THE CONAWAY CHRONICLE, Volume 5, Issue 4

Thank you for reading The Conaway Chronicle, a review of my activities in Congress. This newsletter is to let you know what’s going on in Washington and what important issues are being debated in Congress.

Last week, I held eleven town hall meetings across West and Central Texas, where I listened to and took note of ideas and concerns of the people of District 11.  House Republicans across the nation are hosting similar meetings to help launch a new and revolutionary initiative: America Speaking Out.  In person and online, we want to hear your ideas that will lead our country in a new direction, and get it back on the right path.  We will incorporate many of these ideas into a new, responsive and responsible governing agenda that all Americans can support. It has become increasingly clear that Democrats and Washington bureaucrats do not have the will or want to seek out and apply common sense solutions to the many problems that face our country. 

The most pressing issue acknowledged by my constituents is the economy, and the reckless fiscal policies of the Democrats in Congress and the Obama administration.  From Big Lake to Colorado City to Comanche, those in attendance told me that, in order for their families and small businesses to prosper and survive, they must live within their means.  It should be no different for their government.  In each community, participants voiced their concerns over increases in what they already considered to be out-of-control spending. Though our deficits continue to skyrocket, no one suggested that a greater tax burden placed upon people or businesses would align our stars.

Most, if not all, suggested that we must reduce spending.  A gentleman in San Saba suggested that we should not follow the European spending model, let alone send them bailout money.  Without cuts in the overall deficit we could face an equally grim scenario.  However, the United States does not have to walk the same path.  We are a strong nation, with a capable citizenry, that can and should hand a greater nation to our children than the one we inherited.

I have spoken to many people, including farmers in Miles, Robert Lee and elsewhere, who do not want to see the estate tax reinstituted.  Family farmers worry that the taxes assessed, when loved ones pass, might not allow their families to continue farming on the land that they have spent years, or even generations, cultivating.  In these cases, land is not just property; it is the land that puts food on the table and a roof over the heads of their families. It runs deep in their veins and it is part of their heritage.

A resident in Bronte recommended that tort reform could lower health care costs.  Most cost cutting measures were ignored by the governing party while the health care debate was raging.  Whether in Sterling City or Winters, a majority of my constituents would like health care reform, but not the kind forced upon them by the Democrats.  A majority of those attending these town halls want us to scrap the bill passed this spring, to replace it with real common sense reforms.

Much like health care, energy costs worry Americans.  The voters of District 11 know that if the Democrats pass Cap-and-Trade, then energy costs will increase.  We must be good stewards of the Earth’s resources.  However, passing legislation that forces higher energy costs on America’s businesses and families with no measureable results is not the answer.

A woman from Mertzon would like a more competent process by which rural communities are fully accounted for in the census.  The accuracy of those numbers can be vitally important to small communities.  Another from Bronte would like more to be done to extend broadband coverage to her community, and those like hers.  I agree, as broadband has the potential to generate American jobs in rural America - not overseas. Also, I was pleased to hear one individual from Ballinger express concern towards acquisition process within our Department of Defense.  This is an issue that I am very passionate about.  Currently, there is no way to verify that all funds allocated are spent well.  We want to ensure money is being spent to strengthen, arm and protect our armed forces.

All of these examples are just some of the ideas that have been offered by Texans from different regions, counties and communities within District 11.  However, Republicans want to hear more ideas from Americans all across the country.  I strongly encourage everyone to go to www.AmericaSpeakingOut.com and make your voices heard.