The President rightfully focused on the downturn in the economy and the economic stimulus package. I was disappointed, however, that the President did not seem more open to some changes that I think need to be made to the package. For example, I think it’s critical that the package provide rebates to low-income seniors who don’t have an earned income. They need those rebate checks just as much as middle-income families. I hope the President will be open to expanding assistance to that group. In addition, I’m going to continue to press for an increase in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. I wish the President had recognized how significant a factor increased energy prices are in contributing to this economic downturn.
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