By Josh Weinhold, Truth Staff
jweinhold@etruth.com
President Barack Obama issued a call to Congress here today, calling on them to not delay in passing his economic stimulus plan.
"People in Elkhart need this right now," he said, speaking at a town hall event at Concord High School. "They can not wait on Washington to get things done."
Obama admitted the bill was not perfect, but said it is accurate in its size and scope, and is a giant step towards kick-starting the American economy. "I can't tell you with 100 percent certainty that every single item in this plan will work exactly as we hope," he said. "But I can tell you with complete confidence, that endless delay in Washington in the face of the crisis will end in disaster."
In a 15-minute speech, the president outlined his stimulus plan, which includes billions in spending on infrastructure, schools and energy-related projects. Obama said he hopes to extend unemployment benefits to displaced workers and subsidizing a federal health care program for those workers.
He also hopes to offer tax cuts to middle-class families, to encourage spending and avoid sending the economy into further spiral.
"If you don't have money, you can't spend it," he said. "And if you can't spend it, the economy will continue to go into decline."