|
Rep. Farr Statement on Obama Tax Deal |
 |
 |
|
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sam Farr today issued the following statement on the President Obama’s proposed tax policy deal:
“As currently presented, I cannot support the deal President Obama struck with Republicans to extend Bush-Era tax policy. This deal was engineered without congressional Democratic representation in the room, and does not reflect the overall will of the American people.
I voted to close these very loopholes for the wealthiest under President Clinton, and the same tax loopholes I voted against relaxing under President Bush. Frankly, I don’t see any reason to keep them open under President Obama.
The tax policy we are advocating, are the same policies—that as budget director—Leon Panetta proposed in the Clinton Administration—the policies that got our country out of deficit and decreased the debt. Even President Bush knew his tax cuts were not sustainable beyond 10 years, and knew the only reason the United States was running a surplus was because of Clinton era tax policy.
We cannot afford to borrow money from China to give tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires that don’t create jobs here in America. It is time to go back to what George Bush advocated, and let these tax cuts expire.
## |
|
Rep. Farr Releases Statement on Extension of Middle Class Tax Cuts |
|
|
|
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sam Farr today released the following statement after voting in support of a tax-cut extension for middle class Americans:
“As our country continues to face staggering unemployment and historic budget deficits, we have a responsibility to protect lower and middle income families, and just as important, address the long-term fiscal health of our country.
As the Senate takes on this vote, I hope they look past the rhetoric—and do the right thing.
In the 1990s, when the top tax rates were at the levels which they are slated to return in 2011, small business employment rose by 756,000 jobs per year. In comparison between 2001 and 2006, when tax rates were lower, small business employment rose at only 367,000 jobs per year.
We simply cannot afford to continue to increase our debt to give tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires. It is unthinkable to extend tax cuts to the wealthy at any cost, including putting our nation further into debt to foreign countries like China.”
## |
|
|
Rep. Farr Speaks in Support of Child Nutrition |
|
|
|
Congressman Farr stressed the importance of providing healthier lunch options to school children in an effort to decrease the affects of childhood obesity and preventable diseases like diabetes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sam Farr addressed the House in support of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, before the legislation passed with a 264 -157 vote. The child nutrition legislation will increase access to healthy fruits and vegetables for school programs and lunch meals as well as connect schools with area farmers and fresh produce to be used in school cafeterias.
“You can’t grow a healthy America without nutrition and we have paid little attention to it,” said Congressman Sam Farr from the floor of House Chamber. “This bill is the start of better wellness in America, and healthier kids with healthier minds.”
In his remarks, Congressman Farr stressed the importance of providing healthier options to school children in an effort to decrease the affects of childhood obesity and preventable diseases like diabetes. In addition, the Congressman addressed the positive association of a healthier America and reductions in healthcare costs.
Complementing the new child nutrition legislation, Congressman Farr is continuing his efforts to increase the access to salad bars in school cafeterias. With the support of First Lady Michelle Obama, Congressman Farr is working to provide the resources needed for more salad bar access through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Nutrition Service.
In a letter to Congress and President Obama, local organizations supporting the child nutrition legislation included: Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, Monterey County WIC Program, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County and San Benito Health Foundation.
To view Congressman Farr’s remarks please visit, www.farr.house.gov.
## |
|
Veterans, Soldiers' Stop Loss Pay Deadline Extended |
|
|
|
New deadline will provide American service members more time to claim special retroactive pay
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the eve of Veteran’s Day, Congressman Sam Farr is urging family and friends of veterans and soldiers to help spread the word on retroactive stop loss payments earned through military service. The Department of Defense this year is providing special retroactive pay for active, reserve and former service members who involuntarily had their enlistment period extended or retirement suspended if they served on active duty between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009.
“A great way to honor our service members and veterans is to provide a much earned line of support,” said Congressman Sam Farr. “We have a duty to our uniformed men and women, and it is critical that we spread the word so our brave soldiers and veterans do not miss out on these payments they have earned.”
Service members must submit claims for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay no later than December 3, 2010. Eligible personnel will receive a payment of $500 per month for each month (or any portion of a month) they were retained on active duty due to the process known as “stop loss.”
Service members must provide documented proof with their claim. Family members of deceased service members should contact the appropriate military service for assistance in filing their claim. Stop-lossed service members who voluntarily reenlisted or extended their service, and received a bonus for such reenlistment or extension of service, are no longer eligible to receive retroactive stop loss special pay.
For more information and instruction on how to file a claim, visit the website below or call the following numbers for specific branches of service:
- Army: 877-736-5554
- Air Force: 800-525-0102
- Marine Corps: 877-242-2830
- Navy: 901-874-4427
- http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/
# # # |
|
