January 31, 2008

Public Statement on FutureGen

Thank you all for coming I am here today to respond to the Department of Energy’s decision to pull funding for the project known as FutureGen. It is a tremendous disappointment to learn of the Bush administration’s decision to pull funding for this critical project that has been in development for 5 years.  It is very important at this time to invest in our future and clean energy as a way to attempt to eliminate the effects of greenhouse gases on global warming. The people in the State of Illinois have already invested countless time, energy and resources to secure this project, which will provide 3,000 construction jobs plus another 150 permanent jobs. This project will also invest 1.8 billion dollars into the local economy.

The Illinois Congressional Delegation has worked tirelessly to convince the Bush Administration to release the funding for this project. It came as tremendous shock to learn of Representative Shimkus’ refusal to join this bi-partisan effort, led by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin to bring this critical project to the working men and women of the State of Illinois. The economic impact of this project would be felt state wide especially in the IL 19^th Congressional District. It could potentially help revive our coal mining industry and create jobs for struggling families.

This again illustrates how out of touch Representative Shimkus is with the working women and men of his district. He continues to protect the Bush Administration policies even to the detriment of the people in the 19^th District. This is politics at its worse and we need new leadership and a new direction. I will be an independent voice for the working men and women of the 19^th Congressional district.