Foster Tapes Dem. Response to Bush's Radio Address At Newsradio 780
CHICAGO (WBBM) -- After less than a month in Congress, Democrat Bill Foster isn't lacking for attention.
Illinois' newest congressman got a high-profile boost when he taped the Democrats' response to President Bush's Saturday radio address here at the WBBM studios.
During the morning taping, Foster talked about the economy. His five-minute speech will be aired nationally.
That's broad exposure for Foster, who won former House Speaker Dennis Hastert's seat in a special election earlier this month.
But the Democrats' win will be short-lived if they can't hold onto the seat in November.
Foster faces Republican businessman Jim Oberweis in the fall.
Here are some excerpts from Foster's address to be aired tomorrow morning:
"Now, Democrats in Congress are fighting to cut taxes for middle-class families who need relief, and we're working to keep families in their homes by addressing the mortgage crisis head-on. Next week, the House of Representatives will continue work on a comprehensive plan to help families who are on the brink of losing their homes. Our plan will help more families avoid foreclosure, and gives cities the chance to rehabilitate foreclosed homes and put them back on the market...
"With gas and energy prices at an all time high we must make paying at the pump less painful, and fight to end our dependence on foreign oil. Democrats have taken a step forward by enacting new fuel-economy standards, but we need to do more...
"Democrats have a plan to extend essential tax credits that will support the production and use of renewable energy like ethanol. Unfortunately, President Bush opposes this plan, and is instead working to protect taxpayer subsidies for big oil companies. These companies are making record profits - they don't need handouts from the taxpayer...
"We can begin confronting the health care crisis by expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program and ensuring that no child goes without basic medical care. Democrats have been fighting to expand this program, but for too long President Bush has been the one man standing between millions of children and their health care. In the coming weeks, I would hope the President would take the same approach to health care as he did with the economic stimulus: put away his veto pen, sit down with us, and work out our differences. Our children need progress, not more vetoes and political posturing."
Pfleger Calls For Common Sense Gun Laws - VIDEO More than a dozen members of St. Sabina Church rallied at the state of Illinois building, pleading with lawmakers to pass what the lawmakers call common sense gun laws.
WBBM-AM 780 has been the consistent all news radio voice in Chicagoland for over 35 years and is now streaming online for free. Listen online to Chicago news as it happens around the clock, along with Chicago traffic, Chicago weather, Chicago sports and Chicago business. Subscribe to WBBM's free podcasts for additional Chicago business and Chicago community reports and listen to Chicago news on demand. WBBM news radio is also the home for Chicago Bears, Chicago Auto Show and Chicago Air & Water Show. www.wbbm780.com
