PUSHING FORWARD: GOALS FOR THE NEW YEAR
January 2010 Column
Washington,
Jan 29 -
By U.S. Rep Sam Johnson
In 2009, I received tens of thousands of letters, emails, faxes and phone calls from constituents who are saying one thing: Please listen to me! If the past year showed us anything, it’s that Americans are informed, engaged and ready to take action.
America is facing double-digit unemployment, record deficits and the growth of big-brother style of government. The Democrats have insisted on implementing—much to the chagrin of most Americans—one of the most liberal policy agendas our nation has ever seen. It’s not working. We cannot keep going down the same path and expect things to change.
In 2009, I supported alternative, fiscally-sound, conservative policies to address the issues Americans care about most. I will continue to do the same thing—the right thing—in 2010.
IT’S THE ECONOMY, MR. PRESIDENT
In 2009, I opposed bailing out Wall Street and voted against all major increases in spending to fund federal departments and programs as well as the $787 billion dollar stimulus package.
In 2010, I will continue to oppose the Democrats’ tax and spend agenda which has done nothing but drive up our unemployment rate and our nation’s debt. Going forward, you can count on me to stand for pro-growth policies that include lower taxes and balanced budgets.
PROTECTING THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER
In 2009, The Administration pledged support for a bill I introduced (H.R. 690 the “MOBILE ACT”) that would repeal the outdated tax rule requiring employers to keep detailed records of work-provided cell phone use. Failure to do so can mean higher taxes for employers and employees.
The House passed into law H.R. 4218 “No Social Security Benefits for Prisoners Act of 2009” legislation I introduced along with Congressman Tanner (D-TN).
In 2010, I will continue to seek support for the bill I introduced, “The Refundable Child Tax Credit Eligibility Verification Reform Act (H.R. 4528)” which seeks to prevent illegal immigrants from getting the refundable child tax credit.
PATIENT-DRIVEN HEALTHCARE REFORM IS THE ONLY KIND OF HEALTHCARE REFORM
In 2009, I voted against the Democrats’ $1 trillion Washington takeover of healthcare because I believe we can do better for our constituents, our families, and generations to come.
I offered numerous changes to the 2,000 page healthcare bill about issues we all care about: abortion coverage, illegal immigrants gaining access to tax-funded health insurance, and taxes levied on small businesses.
In 2010, I want to utilize this break in the health reform debate to bring Democrats and Republicans together to craft a common-sense, patient-centered healthcare reform bill. We should:
o Allow small businesses to band together to pool their resources in order to increase their purchasing power, the same way large businesses and labor unions do. That’s why for years I have championed “The Small Business Health Fairness Act” (H.R. 2607) which would increase small businesses access to more affordable, quality health insurance.
o Make healthcare more affordable for those with pre-existing conditions;
o Enact meaningful tort reform so doctors no longer have to practice defensive medicine.
Additionally, I support the GOP plan which would allow the over 10,000 seniors in our district to keep their Medicare Advantage plan.
IN THE COMMUNITY AND OUT ON THE TOWN
On August 31st, thousands of citizens joined myself and several other Texas Congressmen at a Congressional Forum on Healthcare Solutions in Richardson. A panel of experts shared some Texas-sized solutions they have used to fix what is broken in our healthcare system.
In October I met with fourth graders at the Math/Science/Technology Magnet School in Richardson to kick-off National Save for Retirement Week. The House passed H.Res.662 “National Save for Retirement Week” introduced by Congresswoman Schwartz (D-PA) and myself.
On October 30th, 2009, I hosted a FREE information session on Medicare for Seniors in conjunction with the Dallas Area Agency on Aging.
It is an honor to serve the great people of the Third District of Texas. I will always do my part to make sure you and your families have what you want, need and deserve to continue reaching for the American Dream. God Bless you and God Bless America.
Sincerely,
SAM JOHNSON
Member of Congress
Congressman Sam Johnson, the longest serving Republican on the Health Subcommittee on Ways and Means, serves portions of Dallas and Collin Counties.
