Rep. Foster Votes to Create Jobs, Improve Infrastructure

Press Release

As part of his commitment to helping families during tough economic times, Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14) joined a bipartisan majority in voting for an economic stimulus package designed to create jobs and improve the nation's infrastructure.

"With rising unemployment and shrinking bank accounts, we need to provide real relief for the families that are feeling the brunt of the severe economic downturn," Rep. Foster said.

"Tonight, I was proud to join with 41 Republicans and the vast majority of Democrats who chose to put our families first," said Foster.

The Appropriations for Job Creation and Preservation, Infrastructure Investment, and Economic and Energy Assistance, H.R. 7110, passed by a margin of 264-158 and will help create jobs and invest in highway construction, school repairs, clean water, public transportation and public housing improvements. It will also invest in long-term solutions for energy efficiency and developing renewable energy resources.

"The state of Illinois is suffering with its highest unemployment rate in years. We can't afford to keep losing jobs, I voted for this bill tonight to help put our state back to work," said Foster.

For those looking for work, the bill extends unemployment benefits an additional seven weeks for workers who have exhausted their regular unemployment compensation. According to the National Employment Law Project, this extension will impact an estimated 53,000 Illinois workers.

Concluded Foster, "Tonight, I was proud that we took action to help those most in need first."

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