President Right to Focus on Economy (Sen. Susan Collins)

The President rightfully focused on the downturn in the economy and the economic stimulus package.  I was disappointed, however, that the President did not seem more open to some changes that I think need to be made to the package.  For example, I think it’s critical that the package provide rebates to low-income seniors who don’t have an earned income.  They need those rebate checks just as much as middle-income families.  I hope the President will be open to expanding assistance to that group.  In addition, I’m going to continue to press for an increase in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.  I wish the President had recognized how significant a factor increased energy prices are in contributing to this economic downturn.