Durbin: Another stimulus package is needed

Posted on February 16, 2021
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin at the McLean County Democratic Party headquarters in Downtown Bloomington. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Illinois’ senior U.S. Senator says another stimulus package could be passed in the coming weeks.

President Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief package has been deemed too much by Republicans, but Dick Durbin (D-IL) says the package is needed. He spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller.

“I think the $1,400 that we promised people would come after the initial $600 is on its way in a few weeks,” Durbin says. “Other things to, more money for COVID vaccines and the distribution, and more money for those who are unemployed. That runs out in the middle of next month, so we don’t have much time to work on it.”

The House needs to approve the package then it would head to the Senate.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…