A Note from Nancy

Dear Friend,

I've been asked a thousand times or so why I'm in Kansas this week. Well, the truth of the matter is, I'd much rather be working in the Second District. Give me good, common-sense conversation with hardworking, salt-of-the-earth Kansans over "politicking" any day!

I absolutely believe that a big part of my job is to be within the district whenever possible, listening to what's on the minds and hearts of constituents. I take information from these "sit-downs" very seriously. That information goes back to Washington with me and helps shape the policy my office introduces in Congress.

For example, last week I had a compelling discussion with Ernie Cummings of Lawrence when I spoke at the Chamber of Commerce meeting. Ernie, like many others, is concerned about our economy – especially the impact our housing crisis has on employment for our contractors and other blue-collar workers. The economy is of widespread concern. But, in order for contractors to build, the economy has to support new home construction. This isn’t an issue you can slap a bandage on and call “fixed.” We have to start at the root of the problem.

One way we can begin turning the tide is by breaking the Washington gridlock and compromising on a good, common-sense solution to the energy crisis. Oil prices are a driving factor in the economy. You’ve heard me speak time and time again about a three-legged stool that includes drilling now, investing in long term renewable energy, and conservation. When we drive down the cost of oil, we begin to heal the economy.

This week I look forward to visiting with many middle and high school students. When you want straight talk, kids are your best source! A while back, I had the chance to visit a group of first-graders. It was terrific fun: They sang a welcome song, and painted artwork to hang on the refrigerator at my office. After all of that, we held a question-and-answer session. Anyone who thinks it's easier to do Q&A with six-year-olds than with CEOs, doesn't have children. CEOs are distracted by charts and graphs and words like "fiduciary". Kids aren't so easily impressed.

The kids' first question was whether I ever wanted to be president. That's a screaming no. The second question – well, that one has stuck with me. This little girl asked me, "What exactly does Congress do?"

I sputtered something about drafting bills and committee meetings and – have you ever tried to explain the filibuster to a six-year-old? Most adults don't understand it. And that poor little girl, she looked so confused.

So I tried to step back from all the legislative procedure and gain some perspective. I thought for a moment, and I said, "The job of Congress is to give you every opportunity to grow up healthy, wealthy, and happy."

I spend a great deal of my time in D.C. fighting for those opportunities. But I positively love every minute that I get to do my job in Kansas.

That's the first and most important reason I’m spending this week in Kansas. The second reason is a big one, as well, in my book.

Since taking office, I have worked hard to be a voice for the Second District. I have, by choice, avoided Washington politics. And let me tell you, you don't necessarily have to be in D.C. to get mired down by the politics of Washington.

So…I'll skip the champagne and high-priced dinners and settle, gladly, for Kansas beef in the little corner cafés of our wonderful Second District towns. And between bites, I'll delight in talking with the people that make Kansas such a great state to live: Farmers stopping in for a cup of hot coffee...laborers dropping by for a hot meal…students making the most of their lunch breaks...seniors enjoying social time with their friends. A slice of life, Kansas style.

Hoping to see you soon, 

Nancy Boyda
Member of Congress

Casework Corner – A Surprise Social Security Windfall

                                           
                                               Esther Chester

From time to time, our cases take unexpected turns. Sometimes in an effort to find what the constituent is looking for, we discover something entirely different, and occasionally better.

In this case, Ms. Chester contacted our office because she thought that her Social Security survivor’s benefits were not figured correctly. She had reviewed her own records and believed that she was actually entitled to a slightly higher monthly benefit. She called our office and we forwarded her concerns on to the Social Security office. Sometimes when we ask Social Security to look into constituents records, they find exactly what the constituent suspects, and increase their benefit accordingly. Usually, though, the benefit is calculated correctly, and we have to tell the constituent that unfortunately they are receiving the entire benefit to which they are entitled. This was the case with Ms. Chester’s survivor benefit, and we thought that would bring her case to its conclusion.
                      
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Letter of the Week - Nancy on Credit Card Interchange Fees
Dear Nancy,

I am writing today because we need action on credit card interchange fees. These fees raise the prices of nearly everything I buy, but I have no idea how much the fees are when I use my cards. Consumers have a right to know so we can make informed decisions when we buy.

Clearly something is wrong with these fees, and I hope you'll do something about it by supporting the Credit Card Fair Fee Act (HR 5546) to help change this broken, unfair system.

Jesse from Lynn Valley, KS.

Dear Jesse,

Thank you for contacting me regarding interchange fees and H.R. 5546, the Credit Card Fair Fee Act. I am continuing to research and evaluate this issue, and I hope you will continue to reach out to share your perspective.

I have been learning a lot about interchange fees in the last few months. I have heard from dozens of bankers on one side and retailers on the other, and I have been doing my own research as well. It turns out that the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is the leader in research on this topic, and I felt a little surge of Midwestern pride at that.

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This Week in Congress - August 18 to August 21 

Monday was a great day! Congressman Chet Edwards and Congressman Ike Skelton joined me at the groundbreaking of the new Fort Leavenworth Chapel and then on a tour of the Leavenworth VA. Afterwards, my office hosted an open house at the Carnegie Arts Center.

On Tuesday morning, I spoke at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce breakfast as part of the Government and Community Affairs Committee’s annual National Delegation series.

I drove out to Fort Riley Wednesday, where I delivered brief remarks at the Army Community Covenant Signing along with other elected officials and community leaders.

I met with Jace Smith and Harold Swedlund from the American Heart Association on Thursday.