The REAL Inconvenient Truth

Statement

The REAL Inconvenient Truth

Insisting on a Comprehensive Climate Analysis

Sen. Voinovich has been at the forefront of shaping the national bipartisan climate change debate. He does not believe passing climate legislation should be done on the backs of working families. Over the past few weeks Sen. Voinovich has continued his diligent fight to slow the artificially rapid passage of the Boxer-Kerry climate legislation. He believes that his Senate colleagues and the public must have a full and comprehensive EPA analysis before voting on the legislation. This week, Sen. Voinovich spoke to his democratic colleagues on the Environment and Public Works Committee to implore upon them the importance of understanding the full economic impact of this monumental legislation. He is working to save hundreds of thousands of Ohio jobs and protect Ohio seniors and families from sky-rocketing natural gas, electricity and gasoline costs. An analysis by the American Council for Capital Formation indicates that an average Ohio family's household income could be reduced by $133 to $261 per year by 2020. Sen. Voinovich will continue fighting to protect Ohio's jobs and families and for transparent hearings and a comprehensive analysis of the Boxer-Kerry climate legislation.

Supporting Ohio Energy, Nuclear and Water Infrastructure

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and member of the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development conference committee, Sen. Voinovich worked hard to ensure the final report included funding for Ohio energy and water infrastructure projects. The legislation, which was recently signed into law, provides funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy, and a number of independent agencies including the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). Sen. Voinovich also worked with his colleagues to include provisions in the final bill that will help shape and advance sound nuclear energy policy in the United States. The resurgence of nuclear energy will afford a huge opportunity for the expansion of Ohio's manufacturing sector, the creation of thousands of good paying jobs, and reliable emissions-free base load generation.

Fighting for Neighborhoods in Columbus

As a former mayor and governor, Sen. Voinovich has long been concerned about quality, affordable housing and strong communities. He has held firmly to the notion that the vitality of a city is generated in its neighborhoods. Over the years Sen. Voinovich has fought for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, the extension of our Community Development Block Grants program, and for legislation to respond to the subprime foreclosure crisis and support the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. His efforts were most recently recognized when he was honored with the "Bring People Home" award from the Columbus Housing Partnership (CHP). In accepting this award, Sen. Voinovich mentioned the importance of public-private partnerships in rebuilding our neighborhoods as Ohio moves out of the recession and the foreclosure crisis. CHP has been a valuable resource to Sen. Voinovich. He has met regularly with members of Ohio's housing community, attending listening sessions with CHP and community tours hosted by Mayor Coleman. Sen. Voinovich looks forward to continuing to work with CHP as they move Columbus and Ohio forward.

Ensuring Funding for Ohio Water Projects and the Great Lakes

Sen. Voinovich's support for infrastructure did not stop with the Energy and Water Conference Report -- he also helped secure funding for the Great Lakes, water infrastructure and national parks projects in the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior Appropriations Conference Report, which was also signed into law recently. Infrastructure investments are one of the few areas where federal spending is guaranteed to yield near-term economic gains and create jobs. This is why Sen. Voinovich believes it is of the utmost importance that Ohio has full funding for preserving national parks, improving water infrastructure projects and restoring the Great Lakes. Included in the legislation was $475 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which supports the president's budget request and will be used for the restoration and environmental remediation of the Great Lakes region. Additionally, he secured $4 million to purchase property for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which will bolster the park's efforts to maintain its beautiful natural habitat. Funding was also secured for sewer restoration and replacement projects in Fostoria and Fremont, as well as Belmont, Knox and Ottawa counties.

Giving Back to Kids in Cleveland

Sen. Voinovich was recently awarded the Golden Shoe Award at the Shoes and Clothes for Kids' 2009 Heart & Sole Luncheon for his 40 years of public service and commitment to improving the lives of children and families. All proceeds from the luncheon benefited Shoes and Clothes for Kids, a nonprofit organization in Greater Cleveland that provides new shoes and clothes to thousands of children in need. Sen. Voinovich has been involved with the Cleveland-based organization for many years. In fact, he inducted founder Morrie Sayre into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 1992, and declared "Morrie Sayre Day" in Cleveland in 1982. At the luncheon, Sen. Voinovich pledged to continue to support organizations like Shoes and Clothes for Kids' after he retires from the Senate next year and returns to his home in Collinwood.

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