Support for Illinois

I appreciated the Daily Herald's reporting on the stimulus in the April 14 article "Tax change in coronavirus package overwhelmingly benefits millionaires, Congressional body finds." It's really shocking - 80% of the federal stimulus going to millionaires. Frankly it's disappointing to see such a lack of leadership. At a time like this, supporting millionaires really shouldn't be the government's priority. There are so many people that need help; unemployment is at record highs, health care workers and even grocery store workers are putting their health at risk every day to do their jobs.

That money could be much better spent going to people who really need it. Small businesses are suffering too, but those often aren't owned by millionaires. It's the mom and pop stores and the family owned restaurants that may not make it through the next few months, Walmart and Amazon will be fine.

Luckily at least Illinois has local leadership that is helping. Sean Casten in the 6th District and Lauren Underwood in the 14th District have both pushed for federal stimulus relief for those really affected, such as small businesses, schools and unemployment relief.

Lauren comes from a health care background, so she really understands the need for protective gear has pushed a lot for better protective equipment for health care workers and is talking with local health care officials about getting what they need. Sean has gotten very local and has been doing "Check ins" to call residents directly in the 6th District to make sure they have what they need and not asking about politics or money but just making sure people are taken care of.

I don't really have much faith in national leadership right now, either Democrat or Republican, but at least it's good to see Illinois leadership actually working to protect their constituents.

Josh Horwitz

Chicago