Congressman Jerry Costello greets Dr. Dale Chapman of Lewis & Clark Community College
Congressman Jerry Costello met with a group of 60 area business leaders and physicians on Monday, discussing the challenges of these times, as well as sharing a positive report of the region’s activities.
Costello was part of Saint Anthony’s Foundation Business Leaders’ Roundtable, a forum where business leaders have a chance to visit with State and Federal elected officials. Also in attendance were State Representative Dan Beiser and State Senator William Haine. Costello recognized Beiser and Haine’s continuing efforts for area residents.
In his overview of the current economic environment, Costello commented on home and business foreclosures and rising unemployment. “The credit card debt is shocking,” he said. With the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Americans are already seeing new jobs and infrastructure improvements, providing about 60 percent in new spending and 40 percent in tax cuts. “Taxpayers will be keeping more on their paychecks,” he said.
Costello also recognized Conoco Phillips executive Herman Seedorf, for the current expansion project at the Wood River refinery. He noted other positive developments in the region, including the new Mississippi River Bridge, which is “on track and moving forward.” He also discussed the Scott Air Force growth and future generation power plant using clean coal technology.
Costello, representing Illinois’ 12th District, has served as U.S. Representative for more than 20 years. He is a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Science and Technology Committee, and serves as chairman of the Aviation subcommittee.
For information about Saint Anthony's Foundation, call 618/474-6108.