Johnson does great job in U.S. Congress

December 12, 2005

U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson stands up for the people of his congressional district.

Recently, Johnson stood up for middle-class people and voted against a budget package that will cut important social service programs. This package would have cut student loans by $14.3 billion and made severe cuts to the Medicaid and food stamp programs. Johnson agreed that these are important programs that cannot afford to be reduced.

Johnson also deserves our thanks for working to protect the public lands of our country and our state. Johnson has worked to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This sets a precedent that it is unacceptable to destroy land, wildlife, and rural or native communities in the name of corporate profit from resource extraction, especially when the benefits are next to nil.

The Arctic Refuge belongs to the American People, and it is important to understand that the broader scope of this issue will not only extend to pristine areas in Alaska , but also our own unique lands here in Illinois .

JACQUELYN POTTER
Sadorus, IL