Blog: What Kansans Are Saying About Spending and Jobs

Statement

Dear Friends,

I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt condolences to the families of five Ft. Riley soldiers who were killed in action in Iraq this week. Please join my family and me in praying for these five heroes, their families and friends as we honor their sacrifices in defense of America.

Constituents Report: Hold the Line on Spending!
This week I traveled across the First District to host seven town hall meetings in Osborne, Smith Center, Mankato, Belleville, Madison, Council Grove, and Lyons. At these events constituents shared with me their concerns about many issues, but most often they voiced their worries about Washington's spending and debt load. As Washington decides how to handle another possible increase in the country's credit card limit, I will continue to keep these views of constituents in mind.

Eventually, America's bill collectors will be standing at the front door asking for repayment of the country's $14.3 trillion worth of debt it has now (and growing). Repayment may fall on individuals, families, and employers who pay taxes now or it may fall on the backs of America's children and grandchildren when they are older, putting the American Dream of prosperity out of reach. It is for this reason that Washington has to do something now to curb current and future spending before we can responsibly even consider any increase in the debt limit.

Job Creators Say: Get Washington out of the Way!
In addition to the town hall meetings, I had the privilege of touring three major employers in Salina: Phillips, Tony's Pizza, and Vortex Valves. I enjoyed meeting with managers and employees at these three locations, learning about the products they make and how their operations work. In addition to these town hall meetings, the Salina Chamber hosted a Roundtable with other job creators in the region. To the more than 15 employers who took the time to share with me their perspectives on federal taxation and regulation in the workplace - thank you!

The country will not get out of this economic rut unless Washington scales back its influence in the day-to-day operations of businesses. Did you know that on average it costs more than $10,000 per employee for an employer to comply with all federal regulations? That type of burden makes it difficult for a business to create new jobs. America's job creators need less regulation and tax certainty in order to risk creating new positions in their businesses.

If you are an employer, please take a few minutes to visit my website and share your thoughts as to what is and what is not working for your business when it comes to Washington's regulations: http://huelskamp.house.gov/jobcreators.

Calling on Secretary Sebelius to Let the Sun Shine on Waiver Process
Did you know that nearly 1,400 labor unions and businesses have been granted special exemptions from complying with the new rules and regulations of Obamacare? This is very concerning, as the law should apply evenly and fairly to everyone. If waivers are available to some, they should be available to all. Thirty-one of my colleagues joined me in a letter to Secretary Sebelius asking for more disclosure as to how waivers are granted or not granted. I'll keep you posted as to if and when we receive an answer from her. Be sure - if the Obama Administration refuses to answer - they admit political favoritism.

Visitors in D.C.
While I was in Kansas, your Washington, D.C. staff had the privilege of meeting with Jamie Kratzer, Brett Gardner, and Lance Zimmerman of the Kansas Livestock Association; Kansas students flown to D.C. by the National National Telecommunications Cooperative Association; and Kansas members of the American Physical Therapy Association, including Dave Sanderson from Southwind Physical Therapy, Inc. in Salina.

Sincerely,

Congressman Tim Huelskamp

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