Sen Susan Collins

February 3, 2009

Dear Mr. Fernald:

Thank you for contacting me with your views regarding the economic stimulus package. I appreciate your taking the time to do so.

Every day, we hear more reports of massive job losses, and Maine is no exception with an increase in its unemployment rate to seven percent. Congress must work with President Obama to get the economy moving again. I believe, however, that it is critical that Congress pass an economic stimulus bill that achieves the right balance, right size, and right mix of tax relief and spending programs to ensure that any stimulus legislation will actually boost the economy and create jobs, not just add to the soaring deficit.

In that regard, I have serious concerns with the $819 billion bill that has been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. I am working with Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), on a bipartisan, compromise plan that would result in a smaller and more targeted bill that would help get our economy back on track.

In addition to infrastructure investments, the stimulus should include funding to help states avoid cuts in essential health care programs, tax relief for low and middle-income families, tax incentives to help small businesses, and investments in energy conservation to help create jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come up with a final stimulus package that is bipartisan, targeted and effective.

Sincerely,
Susan M. Collins

United States Senator

SMC: dsc