October 11, 2006—Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) is the recipient of several pro-economic growth awards at a time when the U.S. economy booms due to the policies of the Republican Party.  The U.S. economy continues to flourish due to the Republican agenda, which encourages free enterprise and tax cuts (in 2001 and 2003) for hard-working Americans. The Bush Administration today announced that the FY’06 deficit is $248 billion, which is $71 billion less than the FY’05 deficit.  Americans have created 6.6 million jobs since August 2003, increasing employment in 48 states over the past twelve months ending in July, and the unemployment rate is at an astounding 4.6 percent.  In fact, the U.S. economy has grown at a 4.1 percent annual rate, which is faster than any other major industrialized country in the world.

Congressman Franks has been awarded “Hero of the Taxpayer” from the Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) due to his votes that encourage free trade, spending control, and property rights. President of ATR, Grover Norquist, said, “During election season every candidate is apt to allege that he or she will be a friend of taxpayers once in Washington.  But the proof is in their votes.  Constituents deserve to know who has worked for taxpayers’ interests, and not the special interests.  Representative Trent Franks is squarely on the side of the taxpayers, and Americans for Tax Reform offers thanks and congratulations.” To see a list of members’ ratings visit www.atr.org/national/ratings/index.html

Franks was also named “Guardian of Worker Freedom” by the Alliance for Worker Freedom (AWF). This title was given to members who voted for freedom and opportunity for workers. AWF Executive Director, Ryan Ellis said, “These key votes in favor of workers and against corrupt labor union bosses really separate whose who support keeping American workers competitive versus those who do Big Labor’s bidding.” Ellis continued, “Trent Franks clearly knows the difference between being pro-Big Labor and pro-American worker.  When it comes to keeping American workers competitive, Trent Franks is a tremendous advocate for a twenty-first century workforce.”

The “Friend of the Shareholder Award” was also given to Congressman Franks by the American Shareholders Association (ASA). “There are five general areas where Congress can improve shareholder wealth,” said ASA executive director Daniel Clifton. “These measures include tax reductions, spending restraint, trade expansion, tort reform, and regulatory limits. The Friend of the Shareholder award demonstrates Rep. Franks stood on the side of investors during this critical time by voting for these pro-growth, pro-investor initiatives which has boosted investor confidence and shareholder value for investors.”

 Trent Franks is the Congressman from the 2nd Congressional District of Arizona.  He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Judiciary Committee and Vice Chairman of the Constitution Subcommittee