Bloggers play a role in politics and life in general! Blogging is just one of many ways we stay connected with our world and have the freedom of speech to say what's on our mind. An article posted on redstate.com indicates that this freedom may be regulated or worse. Take a look at the article and take action - contact your congressman and share your concerns.
I am not a conspiracy theorist by any means. However, the actions of the current administration and majority party have me very concerned with the direction our nation is headed.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Foxx Casts Vote To Reduce Wasteful Spending!
The following is a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
Foxx votes for first ‘YouCut’ proposal
Proposal to cut wasteful $2.5b welfare program got 81k online votes
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today voted to cut federal spending by $2.5 billion annually by reducing spending on a new, wasteful welfare program. This proposal was nominated by 81,000 voters from across the country who participated in YouCut, a new online tool created by House Republicans.
“Americans spoke and we heard them,” Foxx said. “They want us to bring back spending restraint and guard their tax dollars from waste and abuse. It comes as no surprise then that a welfare program that was used to buy flat screen TVs and iPods caught the attention of the most YouCut voters.”
Out of 280,000 votes cast in the first YouCut round, 81,000 were in favor of cutting $2.5 billion from a 2009 program that undermines successful bipartisan welfare reform enacted in 1996 under President Clinton and a Republican Congress. The 1996 reform resulted in welfare caseloads dropping a record 60 percent.
But a $5 billion provision in the 2009 stimulus law undercut these reforms and promoted welfare dependency by handing out money to states that managed to increase their welfare caseloads. In fact, CBS News reported that in some cases funds from the new welfare program were used to buy “flat screen TVs, iPods and video gaming systems.”
“Taxpayers clearly don’t like their tax dollars disappearing into a failed welfare experiment,” Foxx said. “This is just the beginning of a difficult process to clean up the federal budget. Thankfully, fed-up citizens are engaging with Congress to help us trim the deficit and are offering up new ideas for keeping spending in check and creating a culture in Washington of saving, not spending.”
This week’s YouCut vote, which would have forced consideration of H.R. 1277, failed 240-177 with seven Democrats voting in favor. H.R. 1277, the Welfare Reform Restoration Act of 2009, is cosponsored by Foxx.
What is YouCut? YouCut is a new online tool, at http://republicanwhip.house.gov/youcut, that gives the public a chance to vote online or via cell phone for various proposals to reduce federal spending. The site offers five proposals a week for a vote to reduce wasteful or unnecessary spending. The following week House Republicans will offer the top vote-getter for a vote in the House of Representatives.
All North Carolinians can go to http://republicanwhip.house.gov/YouCut to vote for one of the five weekly spending cut proposals, which this week include proposals to chop mohair subsidies and suspend $266 million in new federal land purchases.
Foxx votes for first ‘YouCut’ proposal
Proposal to cut wasteful $2.5b welfare program got 81k online votes
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today voted to cut federal spending by $2.5 billion annually by reducing spending on a new, wasteful welfare program. This proposal was nominated by 81,000 voters from across the country who participated in YouCut, a new online tool created by House Republicans.
“Americans spoke and we heard them,” Foxx said. “They want us to bring back spending restraint and guard their tax dollars from waste and abuse. It comes as no surprise then that a welfare program that was used to buy flat screen TVs and iPods caught the attention of the most YouCut voters.”
Out of 280,000 votes cast in the first YouCut round, 81,000 were in favor of cutting $2.5 billion from a 2009 program that undermines successful bipartisan welfare reform enacted in 1996 under President Clinton and a Republican Congress. The 1996 reform resulted in welfare caseloads dropping a record 60 percent.
But a $5 billion provision in the 2009 stimulus law undercut these reforms and promoted welfare dependency by handing out money to states that managed to increase their welfare caseloads. In fact, CBS News reported that in some cases funds from the new welfare program were used to buy “flat screen TVs, iPods and video gaming systems.”
“Taxpayers clearly don’t like their tax dollars disappearing into a failed welfare experiment,” Foxx said. “This is just the beginning of a difficult process to clean up the federal budget. Thankfully, fed-up citizens are engaging with Congress to help us trim the deficit and are offering up new ideas for keeping spending in check and creating a culture in Washington of saving, not spending.”
This week’s YouCut vote, which would have forced consideration of H.R. 1277, failed 240-177 with seven Democrats voting in favor. H.R. 1277, the Welfare Reform Restoration Act of 2009, is cosponsored by Foxx.
What is YouCut? YouCut is a new online tool, at http://republicanwhip.house.gov/youcut, that gives the public a chance to vote online or via cell phone for various proposals to reduce federal spending. The site offers five proposals a week for a vote to reduce wasteful or unnecessary spending. The following week House Republicans will offer the top vote-getter for a vote in the House of Representatives.
All North Carolinians can go to http://republicanwhip.house.gov/YouCut to vote for one of the five weekly spending cut proposals, which this week include proposals to chop mohair subsidies and suspend $266 million in new federal land purchases.
Foxx To Host Tele-Town Hall
The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
Foxx to host America Speaking Out Telephone Town Hall
Tele-Townhall will focus on constituent ideas for national agenda
WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Tuesday, June 8 Congresswoman Virginia Foxx will host an America Speaking Out telephone town hall for Fifth District constituents. Constituents can call into the town hall meeting by dialing 1-877-850-4133 at 5:30 pm and entering the password FOXX (3699).
"America Speaking Out is a part of an effort to give concerned constituents a seat at the table so they can be a part of drafting a governing agenda from the start,” Foxx said. “I've always believed that the best ideas come from the people, not from Washington. Therefore, constructing a governing agenda should begin with the people.”
Constituents will be connected to a live conference call with Rep. Foxx and other constituents in the Fifth District when they call 1-877-850-4133 on June 8 at 5:30 pm. All participants will need to enter a password for the call: the password is F-O-X-X (3699).
“After joining the call, constituents will be able to tell me about their ideas and priorities, Foxx said. “This will also be an opportunity to learn about new online tools for engaging with fellow citizens and Congress on the issues facing America. And I’ll post a list of the ideas submitted on my website, www.foxx.house.gov, for participants to review after the call.”
This telephone town hall is open to constituents in North Carolina’s Fifth District. It is part of an effort called America Speaking Out, which aims to engage the nation in a discussion about the country’s policy agenda. More details on this effort can be found at AmericaSpeakingOut.com.
Foxx to host America Speaking Out Telephone Town Hall
Tele-Townhall will focus on constituent ideas for national agenda
WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Tuesday, June 8 Congresswoman Virginia Foxx will host an America Speaking Out telephone town hall for Fifth District constituents. Constituents can call into the town hall meeting by dialing 1-877-850-4133 at 5:30 pm and entering the password FOXX (3699).
"America Speaking Out is a part of an effort to give concerned constituents a seat at the table so they can be a part of drafting a governing agenda from the start,” Foxx said. “I've always believed that the best ideas come from the people, not from Washington. Therefore, constructing a governing agenda should begin with the people.”
Constituents will be connected to a live conference call with Rep. Foxx and other constituents in the Fifth District when they call 1-877-850-4133 on June 8 at 5:30 pm. All participants will need to enter a password for the call: the password is F-O-X-X (3699).
“After joining the call, constituents will be able to tell me about their ideas and priorities, Foxx said. “This will also be an opportunity to learn about new online tools for engaging with fellow citizens and Congress on the issues facing America. And I’ll post a list of the ideas submitted on my website, www.foxx.house.gov, for participants to review after the call.”
This telephone town hall is open to constituents in North Carolina’s Fifth District. It is part of an effort called America Speaking Out, which aims to engage the nation in a discussion about the country’s policy agenda. More details on this effort can be found at AmericaSpeakingOut.com.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tax Cuts Or Tax Hike - Which One Is It?
Last week, an "amused" President Obama opined on the Tea Party gatherings. He said, because of his tax cuts, "You would think they'd be saying 'thank you.'"
Now, President Obama is considering a Value Added Tax (VAT) - effectively raising taxes on all of us!
I am very concerned with our economy - as everyone is. We are facing tremendous debt, minimal job growth, and now more taxes (not to mention the taxes hidden in the health care bill). Raising taxes during an economic downturn is not the right thing to do. History proves this time and again.
President Obama cannot claim to be a tax cutter and then turn around and raise taxes. We are not amused!
Now, President Obama is considering a Value Added Tax (VAT) - effectively raising taxes on all of us!
I am very concerned with our economy - as everyone is. We are facing tremendous debt, minimal job growth, and now more taxes (not to mention the taxes hidden in the health care bill). Raising taxes during an economic downturn is not the right thing to do. History proves this time and again.
President Obama cannot claim to be a tax cutter and then turn around and raise taxes. We are not amused!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Foxx Cosponsors Bill To Allow Firing Tax Dodging Federal Employees
The following is from an April 15th press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
TAX DAY NEWS: Foxx cosponsors bill to allow firing of tax dodging federal employees
Bill allows for firing of federal workers who refuse to pay taxes
Washington, DC—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) has cosponsored a bill that gives the federal government the ability to fire federal employees who refuse to pay their income taxes. Nearly 100,000 active federal employees owe $962 million in unpaid taxes, according to the IRS.
“The vast majority of federal workers are paying their taxes and abiding by the law,” Foxx said. “But this tax season there are some federal employees who enjoy taxpayer funded jobs and refuse to pay their fair share. This must stop.”
Under current law, only the federal agency that can fire employees who do not pay their taxes is the IRS. This legislation, H.R. 4735, allows other federal agencies to do the same.
H.R. 4735 allows federal agencies to fire employees who are seriously delinquent tax dodgers. The bill only applies to those federal workers who are serial offenders and refuse to pay their taxes. Federal employees who may be slightly behind on their taxes or are working with the IRS to pay their tax bills will not be affected.
“Prevention is the best medicine,” Foxx said. “This bill prevents future tax cheating by halting the practice of allowing tax-dodging federal employers to duck and cover. In the future, potential tax dodgers will know that federal employers will be held to high standards and expected to pay their fair share.”
TAX DAY NEWS: Foxx cosponsors bill to allow firing of tax dodging federal employees
Bill allows for firing of federal workers who refuse to pay taxes
Washington, DC—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) has cosponsored a bill that gives the federal government the ability to fire federal employees who refuse to pay their income taxes. Nearly 100,000 active federal employees owe $962 million in unpaid taxes, according to the IRS.
“The vast majority of federal workers are paying their taxes and abiding by the law,” Foxx said. “But this tax season there are some federal employees who enjoy taxpayer funded jobs and refuse to pay their fair share. This must stop.”
Under current law, only the federal agency that can fire employees who do not pay their taxes is the IRS. This legislation, H.R. 4735, allows other federal agencies to do the same.
H.R. 4735 allows federal agencies to fire employees who are seriously delinquent tax dodgers. The bill only applies to those federal workers who are serial offenders and refuse to pay their taxes. Federal employees who may be slightly behind on their taxes or are working with the IRS to pay their tax bills will not be affected.
“Prevention is the best medicine,” Foxx said. “This bill prevents future tax cheating by halting the practice of allowing tax-dodging federal employers to duck and cover. In the future, potential tax dodgers will know that federal employers will be held to high standards and expected to pay their fair share.”
Foxx Introduces Bill To Protect Land
The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
Foxx introduces bill to protect American lands from federal power grabs
Legislation preserves private property rights, citizen input
Washington, DC—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) introduced a bill this week that protects American lands from unnecessary or harmful seizure by the federal government. Her bill, the Preserve Land Freedom for Americans Act, requires congressional approval before any American land is designated as a national monument.
“Local citizens and governments should have a voice in the process of designating new national monuments in their backyards,” Foxx said. “My bill gives Congress the ability to sign off on new national monuments, instead of leaving the federal government to make unilateral land grabs.”
Currently, the President has the power to designate new national monuments without congressional approval under the 100-year-old Antiquities Act. This often takes place without the full input of states and localities, which can jeopardize private property rights, economic development and job creation.
“Our national monuments and parks are American treasures, rightly protected by the federal government,” Foxx said. “This legislation simply creates safeguards to protect local citizens and land owners and keep the federal government from overstepping its bounds.”
Foxx’s bill gives Congress the ability to weigh on the creation of new national monuments. This would allow Representatives from areas under consideration to voice the concerns of citizens in affected areas and ensure that the federal government does not unnecessarily harm local citizens.
The bill also contains provisions to ensure prospective locations for national monuments are studied for potential use, including energy development, prior to receiving a designation. Additionally, it creates a review period for citizen input and congressional approval before restrictions are placed on the land.
The bill, H.R. 4996, currently has 16 cosponsors.
Foxx introduces bill to protect American lands from federal power grabs
Legislation preserves private property rights, citizen input
Washington, DC—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) introduced a bill this week that protects American lands from unnecessary or harmful seizure by the federal government. Her bill, the Preserve Land Freedom for Americans Act, requires congressional approval before any American land is designated as a national monument.
“Local citizens and governments should have a voice in the process of designating new national monuments in their backyards,” Foxx said. “My bill gives Congress the ability to sign off on new national monuments, instead of leaving the federal government to make unilateral land grabs.”
Currently, the President has the power to designate new national monuments without congressional approval under the 100-year-old Antiquities Act. This often takes place without the full input of states and localities, which can jeopardize private property rights, economic development and job creation.
“Our national monuments and parks are American treasures, rightly protected by the federal government,” Foxx said. “This legislation simply creates safeguards to protect local citizens and land owners and keep the federal government from overstepping its bounds.”
Foxx’s bill gives Congress the ability to weigh on the creation of new national monuments. This would allow Representatives from areas under consideration to voice the concerns of citizens in affected areas and ensure that the federal government does not unnecessarily harm local citizens.
The bill also contains provisions to ensure prospective locations for national monuments are studied for potential use, including energy development, prior to receiving a designation. Additionally, it creates a review period for citizen input and congressional approval before restrictions are placed on the land.
The bill, H.R. 4996, currently has 16 cosponsors.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
On Government
"I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious." Thomas Jefferson (November 29, 1802)
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