Utah’s congressional delegation continues to hear from Davis County residents and Utahns in general who are concerned about the economy and the effects of the stimulus package passed last week.

Senators Bob Bennett and Orrin Hatch and Rep. Rob Bishop all reported receiving thousands of letters from constituents on the state of the economy.

Most writers voiced opposition to the stimulus package.

“Far and away the most calls and letters are coming in on the so-called stimulus package,” Bishop’s office reported. “The overwhelming majority of callers and writers were opposed to it.”

Like Bishop, Hatch said the economy and the scope of the economic stimulus package dominated letters he received.

“Many are extremely concerned about the spending contained within the stimulus package and the debt it will leave to future generations,” Hatch said.

Like Hatch, Bennett found most of his constituents who wrote him were concerned that the stimulus bill would lead to greater debt for the next generation to address, and a large number of those writing believed the bill contained too much wasteful spending.

Bennett voted against the stimulus bill because he believes Congress needed to pass a bill that focused on fixing the flagging housing market, help taxpayers keep more of their money through tax cuts and “spend only on projects that would genuinely stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

A couple of unscientific polls on Bishop’s website showed about 85 percent of those who wrote in were opposed to the stimulus package.

The weak economy and stimulus package weren’t the only things on the minds of Utahns, though.

Many of those writing to Bennett want Congress to address health care reform, looking for a plan that will make health care more affordable while helping the uninsured.

Bennett said that he, along with Sen. Ron Wyden from Oregon, is leading a bipartisan coalition of 13 Senators to pass the Healthy Americans Act (S.391), the first piece of legislation in Senate history to assemble broad-based, bipartisan support for guaranteeing that every American has quality, affordable health care.

Bishop also received letters concerned that the nation’s health care would be socialized.

Hatch has received a large amount of mail expressing continued support of the Second Amendment and gun rights.

He's also heard from Utahns on the debate concerning a fourth House seat for the state in Congress and the impact it will have if passed.

Bishop also received letters on health care and gun rights, but also on the president’s mortgage plan and abortion.

mwilliams@davisclipper.com