By MICHAEL GIBBS
The Northwest Herald
CRYSTAL LAKE - U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert traveled to McHenry County on Monday night and delivered a clear
message on the state of the U.S. economy.
Addressing the McHenry County Economic Development Corp.'s annual meeting at the Holiday Inn, Hastert said he will push Congress to implement an economic stimulus package when it returns from recess today.
"We've lost about 700,000 jobs since Sept. 11," said Hastert, a Republican from Yorkville. "We hope to get the economy going again. People would like to have unemployment insurance and health insurance extended, but what most people who don't have a job really want is a job.
"The president still wants an economic stimulus package. I don't think you take a chance (the economy) is going to turn around by itself."
Hastert's stance on the economic stimulus package was supported by U.S. Rep. Donald Manzullo, R-Egan.
"Manufacturing still is lacking," Manzullo said. "McHenry County has a lot of manufacturing facilities. People overlook that.
"We need a tax package that will allow people in business to buy more equipment, make improvements and get products out faster. That's what stimulates the economy."
Hastert said restoring consumer confidence and propping up stagnant financial markets also are important to ensure that the economy quickly and powerfully bursts out of the recession that began in March 2001.
"You want to get consumer confidence back (to) where people feel they can make the car payment, the house (payment) and have some cash in their pocket," Hastert said.
"Every American family who works has accumulated some wealth, whether it be in a 401(k) plan, a pension plan or a mutual fund. We need to get people's confidence back in the markets and restore the wealth people have had."
Hastert praised Manzullo's efforts in bringing business to McHenry County. "Giving Don a job is like giving a bulldog a bone. He won't quit until the job is done," he said.
To help bring more businesses to McHenry County, Hastert reiterated the importance of building and improving roadways.
Hastert's plan includes constructing the north-south Prairie Parkway connecting Interstate 80 to Interstate 88 and possibly another north-south roadway connecting I-88 to I-90.
Closer to home, securing Gov. George Ryan's signature on the Route 53 extension into Lake County and improving Routes 14, 31 and 62 in McHenry County also are critical, Hastert said.
"Anytime you get people moving from Point A to Point B, you have economic development," he said. "We're going to make sure Illinois gets its fair share of (U.S. government) road funds."
Commenting on the war on terrorism, Hastert said he was pleased with the progress
made so far, but cautioned the effort will continue "for years to come."