Sen. Durbin Holds Open House, Takes Questions
CARBONDALE - U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin held court on a number of issues, from health care to budget cuts, during an open house Wednesday afternoon in the Paul Simon Federal Building.
About 25 people showed up to meet and speak with Durbin, D-Springfield, during the event in his Carbondale office. Many in attendance were supporters of Durbin and his political agenda, but not all.
One man questioned Durbin on why the federal government keeps spending money when cuts are needed, and suggested the senator look into a 1 percent cut, across the board, from the federal budget. Durbin said he would consider such a cut.
Durbin also answered questions from local health care officials about the impact health care reform will have in Southern Illinois. He spoke with Southeastern Illinois College President Jonah Hill about ways to put more money and students into community college. And he spoke with several people about ways to create jobs and, more importantly, keep jobs from being outsourced.
The meeting had a relaxed feel, with Durbin casually speaking with members of the audience and oftentimes cracking jokes. He also told several stories about the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon and Simon's daughter, Sheila, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor.