Can we afford to ignore capital plan?

During the Great Depression, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was widely lauded for his investment in infrastructure. While controversial, this economic theory has proved correct time and time again. It is even endorsed by most free-market Republicans.

Why? While those on the lower rung on the economic totem pole probably benefit the most through good-paying jobs, businesses and corporations also make hay through the promise of additional profits and the increased buying power of the general public. In other words, everyone wins.

Fast forward to today. Even the most optimistic among us agree we are in, or heading into, a recession. Still, our state legislators complain we can't afford Gov. Rod Blagojevich capital plan. The question we should ask them is this: Can we afford not to?

Bob Steffen

Elgin