A concern for long-term implications of $2.2 Trillion measure

Jim Oberweis, Republican Party candidate for Congress in the 14th District, issued the following statement on the $2.2 Trillion COVID-19 (coronavirus) relief bill passed last week by both Houses in Congress and signed by the president.

By Jim Oberweis

These are indeed trying times for our Nation as we face an invisible enemy that strikes indiscriminately and without warning. Government should first and foremost ensure the safety of the population which involves not only guarding against the coronavirus but protecting citizens who have been hit hard economically by mandated government shutdowns of local business.

Congress appears to be finally acting and while I certainly believe congressional action is necessary, I am concerned about the long-term implications of this legislation. My preference would have been to more narrowly focus on the people and the businesses most affected by the current crisis. Increasing and extending unemployment benefits to those workers laid off from their jobs through no fault of their own would have provided the workers with the greatest needs with sustained help to get them through the crisis. Instead of spending money on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, we should be focusing on helping families in need with more than just a one-time check.

The coronavirus stimulus bill is not perfect (and all too often that is the case with legislation in Washington, D.C., but the intent behind the bill is something we all can get behind.

We need to be focused on what is next. When are businesses going to re-open? Which businesses will be allowed to come back online first? What kinds of regulations will these businesses have to follow once open? We need to be thinking long-term and unfortunately the bill that was passed is a short-term solution to what is looking to be a longer-term problem.

As is often the case for legislation in Washington, D.C., good intentions quickly descend into pork barrel spending and giveaways, all at taxpayer expense and the coronavirus relief bill is certainly no exception. It is time to change the culture in Washington. There are individuals who need relief, but we also need to mindful of the impact all of this deficit spending will have on future generations. Let’s help those who need, it but let’s end the pork barrel spending and waste.

To learn more about Jim Oberweis, log on to jim2020.com.

Jim Oberweis is the Illinois State senator from the 25th District and will be the Republican Party candidate in the November 3 election for the 14th Congressional District.