November 13, 2006

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United States Congressman - John Linder November 8, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 02:15 PM (11/8/06)

There is a warning today about a new scam in which an email message is being circulated regarding a “Cost-of-Living for 2007 update” and includes the following line:

“NOTE: We now need you to update your personal information. If this is not completed by November 11, 2006, we will be forced to suspend your account indefinitely.” The reader is then directed to a website designed to be an imitation Social Security website, where you are asked for your Social Security number, bank account information and credit card information.

Please call the Social Security Office of Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 if you have receeived this email message or other suspicious activity.  A Public Fraud Reporting form is also available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/oig.


United States Congressman - John Linder November 3, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 05:13 PM (11/3/06)

The Labor Department came out with its official employment figures – and it shows that the national unemployment rate is at 4.4 percent – the lowest rate in five years.  Our economy has now added jobs for 38 straight months.

This is what the Republican Congress intended when we passed our tax relief bills – our goal was to make major steps to reduce the size of government while giving much needed tax relief to America’s families.  What tax relief did – and what does it always does – is to help to build a growing economy.  It removed the heavy burden of government from the backs of small business and income-earners.  And it created more economic activity which clearly has meant more jobs for all of the American people.


United States Congressman - John Linder October 2, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 03:58 PM (10/2/06)

Just a reminder that the deadline for filing applications for a nomination to one of the U.S. service academies is Friday, October 20, 2006, at 5:00pm.

I am repeating what I said in a previous blog because nominating young men and women to the United States service academies is such an important responsibility.  Besides providing our young people with a world class education, America’s service academies provide students with the knowledge and experience necessary to become the future leaders of our country.

If you are interested in the service academies, you must obtain a nomination to attend the academy of your choice, undergoing a process that is highly selective and allows the academies to offer admission to the best and brightest candidates in the country.  I have created an online academy resource at http://linder.house.gov/academy with important information about this process if you have questions, or you can contact my office directly at 770-232-3005 (extension 1011).


United States Congressman - John Linder September 30, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 08:49 AM (9/30/06)

The Duluth Fall Festival is a community tradition here since 1983 and I encourage everyone to spend a beautiful fall weekend enjoying the entertainment and hitting the food booths multiple times.  I had hoped to continue the annual tradition of participating in the Duluth Fall Festival Parade this morning, and I regret that I cannot make it this morning as the House of Representatives scheduled late votes.  While I’m sorry I won’t see you during the parade, you’ll see Lynne and me on Sunday enjoying corn dogs and all the wonderful activities that are planned.


United States Congressman - John Linder September 28, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 03:14 PM (9/28/06)

If you would like to meet with a member of my staff regarding difficulties you are experiencing with the Federal government or any other issue, this is just a reminder that the monthly constituent outreach schedule is always available online at http://linder.house.gov/outreach.

I encourage you to visit this section of my Online Office, meet with a member of my staff at one of my outreach events at the regular locations and times across the Seventh Congressional District of Georgia, or contact my District Office at (770) 232-3005.  While federal laws prohibit the application of any undue pressure on government agencies, we will always make every effort to assist you and resolve your case to your satisfaction.


United States Congressman - John Linder September 26, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 03:24 PM (9/26/06)

My colleague Paul Ryan (R-WI) provided the chart below which shows the strong economic growth that was created in large part due to the 2003 tax cuts passed by the Republican Congress.  It is also important to note that the unemployment rate has gone from 6.3% down to 4.7% since the passage of the tax relief bill – over 5.7 million jobs have been created since the bill passed.  And the incentive for people, businesses and entrepreneurs to invest and expand increased right after the lower taxes kicked in, and the reduced tax burden has resulted in the growth we see below.

There are always going to be people with a belief that they know better how to spend your money.  The Republican Congress has pursued legislation that provides more freedom to families and communities by returning power, money and authority to you.  The tax relief bill offers a good case study of what can happen when people are allowed to keep more of the money they worked hard to earn.


United States Congressman - John Linder September 20, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 12:45 PM (9/20/06)

One of my favorite responsibilities as your federal representative is introducing students to the role government plays in their lives and discussing their responsibility as citizens to shape such a role.  Whether it’s through school visits, academy nominations or the internship program, I believe it is a Congressional duty to be an active participant in shaping the future leaders of this country.

With this thought in mind, I would like to announce that my office is accepting applications for the internship program in my Gwinnett District Office.  A Congressional internship is an invaluable experience for college age students who have a driving interest in the political arena or a love of public service.  Through this program, interns obtain experience in both legislative issues and constituent service.  Participation in the program is open to any college or university student who has completed his or her freshman year of study and is a U.S. citizen.

Interns participate not only in the day-to-day business of a Congressional Office, but also in legislative research and special projects in the district.  To receive an application or to learn more about this opportunity, please contact my District office at 770-232-3005, extension 1011.


United States Congressman - John Linder September 18, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 12:03 PM (9/18/06)

The Government Accountability Office just released the September 2006 “Nation’s Long-Term Fiscal Outlook” Update, and it reaffirms the need for fundamental tax reform.  The update is entitled “The Bottom Line: Today’s Fiscal Policy Remains Unsustainable,” and confirms that “the Nation’s long-term fiscal future is at risk.”

The GAO says the spending driving this outlook is federal entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare, and that the estimated growth in these programs results in “an unsustainable fiscal future regardless of whether one assumes future revenue will be somewhat below or above historical levels as a share of the economy.”  In the GAO simulation, closing the fiscal gap would require, “if we were to invest enough today to pay off these amounts over the next 75 years, the sums needed amount to about $115,000 to $200,000 per person, or between $270,000 to $485,000 for each full-time worker.”  The GAO states that double-digit real economic growth will be required for decades to eliminate the fiscal challenge.

That is exactly why we need the FairTax.  Once the IRS penalty for working harder and producing more is gone, and Americans get to keep the money they earn, growth will occur on an historic scale.  Americans will save more and businesses invest more.  Capital formation, the source of job creation and innovation, will be facilitated.  U.S. companies and individuals will be able to bring back, on a tax-free basis, income generated overseas.  As a result, new capital will flow into the United States to invest in plants, facilities and jobs.  That does not even take into account the other countries that will seek to invest here in the U.S. to avoid taxes on income in their own countries, further spurring the growth of our own economy.

Fundamental tax reform in the form of the FairTax will unleash a new era of economic growth.  In doing so, it will address the future of Social Security and Medicare by increasing revenues to the Treasury.  The time is now for the FairTax.


United States Congressman - John Linder September 14, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 12:28 PM (9/14/06)

I thought you might be interested in hearing that the House of Representatives is currently considering the “Secure Fence Act” on the House floor.  As a critical step toward stopping the stream of those entering the United States illegally, this bill is designed to secure borders and ports through additional physical barriers and fencing and greater use of state-of-the-art technology and surveillance.  This effort includes 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border constructed at critical areas and an evaluation of infrastructure needs along the northern border.  The bill also orders the Homeland Security Department to achieve total control over the entire U.S. border with ground sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles, and integrated surveillance technology.

I am an original co-sponsor of this important immigration border security legislation, and I plan to vote yes on the Secure Fence Act later this afternoon.


United States Congressman - John Linder September 13, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 03:37 PM (9/13/06)

It is an exciting time for the FairTax.  On Wednesday, September 13, Congressman Virgil Goode (R-VA) added his name to the growing list of H.R. 25 co-sponsors.  Congressman Goode becomes the 59th member of this Congress to sign the bill. He joins two previous Virginia cosponsors, Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis and Congresswoman Thelma Drake. I am delighted to have his support.

Support for the FairTax is growing not only in Congress, but also throughout the country.  Any search of the Internet will produce new sites that are popping up across the country to support this idea.  Any search of the media will show efforts by individuals to get the FairTax message out.  For example, http://www.fairtaxrevolution.com/ was started by FairTax supporters like John and Jessica Gullet, a couple working hard to spread the FairTax message.  Another example comes from Jacksonville, FL, where I've learned that a locally conceived and produced television spot is airing to promote the benefits of the FairTax.  Debbie Dubois put her talents to use to build http://fairtax4all.com/.  The list goes on and on.  I encourage you to do a search for yourself, and I think you will be amazed.

These are real people putting real effort into bringing the FairTax to fruition, and these supporters are a constant reminder that we are not alone in this effort.  We are joined by those in our neighborhood and by those on the opposite side of the country.  With dedicated support and supporters at the grassroots level like the ones mentioned above, we will certainly make the FairTax a reality.


United States Congressman - John Linder September 12, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 09:30 AM (9/12/06)

Labor Day was just last week and the message machine from the left was to send out partisan attacks on the state of the economy and the earnings of workers not keeping pace with inflation.  Recent actual data shows the following:

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows hourly compensation paid by firms is up 3.7 percentage points above inflation over the last four quarters.
  • The Census Bureau shows the median income of U.S. households rose 1.1 percentage points above inflation in 2005.
  • The Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that real disposable personal income is up 2.5 percent over the last 12 months, while nominal wages and salaries are up 7.6 percent over the last 4 quarters, a level significantly above inflation.

United States Congressman - John Linder September 7, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 05:29 PM (9/7/06)
We have been building grassroots support for the FairTax for years, and this year the hard work has paid off as Members of Congress have signed on in record numbers to co-sponsor H.R. 25.  Just this week, Congressman Mike Pence of Indiana, and Congressman Dan Boren, Democrat of Oklahoma, signed on as official supporters of the bill in the House of Representatives.

People are educating themselves about the FairTax and they like what they hear.  If you want to learn more about the FairTax, a recent Gwinnett Business Journal interview – and the attached podcast – offers some good background information.  You will be interested to know that since the interview was published, Speaker Hastert and I visited the President at the White House to discuss the FairTax, and the meeting was extremely productive.


United States Congressman - John Linder August 30, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 04:19 PM (8/30/06)

While it was not a scientific survey, 88% of those that voted in my recent online poll stated that stopping illegal immigration was either ‘Very Important’ or of the ‘Highest Importance’ for our nation.  And immigration was certainly a prime topic at the Town Hall Meeting I held last week.

 

Frustration with illegal immigration is at crisis levels and the system is broken.  We need a logical debate on border security, enforcement and overall immigration policy.  If you have not done so already, I encourage you to read a copy of a bill that I introduced to redefine the immigration debate – the U.S. General Population Act.

 

This legislation simply mirrors the very tough immigration policy implemented by Mexico.  My hope is that this bill will generate a rational debate as we work to enact an anti-illegal immigration bill.  Mexico takes a hard line on immigration, demanding that their visitors enter lawfully.  Take a look at my bill – and the hard-line immigration policy of our neighbors in Mexico – and then let’s use it to serve as a starting point for our immigration debate.


United States Congressman - John Linder August 25, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 12:14 PM (8/25/06)

I was delighted to see over three hundred constituents in attendance at the Seventh Congressional District Town Hall Meeting yesterday.  It was another great opportunity to listen and answer a host of thoughtful questions covering subjects such as illegal immigration, tax reform, Iraq, the war on terror, education, and veterans and senior issues.

 

I believe the town hall was a great success and I appreciated the dialogue and opinions expressed during the meeting.  The key to effective and responsive representation in the halls of Congress is staying in touch with your constituents, and I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with so many residents of the Seventh District.  I look forward to more open discussions in the future.


United States Congressman - John Linder August 21, 2006
posted by John Linder @ 05:19 PM (8/21/06)

I will be hosting another town hall meeting in August so we can meet together to discuss the issues facing our nation.  This is a busy time of year for many of you, but I hope you can join me for this exchange of ideas.  Town Hall Meetings are great opportunities for constituents in the Seventh District to come together as a community and share their thoughts and concerns.  I hope that you are able to attend, and I look forward to speaking with you.  The date, time and location of the August town hall meeting are as follows:

 

Thursday, August 24 at 5:30 PM

Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center

75 Langley Drive

Lawrenceville, GA  30045