Issue: Economy and Jobs

In the News: South Bend Tribune: Walorski named to influential House Ways and Means Committee

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Walorski named to influential House Ways and Means Committee

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski has been named to the influential House Ways and Means Committe, a position that could raise the Republican’s profile because the panel controls legislation on taxation, welfare and other federal programs.

A repeal of Obamacare and changes to the federal tax code are among the issues the Ways and Means Committee could influence in the coming years, said Walorski, who announced her appointment in a Thursday statement.

“I look forward to working…to fix our broken tax code, repeal and replace Obamacare” and address poverty and economic issues, Walorski said in the written statement.

 

Read the full story here.

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Walorski Named to House Ways & Means Committee

Walorski Named to House Ways & Means Committee

Panel Will Be Central to Upcoming Action on Tax Reform, Obamacare Repeal, Jobs & Economic Growth

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.-02) today announced she will serve on the influential House Committee on Ways and Means in the 115th Congress. The tax-writing panel will play a key role as Congress takes action on tax reform, Obamacare, and the nation’s economic policies.

“I am honored to join the House Ways and Means Committee and eager to tackle some of our nation’s biggest challenges,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “We have a historic opportunity to enact lasting economic reforms that will benefit all Americans.

“I look forward to working with Chairman Brady and our colleagues to fix our broken tax code, repeal and replace Obamacare, help individuals and families lift themselves out of poverty, and expand opportunities for businesses to grow and create good jobs for American workers.

“Indiana’s 2nd District is a vital center of manufacturing, agriculture, and innovation, and I am grateful the hardworking Hoosiers I represent will have a voice in these critical debates.”

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas-08) welcomed Walorski and two other Members, Congressmen David Schweikert (R-Ariz.-06) and Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.-26), to the committee.

“David, Jackie, and Carlos are excellent additions to the Ways and Means Committee,” Chairman Brady said. “They are joining our team at a historic moment as we move forward on pro-growth tax reform, repealing Obamacare, and ensuring Americans finally have access to affordable care.

“Each of our new Members has the perfect mix of policy expertise and real world experience. Most importantly, they understand exactly how the decisions we make at our Committee impact the lives of people across our country.

“As a former state representative and now a Member of Congress, Jackie has repeatedly led the way on legislation that will grow our economy, increase wages, and help lift more Americans out of poverty.

“With a full roster, Ways and Means Republicans are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work on President-elect Trump’s and the American people’s top priorities.”

BACKGROUND

The House Steering Committee is responsible for recommending Members to serve on standing Committees in the House of Representatives. The recommendations are subject to approval by the House Republican Conference on Friday, January 6. Walorski was selected to fill the Ways and Means Committee seat vacated by Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.).

The Ways and Means Committee is the oldest standing committee in the House of Representatives. It is the chief tax-writing panel in the House and has jurisdiction over federal revenue; Medicare, Social Security, and other social programs; trade agreements; and many other policies critical to the nation’s economy.

Walorski has previously served on the Armed Services Committee, Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Budget Committee, and Agriculture Committee.

As chair of the Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Nutrition, Walorski helped lead a two-year review of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In a series of 16 hearings the subcommittee and full committee examined the past, present, and future of the anti-hunger program to identify successes and areas in need of improvement.

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In the News: Elkhart Truth: Obama signs bill backed by Walorski to study recreation economy, another awaits his signature

 

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Obama signs bill backed by Walorski to study recreation economy, another awaits his signature

by Ben Quiggle

President Obama has signed a piece of legislation backed by U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski that provides for a study of the outdoor recreation economy.

The Outdoor Recreation’s Economic Contributions Act directs the U.S. Department of Commerce to analyze and report on the impact outdoor recreational activities have on the economy, according to a press release. The data will be used to help federal, state and local governments make more informed policy and business decisions when considering rules, regulations and laws that impact recreation enthusiasts.

… “Indiana’s Second District is the RV capital of the world, so I know how vital the recreation industry is to our nation’s economy,” said Walorski, who is also the House RV Caucus co-chairwoman. “I am honored to be a co-sponsor of the REC Act, which will ensure we have a full picture of the economic impact of these businesses and the jobs they create so we can keep this industry growing.”

NDAA BILL

Walorski also saw Congress approve another bill she had been actively working on, the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. She authored a provision of the bill that will support camps providing assistance to children from military families who have experienced or live in traumatic situations, according to a press release.

… “Military families make enormous sacrifices in service to our nation and they deserve our gratitude and support,” Walorski said. “The children of fallen heroes and of veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress and addiction face unique challenges, which is why I fought for this provision in the NDAA. With the bill now on its way to the president’s desk, more of these young people will be able to attend camps that offer help, guidance and healing.”

Read the full story here.

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In the News: Elkhart Truth: Local reaction positive after federal overtime rule blocked from taking effect

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Local reaction positive after federal overtime rule blocked from taking effect

by Ben Quiggle

Reaction to a courts ruling that blocks a new federal overtime rule from coming into effect Dec. 1 was swift.

U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-Dist.2) said she was “thrilled” and that the rule change was an “erroneous, over the top regulation” by President Barack Obama’s administration.

“This rule change was going to decimate companies and non-profits,” she said. “I knew once it got in front of a judge it wouldn’t pass a litmus test.”

… Walorski — who had previously supported a U.S. House of Representatives bill that would have delayed the rule taking affect until next June — said she had been hearing consistently from constituents, small business owners and non-profits about the impact this rule was going to have on them.”This was not widely publicized and a lot of owners did not see this coming,” she said.

Kyle Hannon, president of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, said he breathed a sigh of relief when he heard about the injunction. He said he was unsure how many businesses were ready for the rule change that was prepared to take affect late next week.

… Walorski said she doesn’t think the rule will ever go into affect.”This regulation came out of the blue and had people really stressed,” she said. “With the new administration in place I don’t see this rule change ever happening.”

Read the full story here.

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Walorski Stands Up for Small Businesses, Votes to Delay Harmful Regulation

Walorski Stands Up for Small Businesses, Votes to Delay Harmful Regulation

House Acts to Stall Department of Labor Rule That Would Impact Small Businesses, Schools, Nonprofits, Employees

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02) today voted to delay the Obama administration’s burdensome overtime rule that, if implemented, would increase costs and red tape for small businesses, colleges, universities, and nonprofits and lead to reduced wages and hours for workers. The House passed H.R. 6094, the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act, by a vote of 246 to 177.

“Small businesses and their hardworking employees are vital to our economy, but too often bureaucratic red tape gets in the way of job growth,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “The administration is rushing to implement a misguided regulation that will lead to pay cuts and reduced flexibility for workers. With this bill the House is standing up for the small businesses, schools, and community organizations that will be hardest hit and the employees who will see their paychecks shrink if the rule goes into effect.”

BACKGROUND

The Department of Labor in May finalized a rule raising the compensation level for executive, administrative, and professional employees to be exempt from overtime pay. The rule is set to take effect December 1.

If implemented, the rule would have wide-ranging effects on businesses and employees, including reduced flexibility as salaried employees are forced to clock in and out of work, increased compliance costs and time-consuming paperwork for small businesses, and higher operating costs for colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

H.R. 6094 delays the implementation of the rule for six months to allow businesses, schools, and nonprofits to prepare for the rule’s effects, and to give Congress more time to reform outdated federal overtime rule in a responsible way that does not harm small businesses, nonprofits, and working families.

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee and House Committee on Agriculture.

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Walorski Chairs Nutrition Subcommittee Hearing on SNAP Employment and Training Programs

Walorski Chairs Nutrition Subcommittee Hearing on SNAP Employment and Training Programs

Examines State Pilot Projects Testing Innovative Solutions to Better Connect SNAP Recipients to Jobs

Latest Hearing in Committee Review of Past, Present, and Future of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02), chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, today held a hearing on state efforts to test innovative ways to help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients find and keep good jobs.

The hearing, a continuation of the committee’s review known as the Past, Present, and Future of SNAP, examined state SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs, which provide job search assistance, skills development, and educational services. Representatives from three of the ten states selected to participate in the SNAP E&T pilot programs authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill testified at the hearing.

“A job is the first step for anyone trying to move up the economic ladder and out of poverty,” Walorski said. “State SNAP E&T programs exist to help SNAP recipients find job opportunities and develop valuable skills so they can get back to work and back on their feet. Finding out what works and what doesn’t is central to House Republicans’ policy initiative known as ‘A Better Way,’ and the state initiatives we heard about today will test innovative new ideas to improve SNAP E&T programs.”

Video of the hearing is available here. The text of Walorski’s opening statement can be found here.

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee and House Committee on Agriculture.

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In the News: RVIC: Walorski Holds Recreation Manufacturing Roundtable

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Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council: Walorski Holds Recreation Manufacturing Roundtable

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski visited Elkhart August 25 to hear from leaders in the local RV and boating industries.  The roundtable discussion was hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and RVIA.  Matt Rose with IMHA-RVIC was part of the group of fourteen representatives from both industries.  The group addressed a variety of topics with Walorski including regulation, taxes and, most notably, the labor shortage in and around the Elkhart area.  Doug Smoker with Smoker Craft indicated the company could hire 41 workers right now if it found qualified applicants.

Walorski noted assistance with training grants are available from the federal level while internships on the high school and college levels were discussed as possible solutions to grow the labor pool.

Read the full story here.

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Walorski Highlights Local Community Organizations Fighting Poverty in House Floor Speech

Walorski Highlights Local Community Organizations Fighting Poverty in House Floor Speech

“Hearing from those on the front lines of the fight against poverty is the best way to learn what works and what doesn’t.”

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02) today highlighted community organizations fighting hunger and poverty in Indiana’s 2nd District in a speech on the House floor.

In August, Congresswoman Walorski made several visits throughout the district to learn more about anti-poverty efforts in northern Indiana, including stops at the Food Bank of Northern Indiana in South Bend, Church Community Services in Elkhart, and the Washington Discovery Academy and Marshall County Neighborhood Center in Plymouth.

Walorski has been working in Congress to examine and reform federal anti-poverty and anti-hunger programs. As chair of the House Agriculture Nutrition Subcommittee, she has held more than a dozen hearings on the past, present, and future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. In June, she joined House Speaker Paul Ryan and several colleagues to unveil “A Better Way to Fight Poverty,” a set of policy ideas for improving the effectiveness of federal anti-poverty programs.

A video of Congresswoman Walorski’s speech is available here. The full text of her remarks is below.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the important work being done in Indiana’s 2nd District to fight poverty and end hunger.

“This August I visited the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, which serves six counties, and Church Community Services in Elkhart.

“Both have been doing incredible work fighting poverty for decades.

“I also toured the Washington Discovery Academy in Plymouth, where they have a garden to teach kids about nutrition and grow produce for a local food pantry, and the Marshall County Neighborhood Center, whose food pantry serves 400 families each month.

“Mr. Speaker, hearing from those on the front lines of the fight against poverty is the best way to learn what works and what doesn’t.

“That idea is central to the House Republicans’ Better Way agenda.

“Too many people are getting trapped in a cycle of poverty.

“That’s why “A Better Way” calls for innovative and evidence-based solutions.

“By listening to people in our communities and testing new ideas, we can build a bridge out of poverty.

“I yield back.”

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee and House Committee on Agriculture.

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In the News: South Bend Tribune: Legislative Recap

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South Bend Tribune: Legislative Recap

by Kevin Allen

Here’s a look at what Michiana’s members of Congress did during the past week.

Monday

• The Michiana Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America selected U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Jimtown, to receive the 2016 Colonel Jack Stephens Citizenship Award in recognition of her service to active duty, reserve and veteran service members in the community.

Walorski, the daughter of an Air Force veteran, sits on the Armed Services Committee, the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the Agriculture Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.

She has devoted a significant amount of her time in Congress to issues such as providing veterans with better access to services and benefits, according to the association. She has co-sponsored legislation to improve cost-of-living adjustments for Veterans Affairs beneficiaries and require any public institution accepting GI Bill education benefits to offer in-state tuition rates to all veterans. She also has pressed the VA to reduce its service backlog.

Tuesday

• U.S. Rep Jackie Walorski R-Jimtown visited Plymouth to see nutrition programs up close and meet with those on the front lines of the fight against hunger.

At the Washington Discovery Academy, which is part of Plymouth Community School Corp. and where 65 percent of students receive free or reduced-price breakfast, Walorski learned about the school’s garden, toured classrooms and joined students for breakfast in the cafeteria. After the school tour, Walorski visited the Marshall County Neighborhood Center, a community organization whose food pantry serves more than 400 families each month.

“I’ve seen hunger up close, both overseas and here in Indiana’s 2nd District, and I am committed to fixing the way we fight poverty,” Walorski said. “As our work continues in Congress, it is critically important that I hear from those who know best what works and what doesn’t.”

Walorski has been working in Congress to study federal anti-poverty and anti-hunger programs. As chair of the House Agriculture Nutrition Subcommittee, she has held more than a dozen hearings on the past, present and future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. In June, she joined House Speaker Paul Ryan and several colleagues to unveil “A Better Way to Fight Poverty” — a set of policy ideas for improving the effectiveness of federal anti-poverty programs.

Read the full story here.

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Walorski Visits Marshall County School, Community Center to Learn About Anti-Hunger Programs

Walorski Visits Marshall County School, Community Center to Learn About Anti-Hunger Programs

Joined Local Officials for Tour of Washington Discovery Academy, Marshall County Neighborhood Center

PLYMOUTH, Ind. – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02) on Tuesday visited the Washington Discovery Academy and the Marshall County Neighborhood Center in Plymouth, Ind., to see nutrition programs up close and meet with those on the front lines of the fight against hunger.

“The people at Washington Discovery Academy and the Marshall County Neighborhood Foundation are doing incredible work to find innovative, effective ways to fight hunger and create greater opportunity in our communities,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “I’ve seen hunger up close, both overseas and here in Indiana’s 2nd District, and I am committed to fixing the way we fight poverty. As our work continues in Congress, it is critically important that I hear from those who know best what works and what doesn’t. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the great work happening in the Marshall County community.”

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At the Washington Discovery Academy, which is part of Plymouth Community School Corporation and where 65 percent of students receive free or reduced price breakfast, Walorski learned about the school’s garden, toured classrooms, and joined students for breakfast in the cafeteria. Washington Discovery Academy teaches students about nutrition and connects them with food sources through its school garden. Produce from the garden has been donated to the Marshall County Neighborhood Center.

After the school tour, Walorski visited the Marshall County Neighborhood Center, a community organization whose food pantry serves more than 400 families each month. Through the food pantry and other resources, the center’s staff and volunteers assist local individuals and families facing poverty. Walorski toured the facility and met with volunteers and staff.

Walorski was joined by Linda Yoder, executive director of the Marshall County Community Foundation (MCCF); Angela Rupchock-Schafer, chief development and communications officer of MCCF; Mark Senter, mayor of Plymouth; and various school officials and community volunteers.

Walorski has been working in Congress to examine and reform federal anti-poverty and anti-hunger programs. As chair of the House Agriculture Nutrition Subcommittee, she has held more than a dozen hearings on the past, present, and future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. In June, she joined House Speaker Paul Ryan and several colleagues to unveil “A Better Way to Fight Poverty,” a set of policy ideas for improving the effectiveness of federal anti-poverty programs.

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee and House Committee on Agriculture.

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