Oregon Public Broadcasting

Leaders of Oregon’s unions and non-profits called on Congress Wednesday not to forget ‘Main Street’ if they bail-out ‘Wall Street.’  Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

While Congress considers whether to help struggling investment banks with a $700-billion rescue package, some Oregonians are saying struggling individuals need help too.

Tom Chamberlain, head of the Oregon AFL-CIO, says a nationwide economic stimulus package -- that provides money for health care; food stamps; and unemployment benefits -- would strengthen the economy.

Tom Chamberlain: “With foreclosures on the rise, job losses, fuel costs skyrocketing, we need to make sure our communities have resources to help them when they’re in need.”

Attention in Congress however, remains focused on the details of the bail-out – for example, whether to limit executive pay to the $400,000 a year the president earns.