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Listen to Common Sense
When the President takes the podium Tuesday night to deliver a State of the Union speech to the nation, I hope to hear a commitment to actions that will create an environment for economic activity and job creation, including: low taxes and tax certainty, regulatory relief, new export markets, affordable energy and reduced government spending.
I heard directly from Iowans on these issues, and more, during meetings this month in 36 counties. Those who came to the meetings also had questions and comments about the President’s controversial recess appointments, accountability for the government’s Fast and Furious program, the need for domestic energy development, a new national defense strategy, the Federal Reserve, and Social Security.
These January meetings were held in Riceville, Charles City, New Hampton, Waverly, Waterloo, Clarion, Dakota City, Algona, Forest City, Garner, Hampton, Mason City, Manly, Osage, Calmar, West Union, Independence, Manchester, Vinton, Gladbrook, Centerville, Albia, Chariton, Corydon, Garden Grove, Mt. Ayr, Creston, Osceola, Winterset, Greenfield, Panora, Grimes, Grand Junction, Boone, Ames and Le Grand. I’ve held at least one meeting in each of Iowa’s 99 counties every year since I was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980. I’m committed to the meetings because they foster the dialogue that’s so important to the process of representative government. This process is a two-way street. I go to people to answer questions and listen to comments, and they come out and participate in the discussion.
People at the grass roots of Iowa are speaking out against the size and scope of the federal government, which has grown exponentially since 2009. The tax increases signed into law as part of the 2010 health care law, coupled with its new entitlement spending commitments, and continued uncertainty about whether marginal tax rates will go up on individuals and small business owners all put a damper on economic activity. A heavy-handed regulatory approach by federal agencies across the board also has frustrated America’s job-creating entrepreneurial spirit. Workers and employers know that America needs active pursuit of international trade agreements that will create markets for products and services manufactured in the United States. America’s workforce also needs domestic development of traditional energy sources and the infrastructure to support it. And, Washington needs to reduce government spending. In 2009 and 2010, federal spending increased 22 percent, not even counting the failed $800 billion stimulus program. America’s gross federal debt is approaching a 50 percent increase since 2009. A $15 trillion national debt inhibits the ability of the economy to grow and create private-sector jobs. It’s a moral issue, too, because it’s wrong to leave a legacy of debt for the next generation.
It’s time for common sense actions for economic activity and job creation.
January 23, 2012
When the President takes the podium Tuesday night to deliver a State of the Union speech to the nation, I hope to hear a commitment to actions that will create an environment for economic activity and job creation, including: low taxes and tax certainty, regulatory relief, new export markets, affordable energy and reduced government spending.
I heard directly from Iowans on these issues, and more, during meetings this month in 36 counties. Those who came to the meetings also had questions and comments about the President’s controversial recess appointments, accountability for the government’s Fast and Furious program, the need for domestic energy development, a new national defense strategy, the Federal Reserve, and Social Security.
These January meetings were held in Riceville, Charles City, New Hampton, Waverly, Waterloo, Clarion, Dakota City, Algona, Forest City, Garner, Hampton, Mason City, Manly, Osage, Calmar, West Union, Independence, Manchester, Vinton, Gladbrook, Centerville, Albia, Chariton, Corydon, Garden Grove, Mt. Ayr, Creston, Osceola, Winterset, Greenfield, Panora, Grimes, Grand Junction, Boone, Ames and Le Grand. I’ve held at least one meeting in each of Iowa’s 99 counties every year since I was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980. I’m committed to the meetings because they foster the dialogue that’s so important to the process of representative government. This process is a two-way street. I go to people to answer questions and listen to comments, and they come out and participate in the discussion.
People at the grass roots of Iowa are speaking out against the size and scope of the federal government, which has grown exponentially since 2009. The tax increases signed into law as part of the 2010 health care law, coupled with its new entitlement spending commitments, and continued uncertainty about whether marginal tax rates will go up on individuals and small business owners all put a damper on economic activity. A heavy-handed regulatory approach by federal agencies across the board also has frustrated America’s job-creating entrepreneurial spirit. Workers and employers know that America needs active pursuit of international trade agreements that will create markets for products and services manufactured in the United States. America’s workforce also needs domestic development of traditional energy sources and the infrastructure to support it. And, Washington needs to reduce government spending. In 2009 and 2010, federal spending increased 22 percent, not even counting the failed $800 billion stimulus program. America’s gross federal debt is approaching a 50 percent increase since 2009. A $15 trillion national debt inhibits the ability of the economy to grow and create private-sector jobs. It’s a moral issue, too, because it’s wrong to leave a legacy of debt for the next generation.
It’s time for common sense actions for economic activity and job creation.
January 23, 2012