Suburban Reps back jobless check extension

While Republicans in the suburbs departed from their Democratic counterparts on the massive stimulus measure earlier this year, they all supported the extension of unemployment checks and the expansion of the home buyers tax credit today.
The 403-12 vote sends a measure to President Barack Obama that will extend unemployment compensation for another 20 weeks - increasing to nearly 2 years the length of time the jobless can can in get benefits.
The legislation also continues the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers another 5 months and creates a $6,500 credit for current homeowners who want to purchase a new house. Plus, businesses will be allowed to extended loss deductions over more years.
All of these provisions were originally part of the $787 billion stimulus package in one way or another.
Republican U.S. representatives Mark Kirk of Highland Park, Peter Roskam of Wheaton, Judy Biggert of Hinsdale and Don Manzullo of Rockford all railed against the stimulus plan. Today they voted for the aforementioned extensions and expansions.
Also in support today were Democratic U.S. representatives Melissa Bean of Barrington, Bill Foster of Batavia and Jan Schakowsky of Evanston.