An Economic Recovery Plan that Works

One of the quickest ways to get our economy back on track is to reduce the tax burden on small businesses and working families, and empower American workers to make smart choices with the money they earn. Rather than trying to tax and spend our way back to prosperity, we should alternatively consider ways to protect taxpayers from higher costs and more regulation.

Over the last several months, many of you have expressed concerns regarding tax-increase proposals introduced in Congress or put forward by the Obama Administration. I am strongly opposed to increasing taxes and more unnecessary deficit spending, particularly as we work to rebuild our economy. Doing so only discourages job creation and, in the process, burdens future generations with enormous debt.

Unemployment figures reached record levels again for the 17^th consecutive week despite the enactment of a $1 trillion stimulus package and hundreds-of-billions of dollars in other federal spending. To help put this spending in perspective, it was recently reported that federal tax dollars have replaced sales, property and income taxes as the primary source of revenue for state and local governments for the first time since the mid-1970s. Even so, a recent analysis by the Heritage Foundation indicates that, under President Obama’s wage tax proposal, residents of the 52^nd Congressional District alone would pay an additional $58 million in new taxes each year.

Whether through higher taxes on income or the energy that we all use in our homes or the workplace, it is clear by now that additional spending and tax increases are the wrong answer. We need a different approach. That is why I am continuing to work with my colleagues to promote sensible alternatives to reduce the deficit, lower taxes for families and businesses, and strengthen the basic foundation of our economy.

To view a list of these legislative initiatives, in addition to others that I am supporting in Congress, please click here. I also encourage you to visit my website to sign up for regular email updates on these important issues.

Town Hall Events

Over the Memorial Day work period, I hosted Town Hall meetings with San Diego County residents on veterans and healthcare issues. We discussed different ideas to increase access to affordable healthcare, improve the quality of veterans care and streamline the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits system.

Also present were representatives from the VA and the Social Security Administration (SSA). These representatives were available to answer questions and provide assistance to individuals experiencing difficulty working through federal programs under the purview of the VA and SSA. Both events were a great success and I look forward to organizing additional meetings on these and other important issues in the near future.

If you would like to receive information about upcoming events, please contact my El Cajon office at 619-448-5201.

Remembering America’s Fallen Heroes

It was a great honor to speak at the remembrance ceremony at the Lakeside VFW Post on Memorial Day. Each year, we come together to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. Like so many other Americans, I joined the Marine Corps after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and proudly served in America’s armed forces. Many of us are personally connected to those who have lost their lives in the War against Terrorism. Their memory and sacrifice, as well as those who lost their lives defending our nation at other times in history, will never be forgotten.