituents. I support this legislation because it will provide essential assistance to Chicago, Illinois, and the nation. The Illinois Association of School Administrators estimates that Illinois will lose more than 20,000 education-related jobs for the upcoming school year. The State of Illinois anticipates receiving approximately $415 million to keep 5,700 teachers in the classroom. My congressional district is expected to receive approximately $36 million to keep 508 educators teaching my young constituents. This $415 million will provide a lifeline to local school districts with straining budgets to preserve some of these jobs, improving children's learning and the economic well-being of my state and the nation. In addition to this vital education funding, this bill will provide $550 million to help cover 300,000 Illinoisans on Medicaid--preserving services, allowing timely payments to providers, and creating thousands of jobs. These are not theoretical numbers; to people in Chicago and Illinois, they are very real people who benefit. The beneficiaries are mothers, fathers, young adults, senior citizens, and children in Illinois.…”