Senator McCaskill's letter on Stimulus (D, MO)

Thank you for contacting me regarding the state of the economy. I appreciate hearing from you, and I welcome the chance to respond.

As you know, in early 2008, Congress passed an economic stimulus package designed to help the economy get moving again. Since then, the mortgage crisis grew into the worst banking crisis in the last fifty years, and this has driven our economy into dire straits. In general, I think it would be appropriate for Congress to take additional action to try to mitigate the effects of the downturn and get our economy back on track. There have been a number of suggestions and proposals as to how the federal government could best approach a second stimulus, including investing in infrastructure and helping state governments cover budget shortfalls. As your Senator, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind when considering different proposals in order to best meet the needs of Missouri.

I do think the process will be important with respect to the stimulus. I want to be careful that stimulus funds go towards the "shovel ready" and most effective initiatives and not simply lawmakers’ pet projects. I have made a personal promise not to request earmarks, through which lawmakers can direct funding to specific projects, until there has been substantial reform of the appropriations process. I intend to keep this promise through any debate on a second stimulus. However, I am confident that Missouri has a number of worthy projects that would receive funding through a competitive grant process. My office will continue to help Missourians navigate that grant process as we have since I came to Washington.

Thank you again for contacting me. I hope you will continue to reach out in the future with your thoughts and advice.

All best,
Senator Claire McCaskill