– Today, Congressman Thaddeus McCotter refused to put the needs of hard working families and struggling businesses of Michigan first during these difficult economic times, and instead voted in lockstep with the Republican Party against the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Michiganders and businesses large and small, including General Motors, expressed support for a responsible economic recovery package, and yet Congressman McCotter continued to just say no.

“This necessary economic recovery package is estimated to save or create 109,000 desperately needed jobs here at home in Michigan, and so it boggles the mind how Congressman Thaddeus McCotter could cast a vote against this legislation,” said Mark Brewer, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party.  “Our nation is in crisis and instead of rolling up his sleeves and putting aside differences to work with his colleagues – both Democrats and Republicans – to find a solution, Congressman McCotter let partisan politics guide his vote.”

In addition to the letters and calls received by members of the Michigan Congressional Delegation in support of the economic recovery package, General Motors voiced its strong support of the package.  In a letter sent today to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, GM Vice President Ken W. Cole expressed the company’s support for “economic stimulus legislation that will improve consumer confidence and promote economic growth and job creation.”  GM is one of the largest employers in Michigan, and amid the many calls for support of immediate action on the economy, Congressman McCotter still chose to vote against the act, placing his party loyalty above the people he represents.

Congressman Thad McCotter just doesn’t get it.  While he votes lockstep with the Republican Party against reversing the damaging economic policies of the past, more than 2.6 million Americans have lost their jobs, the stock market has plummeted wiping out nearly $7 trillion stock market wealth and endangering thousands of investors' nest eggs, and one in 10 homeowners was delinquent on mortgage payments or is in foreclosure this fall.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is the product of great compromise by Democrats and Republicans.  Members from both parties recognized the need to put aside their differences in order to address the greatest economic crisis facing our nation since the Great Depression.  However, Congressman McCotter continued to ‘just say no’ to the people and businesses of Michigan who suffer more and more every day this economic crisis continues.

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