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Howdy Texans!
Over the past week, I had the opportunity to attend several meetings, speak to a host of different groups, and honor a deserving veteran with a unique award. In addition to highlighting some of these events, we will continue to spotlight legislation I have been working on and further examine the House Republican’s “A Better Way” agenda.
District Meetings
Last week, I toured the new offices of the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative, spoke with students at the Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy and participated in the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce State of the Nation alongside Senator Ted Cruz. During the State of the Nation, we discussed the importance of developing “Main Street” solutions to further improve economic opportunities in Texas and around the country. It is an honor to represent a district which is home to many great businesses that provide economic opportunity and growth, as well as countless schools and centers which are equipping our future generations the skills they need to be successful and live out the American Dream.
Medicaid Program Integrity
Obamacare has been full of broken promises. One of those promises was that illegal immigrants would not be among the nearly 30 million people who were expected to gain health care coverage by expanding access to Medicaid. Yet, studies show that since Obamacare was enacted, immigrants (both legal and illegal), along with their children, make up over 40% of Medicaid growth, which is costing American taxpayers over $4 billion. Despite current law, these immigrants are obtaining Medicaid coverage without providing any evidence of citizenship or other eligibility. To address this abuse of taxpayer money, I introduced a bill that prevents federal funds from being used to provide Medicaid coverage until applicants have provided satisfactory evidence of citizenship or eligible immigration status.
A Better Way – Tax Reform
At more than 70,000 pages long, the current tax code is overly complicated and nearly impossible for hardworking families to navigate. Our complex tax code is littered with hundreds of preferences and subsidies that pick winners and losers. Jobs are being pushed overseas because our corporate income tax system imposes the highest rate in the developed world.
The tax reform portion of our “A Better Way” agenda lays the groundwork for a new tax code that is flatter, fairer, and simpler. It proposes a system that is so straightforward.that Americans will be able to file their taxes on a postcard. As opposed to the current seven individual tax brackets, this plan proposes just three. It repeals the estate tax, reins in and restructures the out-of-control Internal Revenue Service, and encourages investment and innovation for small businesses. The reforms in our blueprint will promote economic growth and ultimately grow the paychecks and economic opportunities of hardworking Americans. To learn more about the tax reform portion of our “A Better Way” agenda, visit better.gop.
Our “A Better Way” agenda creates a fairer tax system so that most Americans will be able to file their taxes with a form so simple it would look similar to the postcard pictured above.
TX-17 Congressional Veterans Commendation
As we discussed last week, for the past four years, we have carried on a tradition of honoring local veterans who have served both our nation and community honorably during their military and post-military careers through the awarding of the TX-17 Congressional Veteran Commendations. Last week, I was honored to present retired U.S. Army Major Steve Beachy with the 2015 TX-17 Congressional Veteran Commendation. Major Beachy honorably served twenty years in the United States Army. In his post-military career, he served in the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of College Station, eventually rising to the role of director. His vision for a veterans’ memorial in the community led to the creation of Veterans Park in College Station. Major Beachy’s dedication to both our country and our community is admirable and worthy of such recognition. I look forward to carrying on this tradition of honoring deserving and exemplary veterans with this special commendation. To learn more about nominating a veteran for the 2016 TX-17 Congressional Veteran Commendations visit Flores.House.gov.
Congressman Flores honors retired U.S. Army Major Steve Beachy with the 2015 TX-17 Congressional Veteran Commendation.
In Closing
As always, I encourage each of you to continue praying for our country during these challenging times, and for our military personnel and first responders who protect us each day.
With great respect,
Bill Flores
Member of Congress
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