Residents ask questions at Congress on your Corner session

It’s always interesting to stand on the sidelines and see what the politicians have to say — and even moreso to hear the questions that those gathered are asking them. I had that chance this morning (Friday 2/20) at City Limits Diner when Congressman Mark Schauer held his first “Congress On Your Corner” in the Tecumseh area. He said there will be more in the future at various sites in the community.
The Congressman shared some details about the Stimulus Bill, something people seem to want to know. They want to know how it’s going to affect THEM. Specifically how WILL people get back to work? In what form WILL there be relief for those who are facing foreclosure on their homes? Schauer outlined some specifics. He also said things like, “There are a lot of pieces and parts” to this bill, and, again later, “There are a lot of moving parts to this.”  I think that’s one of the things that makes people nervous. The bill was put together so fast, and is so wieldy and no one seems to know exactly what is in it. But a couple of people at the session also asked another question that has been on many minds, including mine. One woman standing at the back said that she had not yet heard anyone say exactly WHEN all these monies would be paid back. Would it be 10 years? 20? The woman told me she had a 7- and 8-year-old and she was really concerned about what kind of legacy would be left for them, a legacy for not only these children, it sounds, but their children’s children, and maybe, if the bail-outs continue, beyond that. I know we’re in trouble as a nation. I know some things have to be done. But when we’re talking billions of dollars of taxpayer’s present and future dollars, I guess I’d just like to see things slow down enough so we all have a chance to understand what’s going into the package and how the “moving parts” will come together and make a real difference to those of us — and the next generation — footing the bill.