-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

February 22, 2010

Health Care Update

This morning, President Obama released his latest proposal for health care legislation. Once again, we see a health care plan that was created without bi-partisan input behind closed doors in the White House.

I want to work with the President to craft the right kind of reforms that will improve access to affordable, quality health care for all Americans. However, this plan is just another version of the same government takeover of health care that will increase premiums, destroy jobs, raise taxes, and cut Medicare benefits. According to the Obama Administration’s own experts, this bill increases health care spending— not reduces it.

We can reform health care without the government restructuring the entire system, and we need to start over with a clean slate. We need to lower the cost of insurance for families and small businesses, end restrictions for patients with pre-existing conditions and give Americans the common sense reform they need. Another big government scheme will not work for the American people. The GOP alternative will reduce insurance rates by up to 10 percent and gives Americans access to high quality, affordable care. As your representative in Congress, you can be certain that I will continue to push for real reform that will empower the people of the 19th Congressional District not limit their health care coverage.

To read the full text of President Obama’s proposal, click here.

Empowering Small Businesses

I truly represent one of the greatest districts in the country and traveling around West Texas and the Big Country has shown me why: we are a vibrant entrepreneurial community that is willing to work hard in order to succeed. 

Unfortunately, even in the 19th Congressional District, small businesses are feeling the burden of a government that has too much power exercised by too many bureaucrats. As I told our small business owners, I know you can make better use of your hard earned dollars rather than Washington can.  You can make better decisions than Washington can. The necessary road to recovery must be based on the principle of empowering Americans through limited government, fiscal and personal responsibility.  Instead of threatening businesses that are trying to grow and create jobs, we need to start empowering them.  That means Congress should step away from raising their taxes, passing cap-and-trade legislation, having the government take over private health care, and increasing the public debt.

This week, I look forward to taking your message back to Washington. My colleagues need to be reminded we need pro-growth, fiscally conservative policies – not more government borrowing, spending and taxes --  to get our country back on track.

National Taxpayers Union’s 'Taxpayers' Friend Award'

I am truly honored to receive NTU's 'Taxpayers' Friend Award.' I feel extremely fortunate that this nonpartisan citizen organization has recognized my commitment to keeping taxes low and my dedication to reducing the tax burden that weighs on American families.

With a struggling economy it is important that we empower hard-working taxpayers to keep more of their own money to invest in our economy. As pressures continue to rise on families and small businesses across the country, the last thing they need is another assault on their wallets. I will continue to fight to make certain the people of the 19th Congressional District are not punished with a tax increase because of the Democrat majority’s lack of fiscal discipline.

NTU is a nonpartisan, nonprofit citizen group founded in 1969 to work for lower taxes, smaller government, and economic freedom at all levels. The award is presented to those Members who achieve an "A" grade in NTU’s annual Rating of Congress. The Rating, which is based on every roll call vote affecting fiscal policy, assigns a "Taxpayer Score" to each Member of Congress that indicates his or her support for reducing or controlling federal spending, taxes, debt, and regulation.  

Recognizing African Americans in Our Community

As we celebrate Black History Month nationwide, we must not forget the contributions made by African American leaders in the 19th Congressional District. While I was in the District, I had the opportunity to honor two men who have greatly influenced history in our communities.  On Friday, I attended an event to honor T.J. Patterson, longtime Lubbock councilman and cofounder of the Southwest Digest. T.J. was the first African American member of the Lubbock City Council and continues to fight against drugs and violence in Lubbock.

On Monday, I visited the Black History Museum in Abilene to honor the memory of Claudie C. Royal. Claudie played a vital role in organizing an annual march honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and many other community activities. Although Claudie passed away in 2008, the Abilene community continues to carry on his memory and the initiatives he started. 

These men devoted themselves to encouraging involvement in the community and service. On behalf of the 19th Congressional District, including myself, I thank T.J. and Claudie for their leadership in honoring Black History Month in West Texas not just one month a year, but every day for many years.

“Question of the Week”

Is it more important for the President to be focused on jobs or health care?

Please visit my website to submit your answer to this week’s question.

Thanks to everyone who answered last week’s question. Here are the results:

Q: Do you think bigger government entitles people or empowers them?

A: Entitles: 75%    Empowers: 8.33%    I’m not sure: 16.67%

As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. In the meantime, do not hesitate to visit my website or call my office toll free district wide at (888) 763-1611 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-4005.