Friday, February 27, 2009

North Carolina Republicans File Marriage Definition Bill

The following is from a press release from the NCGOP.

TIME FOR PEOPLE TO DECIDE ON MARRIAGE AMENDMENT

NCGOP Press ReleaseFebruary 24, 2009RALEIGH— North Carolina House Republicans will file another bill this week to place on the ballot an amendment to the North Carolina Constitution to affirm the definition of marriage as constituting a union between one man and one woman. Previous versions of the bill have failed to move forward in the legislature due to the obstruction of Speaker Joe Hackney and other powerful Democrats in the General Assembly.

Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:"There has been much debate about the proper definition of marriage within the confines of North Carolina law. Both sides have had their opinions heard and the debate has engaged the broader public. There comes a time in a democracy when the time for debate ends and the time for voting commences. Now is that time. The people of North Carolina should be the ones to decide how our state will define marriage. I call on Democrat leaders of the General Assembly to allow the people to make that choice."

Foxx Votes Against Spending Bill

The following is a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Huge spending bill passes House, national debt increases
Foxx votes against $410 billion bill, votes for increased earmark transparency


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today voted in opposition to a massive spending bill (H.R. 1105) that once again increases federal government spending at a time of record budget deficits. H.R. 1105, which completes the funding process for the federal government for fiscal year 2009, spends $410 billion, 8.3 percent more than 2008.

“The federal budget is growing by 8.3 percent, while family budgets are shrinking,” Foxx said. “At a time when Americans are tightening their belts, Washington is on a reckless spending spree. This is irresponsible.”

When the spending legislation passed before the end of 2008 is factoring in, federal discretionary spending will reach $1.01 trillion for 2009. This is the first time in U.S. history that the federal discretionary budget has passed the $1 trillion mark. Additionally, federal agencies lucky enough to get money from both this spending legislation and the recently-enacted stimulus bill are about to see their funding jump by 80 percent—nearly doubling some agencies’ budgets in a single year.

“Congress has jacked up the federal debt limit four times in the past 17 months in order to accommodate Washington’s profligate spending,” Foxx said. “Thanks to this new massive bill it is just a matter of time until we take out yet another mortgage on our children’s future earnings.”

H.R. 1105 also undermines the United States’ long-standing opposition to China’s one child policy and coercive abortion practices by increasing funding to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) by 25 percent. The UNFPA supports China’s destructive one child policy. The bill also gives organizations that promote and provide abortions around the world access to $545 million in federal funding.

In a related vote today Foxx voted in favor of legislation that would help to clean up the Congressional earmark system. The legislation would be a first step towards requiring members of Congress to list campaign contributions that serve as a financial interest in lawmakers’ earmark requests.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Is It Really A Stimulus?

The economic stimulus package will only put an extra $13 in your wallet. Now the question has to be asked, is that really a stimulus or has the TARP (along with the wool!) been pulled over our eyes?

I disagreed with the package, and I'm glad a good number of lawmakers did too. The Republican Caucus House Committee on the Budget stated the stimulus was, "little more than an expensive, disjointed Democratic wish-list of government spending – and a missed opportunity to pass the kind of efficient, effective fiscal response Americans deserve." Another key concern is the plan was still heavy laden with "pork" that had nothing to do with our current economic situation.

Here are some articles you can review on the stimulus:
Will Obama tax cut stimulate consumer spending
H&R Block news release on 2009 stimulus
H&R Block chart on stimulus breakdown for taxpayers
Obama's Democrats now own 99.4% of American economy

Please don't get me wrong - I am not trying to be all "gloom and doom" about our nation's economy. I strongly believe in our nation's ability to get out of our current economic mess. We Americans have faced similar struggles in the past, and through God's help we came through them. We need to continue to seek Him and His guidance and wisdom for our nation's leaders and the decisions they are making for us and future generations.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Christians In Politics?

Here's a video of Dr. Ron Baity, Pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC discussing the Christian's role in politics. He is president of Return America, a group dedicated to returning our country to our Judeo-Christian values.




Foxx On Stimulus Bill - "We Can Do Better"

Foxx statement on final stimulus vote
“We can do better.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) released the following statement today after the passage of the ‘stimulus’ package:

“America faces great economic challenges and Congress must take decisive action to stem this economic tide,” Foxx said. “And yet in the face of these challenges Congress has passed a bill that will not effectively help our economy. We can do better.”

“This stimulus bill is generational theft—passing on a record-breaking pile of debt to the next generation. Instead of targeting the real sources of job creation, America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs, this legislation is honeycombed with pet projects to satisfy liberal special interests.”

“We can do better. Americans are hurting and runaway government spending is not the only thing that can fix this recession. A fast-acting and job-creating tax cut-based alternative that I voted for would have created twice the jobs at half the cost.”

“Attempting to borrow and spend our way to prosperity is failed policy. We can do better.”

“Today it saddens me that I cannot support this highly flawed stimulus package. Thanks to an opaque legislative process, we have had fewer than 12 hours to review the final legislation that runs to more than 1,000 pages. Very strong and viable compromises have been ignored. We could have done better.”

Foxx Calls Stimulus Bill "Generational Theft"

Foxx presents 11,000 NC signatures opposing stimulus to Congress
Petition calls for reining in stimulus spending & big government

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today joined Members of Congress and Americans for Prosperity to present more than 425,000 petition signatures to Congress, including 11,086 from North Carolina, in opposition to runaway government spending in the current stimulus package (you can download hi-res photos here).

“This stimulus bill is generational theft,” Foxx said at a Washington, DC press conference this afternoon. “Americans are hurting and Washington Democrats decide that government spending is the only answer despite calls to enact fast, job-creating tax cuts. Republicans have proposed an alternative that creates twice the jobs at half the cost.”

More than 425,000 Americans have signed a petition started by grassroots group Americans for Prosperity that urges Congress halt wasteful stimulus spending and the rampant growth of long-term national debt. Foxx joined Tim Phillips, president of AFP, and Congresswoman Tom Price (R-Ga.), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, in presenting the signatures to Congress.

“Hundreds of thousands of Americans are making their voices heard,” Foxx said. “Instead of borrowing and spending our way to prosperity, they want us to take a responsible and balanced approach that gives meaningful tax cuts to small businesses and hard-working families.”

Congress is expected to begin debate on the final version of the stimulus package today. Final passage could come as early as Friday.

If you would like to schedule an interview with Congresswoman Foxx on the stimulus package please contact Aaron Groen at (202) 225-2071.

Foxx Calls For Bipartisan Negotiations On Stimulus

Foxx Calls for Openness, Bipartisan Negotiations on Stimulus
“Pass a bill that helps struggling workers get back on their feet”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today made the following statement on the House floor after the Senate passed its version of the stimulus. Foxx called on the Democratic majority (watch video) to allow House Republicans to bring their ideas to the negotiating table as the House and Senate hammer out the differences between the two competing stimulus bills:

“America faces an unambiguously dramatic economic downturn,” Foxx told the House of Representatives. “And Americans are hurting in this very difficult economic time.”

“But Republicans in the House are still waiting for an opportunity to bring our ideas for economic recovery to the table. So far we’ve have been shut out of negotiations.”

“For instance, Republicans have proposed real assistance for the unemployed by slashing federal taxes on unemployment benefits. But our suggestions for effective economic recovery have been ignored.

“The result? A bill that does little to stimulate the economy and lots to stimulate the federal government and our national debt.

“We must pass a bill that helps struggling workers get back on their feet and that encourages entrepreneurs—the real engines for job creation—to take risks again.

“Mr. Speaker, we cannot borrow and spend our way back to prosperity.


Note: The House Republicans’ alternative Economic Recovery Plan contains targeted tax cuts for every family and small business. It includes the following provisions:

Immediate Tax Relief for Working Families: Rather than a refundable credit based on payroll taxes, House Republicans propose reducing the lowest individual tax rates from 15% to 10% and from 10% to 5%. As a result every taxpaying-family in America will see an immediate increase in their income with an average benefit of $500 in tax relief from the drop in the 10% bracket and $1,200 for the drop in the 15% bracket. A married couple filing jointly could save up to $3,200 a year in taxes.

Real Help for America’s Small Businesses: Small businesses (those employing less than 500 individuals) employ about half of all Americans, yet they can be subject to tax rates that siphon away one-third or more of their income. House Republicans propose to allow small business to take a tax deduction equal to 20% of their income. This will immediately free up funds for small businesses to retain and hire new employees.

No Tax Increases to Pay for Spending: The stimulus proposal pending in Congress includes record levels of government spending that will substantially increase the current deficit. House Republicans are concerned that this level of spending will result in new tax increases on American working families. House Republicans are insisting that any stimulus package include a provision precluding any tax increases now or in the future to pay for this new spending. House Republicans believe that any stimulus spending should be paid for by reducing other government spending, not raising taxes.

Assistance for the Unemployed: Incredibly, the Federal Government actually imposes income taxes on an individual receiving unemployment benefits. House Republicans propose to make unemployment benefits tax free so that those individuals between jobs can focus on providing for their families. The plan would also extend unemployment benefits for a full year.

Stabilizing Home Values: The real-estate market is paralyzed as potential buyers wait on the sidelines waiting for prices to fall even further. This is becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. In order to encourage responsible buyers to enter the market and stabilize prices, House Republicans propose a home-buyers credit of $7,500 for those buyers who can make a minimum down-payment of 5%.

Foxx Bill For The Unemployed

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx Co-sponsors Bill to Cut Taxes on Unemployment Benefits
Bill stops IRS from kicking jobless workers while they’re down


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) has co-sponsored legislation that will suspend income taxes on unemployment benefits paid to jobless workers. The IRS currently considers unemployment benefits to be “income” and levies normal income taxes on jobless workers that receive benefits.

“Many North Carolina families are struggling to make ends meet as they face the loss of jobs and income at this especially difficult time and, believe it or not, the federal government taxes their unemployment benefits,” Foxx said. “By stopping the unfair taxation of unemployment benefits we can help jobless workers stay afloat and eventually get back to work.”

The Suspension of Federal Income Tax on Unemployment Benefits Act (H.R. 155) suspends taxes on unemployment benefits for two years in an effort to help laid off workers make it through the current recession. Stopping the taxation of unemployment benefits will help millions of American families weather the economic storm by providing about $117 in additional monthly income to the average beneficiary.

“Taxing the unemployed does nothing to spur economic recovery,” Foxx said. “Instead of allowing the IRS to kick jobless workers while they are down, this legislation offers a common sense solution to put more money in the pockets of struggling families.”

Foxx is also pushing to include the suspension of unemployment benefits in the stimulus package making its way through Congress.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Just What Happened on January 20?

I know we are a few weeks away from January 20, 2009, but I keep getting more confused about what actually happened on that day! Did we see an inauguration, a coronation or an advent? The answer depends on who you ask.

For many, January 20 was the coronation of King Obama. With much fanfare, pomp and circumstance, installed upon the throne was the man the media would have as king. To many of the media, Obama's coronation started the golden age of America where the king can do no wrong and our nation's capital was overflowing with his loyal subjects.

For others, January 20 was the advent of The One who would save us from all we need saving from. I saw a magazine cover the other day that showed President Obama taking the oath of office and the magazine's cover stated that he was the only one we need for the perilous times we face.

In reality, January 20 saw the inauguration of our 44th President. It was the peaceful and Constitutional transfer of power from one administration to another. As our President, Barack Obama deserves our prayers and our respect as is fitting for those in public office.

My concern is that the media has created a celebrity President who might not be able to live up to all its own hype. The media is really setting President Obama up for failure as they fawn over his every move and statement. The past few days have been rocky ones at best for the new administration.

My prayers are with President Obama, and I do wish him success as he guides our nation through our current issues. I pray he will surround himself with wise and godly counsel and that he will seek guidance from the Lord and do what is right in His sight. As a Christian citizen I can do no less than that.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Foxx Launches New Website

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx Launches Website Detailing Economic Recovery Plan
http://republicanwhip.house.gov/jobs


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today announced the launch of http://republicanwhip.house.gov/jobs, a new website that outlines the House Republican Economic Recovery Plan. The website details the smarter, simpler stimulus plan proposed by House Republicans that will create twice the jobs at half the price of the economic package that Democrats forced through the House despite bipartisan opposition.

"North Carolina’s families and job-creating small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges,” Foxx said. “My Republican colleagues and I have proposed an Economic Recovery Plan that will actually create jobs for the North Carolinians. We believe that the focus of any stimulus package must be on helping working families and small businesses. I hope that you will visit this website and learn more about the House Republican Economic Recovery Plan.”

Republicans are committed to an open and transparent exchange of ideas to find the best solutions to get the U.S. economy back on track. The Republican Economic Recovery Plan contains the constructive, common-sense ideas that should be included in any stimulus legislation.

"This is a smart, simple, and stimulative plan—at half the price of the Democratic Majority’s $825 billion proposal,” Foxx said. “The Republican plan has no waste, just jobs.”

“Our goal is to get America back on track without saddling future generations with trillions in debt or higher taxes,” said House Republican Whip Eric Cantor, leader of the House Republican Stimulus Working Group that crafted the recovery plan.


Note: The House Republican Economic Recovery Plan contains targeted tax cuts for every American family and small business. It includes the following provisions:

Immediate Tax Relief for Working Families: Rather than a refundable credit based on payroll taxes, House Republicans propose reducing the lowest individual tax rates from 15% to 10% and from 10% to 5%. As a result every taxpaying-family in America will see an immediate increase in their income with an average benefit of $500 in tax relief from the drop in the 10% bracket and $1,200 for the drop in the 15% bracket. A married couple filing jointly could save up to $3,200 a year in taxes.

Real Help for America’s Small Businesses: Small businesses (those employing less than 500 individuals) employ about half of all Americans, yet they can be subject to tax rates that siphon away one-third or more of their income. House Republicans propose to allow small business to take a tax deduction equal to 20% of their income. This will immediately free up funds for small businesses to retain and hire new employees.

No Tax Increases to Pay for Spending: The stimulus proposal pending in Congress includes record levels of government spending that will substantially increase the current deficit. House Republicans are concerned that this level of spending will result in new tax increases on American working families. House Republicans are insisting that any stimulus package include a provision precluding any tax increases now or in the future to pay for this new spending. House Republicans believe that any stimulus spending should be paid for by reducing other government spending, not raising taxes.

Assistance for the Unemployed: Incredibly, the Federal Government actually imposes income taxes on an individual receiving unemployment benefits. House Republicans propose to make unemployment benefits tax free so that those individuals between jobs can focus on providing for their families. The plan would also extend unemployment benefits for a full year.

Stabilizing Home Values: The real-estate market is paralyzed as potential buyers wait on the sidelines waiting for prices to fall even further. This is becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. In order to encourage responsible buyers to enter the market and stabilize prices, House Republicans propose a home-buyers credit of $7,500 for those buyers who can make a minimum down-payment of 5%.