State House Update –Week of April 20 – 24, 2009
The House of Representatives returned this week after a two week furlough. With three weeks remaining in this year’s session after this week, the House focused on committee hearings so that legislation in committees can advance to the House floor for consideration. Read more
Aiken County Tea Party Comments
Thank you for the opportunity to speak at this occasion. I regret that I am not able to be present in person as I am with my family on a longstanding out of town trip. Nevertheless, I wanted to express to you my thoughts as to the topics that have caused the gathering to take place this afternoon. Read more
State House Update –Week of April 13-17, 2009
The House of Representatives did not meet this week taking off the second week of a two week furlough. During this furlough week, I worked in the District on constituent concerns including the ongoing problems with the Avondale Water System. Additionally, I spoke to the Aiken High School Student Council.
Nearly everywhere that I go, the main topic of discussion is the federal government’s deficit spending. Recently, I read that next year’s federal government deficit will be $1.3 Trillion dollars and that the smallest annual deficit that we can expect for the next ten years at the federal level will be $700 Billion. By 2013, interest alone will make up more than 11% of annual federal spending dollars. The result which is coming on the federal level: Higher taxes on you and me or less spending on critical needs for the nation including infrastructure, education, health care, energy, environment, homeland security, and our national defense.
What can we do to get hold of this mess at the federal level before it is too late? Demand a balanced budget amendment so that Congress cannot spend more than the federal government takes in. Deficit spending will be the downfall of our nation as interest rates continue to rise and inflation eats away at the value of our paychecks. We have to do something. At the state level, I am cosponsoring a resolution in the House of Representatives calling upon Congress to pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. What can you do? Contact your federal elected representatives and urge your friends and neighbors to do the same. Demand a balanced budget amendment and tax reform at the federal level. We need a federal tax system that rewards earning and saving and discourages borrowing. We have to demand these changes before it is too late. Our children’s future depends on it.
The Aiken County Republican Party Convention and the Aiken County Tea Party will be this weekend on April 24 and 25 respectively. I will be out of town with my family on a longstanding commitment. Nevertheless, I will have a message for attendees at each event. Many thanks to all of the local folks working to put both of these gatherings together.
Several constituents called or emailed me during the week regarding pending legislation and matters in the district including the SRP Credit Union lot being open for private car sales on the weekend; the Avondale water system; the state budget; and funding for K-12 education. I appreciate all of the insight from folks in our district.
Thank you for the opportunity to represent and to serve you
Town Meeting Review: Live on YouTube
State House Update –Week of April 6-10, 2009
The House of Representatives did not meet this week and will not meet again next week while taking a two week furlough. During the furlough week, I was in the District attending several meetings including the Aiken Sertoma Club where I provided an update as to legislation passed or pending at the House. Read more
State House Update –Week of March 31-April 3, 2009
The House of Representatives met this week before the upcoming two week furlough. Several bills of interest to residents of District 81 came to the floor. First, a bill to consolidate the Employment Security Commission under the Governor’s cabinet and to create a Department of Workforce failed to pass the House. Opponents of the legislation were vocal in their objection to passing it this year and making it effective under the current Governor. I am hopeful that a compromise will be reached to get this legislation passed this year. Read more