Rep. Mike Rogers 2009 Archive

Dec. 28, 2009

Alabamians give, even during tough times

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the Christmas season upon us and 2009 coming quickly to an end, all of us across east Alabama can reflect back on a year full of challenges during these tough economic times. 

But despite these tough times, it makes us all proud to know Alabamians have always been very generous – even when they don’t have much to spare –to help others who are less fortunate. 

I’ve done in years past, I wanted to share with you a few stories my staff and I have heard across east Alabama. There is never room to mention every story we all know of, but these are a few that came to my attention. For example, just north of Wedowee in Randolph County, there is an area home to many folks who used to work at Plantation Patterns. One of the local churches in Wadley is collecting supplies and toys for these families who are out of work. We all pray that company will prosper under its new ownership, and hopefully rehire more of its workforce. 

The Hope Clinic – VIM (Volunteers in Medicine) located at Hope’s Inn in Lafayette has been serving the medical needs of the uninsured in Chambers, Randolph and Tallapoosa Counties for one year. Hope’s Inn also provided Thanksgiving meals to the needy. 

In Tallapoosa County, the Alexander City Lions Club provided free vision screenings for local students this year. 

In Montgomery County, the Faith Crusaders Rescue Mission has served the needs of our homeless Veterans, the number of whom have increased in these tough economic times. 

In Shorter, some of the local officials and the city’s staff have worked hard this year to provide backpacks, school supplies and clothing to students in the area.

Also in Macon County, the sheriff has sponsored local families to make sure they have food on the table and toys for the children for Christmas. 

In Coosa County, local volunteer fire departments have held toy drives and fundraisers for underprivileged families. 

These are just a few of the stories from across East Alabama. Our economy may be weak, but the spirit of giving – one of the backbones of our great nation – remains strong as always this holiday season. 

I hope as we enter the next decade that we can continue to help our fellow brothers and sisters in need as we weather this tough economic climate. 

I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  May God bless us all this holiday season. 

Please check out my YouTube page at www.YouTube.com/MikeRogersAL03, contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers, friend me on Facebook, or follow me at www.twitter.com/RepMikeRogersAL.


Nov. 23, 2009

Energy, agriculture and our economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Recently, I met with my Third Congressional District Agriculture Advisory Committee in the town of Kellyton.

This volunteer group of farmers and agriculture business people from every county of the Third District helps advise me on the impact of agricultural legislation. It also helps keep me informed on the concerns of this critical sector of east Alabama's economy. It's safe to say these Alabamians know a thing or two about farming. They also know what it means to try and make a living in this brutal economy, and how our nation's energy policies affect our jobs.

According to AAA, right now, the average price of gas in Alabama is $2.53. It's up almost 50 cents since this time last year. The fluctuation in gas prices is tough on everyone – our farmers, seniors on fixed incomes, families and our manufacturers. It's another reminder of how important it is for our country to become more energy independent, so we're less dependent on foreign countries when it comes to fueling our economy.

Agriculture, like other major drivers of Alabama's economy, needs new alternative fuels, not just to power its heavy equipment, but also as a means to help create new industries and employment opportunities. While Tuskegee and Auburn Universities are on the cutting edge of developing biofuels, more needs to be done.

For starters, Congress should support legislation that allows us to utilize energy resources that we have here at home. Things like off-shore oil drilling, the safe exploration of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and continued development of our abundant natural gas resources are key in helping bridge the gap between the fuels of today and the biofuels of tomorrow.

With our nation's unemployment rate over 10 percent, the debate about creating “green jobs” seems promising, as long as that debate includes the common sense, energy-related jobs we could create right here in east Alabama using the resources our farmers already grow.

With critical research by Alabama's universities, we can make our country's dependence on foreign oil a thing of the past. Stable energy supplies will help strengthen our economy, encourage the private sector to invest and ultimately help create jobs. What won't help is Cap and Trade. This back door national energy tax would require most heavy manufacturers to buy carbon emissions allowances from the federal government or on the open market.

In east Alabama and across our state, our electricity rates are already increasing due partly to the rising demand and cost of the transportation of coal which, like it or not, will remain the major source for power generation for years to come.

 Our farmers and manufacturers agree that imposing this energy tax could drive the prices of all goods and services even higher, which in turn will do little to help our economy grow. It seems likely to send even more of our manufacturing jobs overseas to countries like China and India that do not impose similarly regressive policies.

As always, check out my YouTube page at YouTube.com/MikeRogersAL03. Also, please contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers or follow me at twitter.com.


Oct. 26, 2009

Health reform and small business

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As uncertainty continues in Washington over health care reform, concern about our economy continues to grow across east Alabama. In times when hard-working families are struggling each month to make ends meet, Congress remains focused on passing a massive health care reform bill.

After the auto bailouts, the $787 billion Stimulus bill, a jobs-threatening Cap and Trade bill, and passage of the largest budget in the country's history, Congress is borrowing money at the speed of light with no end in sight, and no real plan to curb the increasing national debt.

Alabama's unemployment rate is up to 10.4 percent -- double what it was this time last year -- making it painfully obvious our economy needs help to save and create more jobs.

Many of our new jobs come not from the high-profile major employers but from small businesses. That's why during the health care debate, Congress must remember not to do more harm than good by putting our jobs-creating small businesses in jeopardy.

Currently, H.R. 3200 helps pays for a “public option” by slapping a $544 billion surtax on high-income Americans. The reality is that some of Alabama's small business owners could be pulled into the health care tax trap. That's because a lot of these “rich” folks are actually small business owners who file their taxes as individuals.

On top of the tax hikes, there is also talk about mandating employers to offer insurance coverage to their employees. If the employer can't cover their employees, a high penalty fee will be enacted.

The real question is whether a mandate on employers will do the trick. Judging by the feedback I get from many of east Alabama employers, I am deeply concerned that this mandate and higher taxes could dampen prospects for new jobs.

Would a “public option” help all Americans have access to quality health insurance? That is debatable. But what isn't debatable, in my opinion, would be the fiscal cost to our nation of a government-run insurance plan. That, of course, brings us back to the fundamental question of the proper role of the federal government in our lives and in our economy.

As always, contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.


Sept. 28, 2009

Most concerned about the country's direction

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Most folks across east Alabama are uncertain about the direction our country is headed.

A sure sign of that uncertainty is reinforced by the unfortunate news that Alabama's unemployment rate has increased to 10.4 percent. Almost all of us have heard of someone losing their job, had their hours cut, or heard of a plant closing.

Too many hardworking families in east Alabama continue to lose good paying jobs, which is why I supported the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act last week. This bill would extend unemployment insurance for another 13 weeks in hard-hit states like ours. This assistance can't replace a job, but it can help those who are struggling.

Everywhere I go in east Alabama, I hear these concerns. Many talk about the policies being debated in Congress that could have a direct impact on their lives and livelihoods. Families in Alabama and across the nation are feeling the pinch of the tough economy and are cutting back. In part, that's why many people can't understand why Congress is spending so much taxpayer money. When taxpayers are tightening their belts, Congress seems to be going on a spending spree at the taxpayer's expense.

So far this year, the 111th Congress has passed a $787 billion stimulus bill, a $3.2 trillion budget -- the biggest in our country's history -- and the Cap and Trade bill, which will cost us good-paying Alabama manufacturing jobs. So far, it's too much spending with too few results. Add to that the government getting chest-deep in the financial markets and the bailout of General Motors and Chrysler, and that concern about our country's direction grows.

Those people concerned about the government's expansion that has already happened won't feel much better about a bill passed earlier this month without my support, H.R. 3221, The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act. While well-intentioned in some features, this bill again boils down to a government takeover of yet another industry, this time the student loan industry.

But judging by the mail and calls to my offices, the biggest legislative concern seems to be the debate over health care reform. Most everyone saw or heard about the town hall protests this August. Folks are rightly, in my opinion, concerned about the prospect that the federal government might drastically alter their health care options. I do not support the current proposal in the House – H.R. 3200 – that would greatly expand government's role via a “public option.”

Don't get me wrong, the health care industry needs some reform. Businesses can't afford to cover their employees and it's far too expensive. But it doesn't need to be taken over by the government.

Over time, our economy will right itself and get back track, and with it hopefully more jobs will be created and saved rather than lost. Through this all, Congress needs to hit the brakes on the massive spending increases, and work more towards pro-growth policies to keep spending and taxes low.

As always, please contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers or follow me on Twitter (RepMikeRogersAL).


Aug. 3, 2009

Most Alabamians oppose health care reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Congress starts its district work period in August, the health care debate is heating up across east Alabama like the late summer temperatures. After reports from the Democratic Majority that the House would vote on a massive $1 trillion health care reform bill before August, it now looks like the debate is being pushed to the Fall. 

That’s no surprise. With our economy stuck in a deep recession and few new jobs created – despite a $787 billion Stimulus Bill, an auto bailout, and a $3.2 trillion spending budget – Alabamians are telling Congress to hit the brakes on a proposal that’s got them worried, and even scared. 

So many of you have written letters, called my office or told me in Tele-town Halls of your concerns over health care reform. Some of you even have told me in person during a quick run to the grocery store your thoughts about what is going on in Congress. 

Message received. I agree many parts of our health care system are broken and need some reform. But I also agree what is being offered as reform by the Democratic Congress looks like an overreaching federal government intrusion in, or even takeover of, health care. The majority of folks keep telling me they don’t want to lose their current health care plans. I agree. Instead, Congress needs to fix what’s broken and improve what’s good about health care coverage in this country. Congress should focus its efforts, first, on helping create a safety net for the roughly 15 percent of Americans who don’t have health care coverage – not to overhaul the entire system. 

 Beyond that, folks communicate to me a variety of concerns. It’s clear, for example, you don’t want the government telling your doctors what they can and can’t do. It’s also clear folks want to go to the doctors of their choice and have procedures and surgeries when they need to – not when the government gives them the green light. 

Our seniors also want options when it comes to their health care needs.  For example, most of us can agree the government should not decide if it is wise to spend money on health care for someone who is near the end of their life to improve their quality of life.  Health care decisions should be up to the individual and their doctor. 

During a Third District Tele-town Hall held recently, I asked folks if they supported the Democratic Majority’s health care reform bill, H.R. 3200. A little more than 10 percent of the participants supported the legislation while almost 90 percent opposed it. 

As Congress moves forward on the debate, I hope I hope each of you in east Alabama will contact me and let me know your thoughts on this legislation. As always, I will listen with an open mind to all ideas, whether folks support the bill or not. Hopefully by this Fall, we will have some more clarity on the issue, and Congress will come up with a bill the American people and folks in east Alabama want. 

To see a recent speech I gave on health care reform, go to www.YouTube.com/MikeRogersAL03.  


July 20, 2009

Will spending spree ever end?

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  In these tough economic times when families all over east Alabama are tightening their belts and going without, many of us wonder – when will Congress stop the spending spree?

This rhetorical question is one I hear from folks all across east Alabama these days, and one folks tell me they want asked.

Recently, I got the chance. On July 10th, the Agriculture Committee, of which I am a Member, and the Financial Services Committee, held a joint hearing with U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.

I asked Secretary Geithner how he expects folks back in Alabama and across the country to be tightening their financial belts when the federal government is doing just the opposite.

Secretary Geithner gave a thoughtful response, and argued that the Federal government these days is spending heavily in an effort to boost the economy.
But I strongly disagree all this spending is necessary. Congress has been spending like drunken sailors this year, and it's got to stop.

Back home at the grocery store, or when reading constituent letters, most folks are voicing their concerns to me over the massive amounts of money Congress is borrowing and spending.

The $787 billion stimulus package that was supposed to help create jobs and keep unemployment below 8 percent hasn't worked. There's even talk of a second stimulus package. If it didn't work the first time, why try it out again?
At the hearing, I also asked Geithner what the government is doing about saving jobs.

Many of you across east Alabama are familiar with Plantation Patterns – a Meadowcraft Company – with a plant in Wadley and one in Selma. This company is one of the largest producers of wrought iron furniture in the world. They employ hundreds in Randolph County.

Recently, Meadowcraft was forced to file for bankruptcy. Their creditors are banks that received taxpayer-funded Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds to help kick-start the economy by freeing up credit for businesses and families.

So how could the company's creditors force them into bankruptcy while using taxpayer funds intended to help protect Main Street jobs? With hundreds of good paying jobs at stake, banks receiving TARP funds have the obligation to do more. I hope Sec. Geithner continues to listen to the struggles of rural America – not just those in the big cities.

As Congress moves forward, jump-starting the economy and saving and creating jobs should be at the forefront. One of the best ways to accomplish this is for Congress to control its spending, so we all don't end up deeper in debt and poorer as a nation.

As always, please contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers or follow me on Twitter (RepMikeRogersAL).


May 21, 2009

Gas, energy prices going up as summer approaches

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In addition to it being a time when we honor our veterans, Memorial Day usually marks the beginning of the summer driving season. Just as the temperatures begin to rise, so do the gas prices.

 According to AAA, gas prices are up 26 cents from a month ago. That's a big jump.

While it's not as high as this time last year – about $3.70 a gallon – the current $2.22 average is still a heavy burden for working families in this bad economy.

With the increase in gas prices and our country's rising dependence on foreign oil, now is the time for Congress to work for U.S. energy independence.

Just the same, it's definitely not the time to look at raising energy costs on already hurting Americans.

Last week I, along with the entire Alabama Delegation, signed a letter outlining our concerns about the proposed Cap and Trade bill, which we believe could hurt our state, our economy, and most importantly our jobs. As currently written, this bill could raise our utility bills right when gas prices are also rising.

Like it or not, the South still relies on coal for much of its energy. Coal, of course, is high in carbon emissions, and under a cap and trade system would be “taxed” heavily. Those costs likely would be passed on to Alabama consumers and our vital manufacturing sector. That's why this legislation could be harmful to east Alabama families. It's also why I will continue to oppose it unless the bill improves for Alabama.

As gas prices rise, I also plan to keep my focus on renewable and alternative energy initiatives Congress should support. To help move the debate, this summer I plan on reintroducing the FREE (Furthering Renewable Energy and Exploration) Act. The bill does two things.

First, it would lift the ban on environmentally safe energy exploration in Alaska's National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR) to help increase our energy supplies here at home. Second, the bill would direct all federal royalties and taxes collected from the ANWR drilling sites into a new Energy Independence Trust Fund. Those grants could be brought back home for renewable fuel development initiatives at institutions like Auburn and Tuskegee. The grants would also support research into solar, wind, bio-mass, hydrogen or any other renewable fuel source. The best part: we're talking about creating new jobs and new markets for many of our agricultural resources in Alabama.

Last week, I held a live Tele-town Hall meeting to folks back home which included a survey: “Do you believe the federal government is doing enough to develop alternative energy sources?” Eighty-five percent of you said no.

I agree. Congress must continue to work towards energy independence, not an energy tax on Americans who are already hurting.


May 7, 2009

Auto industry vital to east Alabama economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — During these tough economic times, one of the best things Congress can do is to help protect and strengthen the jobs we have. The numbers say it all. The unemployment rate for Alabama in March was 9 percent, double what it was this time a year ago, at 4.3 percent.

That's where Congress can help. Times are very difficult for all of us in east Alabama, and to help improve our economy, I am working hard to develop common-sense solutions that could help protect our jobs and help boost our confidence as consumers. When you think about a leading industry in the state of Alabama, you tend to recognize the automobile industry.

Just in east Alabama, we are home to Hyundai in Montgomery and Honda in Lincoln. Soon, Kia will open a new plant just over the Georgia line. These companies and the supplier plants that support them employ thousands of folks across the 3rd Congressional District.

Just this month, on May 6, Honda Manufacturing in Lincoln celebrated its 10th anniversary. I would like to recognize and congratulate Honda for 10 successful years in Alabama. We need their success to continue, along with that of all the car manufacturers in the United States.

Earlier this year, I introduced the Consumer Auto Relief, or CAR Act. Over time, this bill could help protect our jobs in east Alabama and encourage lenders to lend working families money to buy a new car. The bill would incentivize buyers to purchase new cars now. The bill breaks down into three 90-day periods of federal tax deductions after enactment of the bill.

In the first 90 days, buyers would receive a $7,500 federal tax deduction, the second 90 days a $5,000 deduction and the third 90 days a $2,500 deduction. In addition, interest paid, as well as state and local taxes paid on the purchase in 2009, would be completely tax deductible.

On the lending side, lenders would catch a break by being able to deduct 50 percent of earnings on all new consumer car loans during this nine month period. Hopefully, this would help free up tight credit lines.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Congress may pass legislation to encourage folks to buy a new car. That's good news, but I hope it is legislation that helps all auto makers and families. My hope is that Congress will revisit the CAR Act to help keep our automobile industry thriving, especially in east Alabama.

Since in the month of May we also observe Memorial Day, I hope all of us will continue to remember the sacrifices of all of our veterans. We owe them all our deepest sense of gratitude. Let us all also continue to pray for our brave men and women in uniform serving overseas and their families back home.

Please continue to share your concerns with me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.


April 23, 2009

Spending, jobs, healthcare top concerns

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Congress began its district work period in early April, I was fortunate to spend the time working with and talking to folks across east Alabama. At “Congress on Your Corner” events across the Third District, residents had a chance to talk with me face to face about their concerns, from upcoming legislation to casework. 

Folks from all walks of life stopped by. We were in Jacksonville, Centre, Valley, Lineville, Hollis Crossroads, Dadeville, Smiths Station and Talladega. More are planned for May in other locations. Most folks wanted to talk about the congressional budget and the stimulus bill.  They said they’re deeply concerned about the large amounts of money the federal government is spending. 

While most folks understand the need to help stimulate our recession-plagued economy, judging by the feedback I got, folks seem to believe all that money Congress is spending – and borrowing – doesn’t seem to be making a difference. At an event at Auburn Montgomery, students were interested in hearing about the increasing partisanship in Congress. In  Auburn,  agriculture majors said they were concerned about proposed changes to last year’s Farm Bill. 

At Piedmont Elementary, I stopped by to see firsthand Gov. Bob Riley’s KidCheck program at work.  This is an important program in which students are screened for medical problems and can become eligible for help with medical insurance coverage. Ensuring coverage for our kids is critically important in these tough times when so many working families are having a hard time keeping their healthcare coverage – and another reason why I supported expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) recently. 

Speaking of healthcare reform, folks agree our healthcare system is broken. It costs too much, and is full of waste and inefficiencies - issues that need to be looked at in order to improve the quality, cost and availability of care. As Congress debates healthcare reform, Washington should remember the concerns of east Alabamians who agree on the need for improvements but don’t want to see a European-style, single-payer system. 

On this tour of the district and in meeting with folks across east Alabama, it’s clear the sacrifices everyone is making to get by.  So many more are living paycheck to paycheck in this stalled economy. Folks want good-paying jobs, and those who’ve recently lost their jobs, just want some real relief. 

The federal government should get to work to set a better example in these tough economic times by tightening its belt too, just as east Alabama taxpayers are. 

As always, I appreciate hearing from you. Please continue to share your concerns with me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers. 


March 16, 2009

Unemployment on the rise

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  With our stalled economy, one of the only changes we’ve endured in the first three months of this year is the unemployment rate.  It just keeps going up. More and more folks across east Alabama are losing their jobs or having their hours cut back.  Folks are struggling to survive – living month to month. 

The unemployment rate in Alabama for January was at 7.8 percent, the highest rate since 1987.  Wilcox County takes the top slot with the highest unemployment in the state at 19.5 percent. Things seem to continue getting worse with little relief in sight. 

In east Alabama, many good-paying jobs are the result of small businesses that have become the lifeblood of our economy. We all know how important major employers like the Anniston Army Depot and the auto industry are to east Alabama, but just think of all the home grown businesses that also support them. Just like families are tightening their belts, many small businesses are struggling to survive in this economy. Creating an environment for small businesses to thrive and create jobs is critical for our nation’s economic recovery.

Last week, I was disappointed to see some in Congress introduce a bill that could inject more uncertainty into our economy. The bill, H.R. 1409, the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as “Card Check,” was introduced with 222 cosponsors. The Senate should introduce a similar bill soon. Let’s be clear: labor unions aren’t the problem with this legislation. Many hard-working Alabamians are proud union members and I am equally proud to help represent their interests, especially those of our workforce at the Anniston Army Depot.

The problem with this legislation is that it does not provide for a secret ballot election, which is current law.  Many businesses, both small and large, in east Alabama have expressed strong concerns about this provision, and I agree with them. If workers want to form a union, they should have the protection of the secret ballot. Losing the protections of the secret ballot, an American tradition, injects a great degree of uncertainty into our workforce that is especially unnecessary in these tough economic times. 

Another troubling proposal that’s beginning to work its way through Congress is the real possibility of raising taxes. The president’s budget plan recommends increasing individual tax rates on folks that make over $200,000 a year.  That’s a lot of money, and in these tough times it’s easy to single out those at the top end to pay more. But included in this tax bracket are many small businesses that pay their taxes at the individual tax rate. Raising taxes is always a questionable action, but raising taxes during a recession on small businesses - which create so many jobs – is dangerous. 

On a lighter subject, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the Talladega College men’s basketball team for winning their first ever United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Championship Title.  I am proud to recognize head coach Matt Cross, Talladega College President Billy Hawkins and the entire Tornado team. 

Please contact me on this or any issue at any of my district offices or at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.


Feb. 23, 2009

Stimulus not good enough for east Alabama

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  We are all feeling the effects of our stalled economy. In Cherokee County, the unemployment rate was 6.6 percent for December 2008, which is up from the rate of 3.6 percent in December 2007. With declining home values and mounting job losses, folks in east Alabama are hurting.

Families across east Alabama and the nation have been waiting on Congress to help. Unfortunately, Congress last week passed a bill that was too short on tax cuts, investment, and job creation and too bloated with unrelated wasteful spending.

Most folks understand and agree on the urgency to act immediately. But this plan, H.R. 1, totaling around $800 billion, just doesn't go far enough to create jobs and get our economy moving while remaining temporary and targeted enough so that spending doesn't continue indefinitely.

The bill had its merits. Those included funding for infrastructure projects beneficial for east Alabama and one-time funding for Alabama's cash-strapped Medicaid program. Ultimately, however, those merits didn't outweigh its downsides.

Congress seemed to forget the purpose of this bill: to create jobs. To help do that Congress would increase the federal deficit on a short-term basis to fund one-time, “shovel ready” projects.

Yet only 3.4 percent of the bill's spending that is supposed to stimulate our economy by investing in infrastructure goes to highway spending. It is clear Congress missed a golden opportunity when it came to rebuilding our nation's infrastructure.

There is also too much spending on programs that have nothing to do with job creation. For example, included in the Stimulus Bill is $2 billion for the controversial group ACORN; $1 billion for the 2010 Census; $650 for digital television convertor box coupons; and $300 million for “green” golf carts. How does this help folks struggling to live paycheck to paycheck?

On the taxes front, the final bill reduced much-needed tax relief to only 18 percent of the bill.

Probably the most troubling feature of this bill is the mountains of new debt that it piles on our children and grandchildren by permanently expanding the size and scope of the federal government. Instead of a short term economic stimulus, this bill will place with interest over $1 trillion worth of debt on our future generations. Too many of its new programs simply won't end.

It was disappointing Congress could not produce a more focused bill. Folks in east Alabama and across America deserve better. Many agree with that assessment — every Republican in the House of Representatives and six of seven Alabama congressmen, both Democratic and Republican — voted against it, along with both Alabama senators.

As always, please contact me with your concerns at any of my district offices or at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.