“The American people are hurting, and you can hardly talk to anyone who doesn’t have a relative or friend out of work. We haven’t seen a level of unemployment like this since April of 1983,” Thompson explained. “More than 190,000 Americans lost their jobs in October."
Tomorrow the House of Representatives will vote on the Pelosi Health Care bill, which raises $150 billion in taxes from small businesses. It is small businesses who generate the majority of new jobs in this country and employ just over half of all private sector employees.
More than 2.8 million jobs have been lost since the stimulus was signed by the President. “I disagreed with the stimulus at the time it was passed and believed that the alternative economic recovery plan would have created twice the jobs at half the costs of the plan that passed,” Thompson said.
“I believe the majority is preparing to make another huge mistake. This bill is 2,000+ pages of tax hikes, red tape, and federal mandates,” said Thompson. “The $1.3 trillion measure is a stunning federal power grab – granting a new breed of federal super-bureaucrat the authority to reshape our health care system from the inside out. The new federal Health Choices Commissioner will have some 67 new authorities including: Assessing civil money penalties against QHBPs (qualified health benefit plans) for violating federal requirements, and suspending enrollment of individuals enrolled in QHBPs that violate federal requirements. Everyone must have exactly the same health care plan whether it is what you want or not.”
“This time around, I am again supporting an alternative measure. The Congressional Budget Office has looked at the bill I support and written that it will lower premiums by up to 10 percent and reduce the deficit by $68 billion over 10 years without imposing tax increases on families and small businesses. It addresses medical liability tort reform, allows small businesses to pool together to offer health care at lower prices and establishes Universal Access Programs to guarantee access to affordable care for those with pre-existing conditions. Perhaps its biggest asset is that it does not kill jobs while it is making healthcare more affordable,” Thompson said.
Thompson concluded, “At last count there were 79 Democrats still said to be in opposition to this bill. It will be interesting to see if backroom deals are cut overnight.”
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“The bill has 111 new boards, commissions and programs that we have been able to count so far,” said Thompson. “They include the National Medical Device Registry and a Special Inspector General for the Health Insurance Exchange. That is full employment in Washington, D.C., but the bill is a job killer for small businesses.”
For example, on Page 297, section 501 imposes a 2.5 percent tax on all individuals who do not purchase exchange approved health insurance. The tax would apply on individuals with incomes under $250,000 thus breaking a central promise of President Obama’s campaign to not raise taxes on this group.
On Page 313, section 512 imposes an 8 percent tax on jobs for employers that cannot afford to purchase exchange approved health insurance. According to Harvard Professor Kate Baicker, such a tax would place millions at substantial risk of unemployment. Small businesses, which employ just over half of all private sector employees, would be hit hardest.
“During this time of economic downturn we should be finding ways to support our small businesses to help grow the economy and reduce unemployment, instead of pulling the rug out from under them,” Thompson said.
“I am supporting the Republican alternative that will end junk lawsuits by enacting medical liability reforms modeled after the successful state laws of California and Texas. Our plan gives small businesses the power to pool together and offer health care at lower prices, just as corporations and labor unions do. It allows Americans to buy insurance across state lines to increase competition. It allows dependents to remain on their parents’ policies until they are age 25. The cost of these measures is almost zero. No jobs are lost, and no taxes are increased,” said Thompson.
The Republicans were only able to get through a small portion of the bill in the four hours they allotted to the task.
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“These are competitive grants that assist local fire departments to increase their staffing and deployment capabilities in order to respond to emergencies more quickly and with the appropriate number of personnel,” said U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, a long-time volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. “Organizations eligible to apply should begin the process as soon as possible.”
SAFER Grants provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations in order to help them increase the number of trained, “front-line” firefighters available in their communities, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
SAFER Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate in coordination with the U. S. Fire Administration.
“Homeland Security has set up a website that provides a tutorial on just how to apply for these grants,” Thompson explained. “It gives the overview of their funding priorities and how they evaluate applicants.” The website is www.firegrantsupport.com, but applicants may also call 1-866-274-0960 or e-mail firegrants@dhs.gov for more information.
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Act 44 tasks the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission with providing annual lease payments to PennDOT in exchange for operating I-80 as a toll road. This new application attempts to alleviate concerns addressed by FHWA in a September 2008 memo, which blocked the joint application from moving forward.
“Act 44 has been a dice roll from the beginning. The Governor knew this, the Legislature knew this, and the Turnpike Commission knew this. All were complacent, as they sat back and allowed the Turnpike to borrow and spend almost $2 billion since July 2007, without any guarantee of repayment.
“After an initial review of the financial analysis, it expressly states that I-80 traffic patterns have uncertainty to them once tolls are placed on the Interstate. Any diversion, which is not addressed in this application, will have an effect on revenues and will jeopardize future highway and bridge funding,” Thompson said.
Thompson has said for some time that tolls on existing interstates are a double tax. Pennsylvania already has the highest state imposed diesel fuel tax nationally at 38 cents per gallon and the second highest state imposed gasoline tax at 31 cents per gallon. For every $1.00 in fuels taxes sent to Washington, the Commonwealth receives $1.15 back.
Additionally, and perhaps most egregiously, Act 44 does nothing more than double the size and scope of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. “This is the same Turnpike Commission that has been the backdrop for several scandals and a slew of indictments. Act 44 is a cover-up of years of mismanagement of taxpayer funds and the perpetuation of an antiquated and corrupt Turnpike Commission,” added Thompson.
“This is not fair to the taxpayers in Pennsylvania—not just along the I-80 corridor, but in the Commonwealth as a whole,” said Thompson. “This is about good government, not politics as usual in Harrisburg, the taxpayers in Pennsylvania deserve better. I have been in close contact with the Federal Highway Administration and plan to meet with them to voice my opposition. I look forward to working with my colleagues here in the House, who recognize the multiple flaws in this plan and remain committed to keeping I-80 toll free.”
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The ceremony, sponsored by the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the Arts and Entertainment Television Network, took place last night at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington where several other legislators were honored for their achievements.
Thompson was recognized because of his work supporting career and technical education programs. He is a member of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, and serves on the Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness Subcommittee of the Education and Labor Committee.
In support of career and technical education, the Congressman wrote an op-ed in The Hill newspaper in May that contained the following: “As Congress moves forward with the goal of creating new jobs, we must place a national focus on retooling our workforce in order to remain competitive. We must ensure there are enough workers to fill the technical jobs that will soon be vacated by the retiring baby boomer generation and also to make certain there are enough skilled workers to fill newly created jobs. This will foster real economic growth with realistic and sustainable jobs.”
This year was the 40th anniversary for the Committee for Education Funding, (www.cef.org) a non-profit and non-partisan coalition of more than 80 organizations reflecting the broad spectrum of the education community.
Other awards went to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, Sen. Jim Webb, D-VA, Rep. Timothy Bishop, D-NY , Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-RI, and Ellen Murray, the clerk of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee.
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In the joint letter, Thompson and the legislators commented, “Because agriculture in general - and the dairy industry in particular - is so important to our state’s economy and the wellbeing of so many families throughout the Commonwealth, we believe that it is imperative that Pennsylvania has adequate representation on this Committee. We additionally believe that Mr. Erick Coolidge is the best fit candidate for the position.
“He (Coolidge) is a fourth generation dairy farmer with nearly 45 years of experience in the industry both on and off the farm,” the letter stated.
The legislators concluded, “Mr. Coolidge has vast expertise in the dairy industry and will be a valuable asset to the Advisory Committee. We look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack and the Department of Agriculture for immediate strategies that address the current dairy crisis, while simultaneously identifying and implementing long-term improvements to the pricing system.”
According to USDA, the purpose of the new committee is to review the issues of farm milk price volatility and dairy farmer profitability and to provide suggestions and ideas to Secretary Vilsack on how USDA can best address these issues to meet the dairy industry’s needs.
Thompson joined fellow Pennsylvania legislators Jim Gerlach, Joe Pitts, Bill Shuster, Todd Platts and Charles Dent in nominating Coolidge.
If appointed, Coolidge will serve a 2-year term as part of a 15-member group representing industry, producers and their organizations, consumers, academia, retailers and state agencies involved in dairy.
USDA’s nomination period ends at the close of business today.
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“Tom and Patti Long have two biological children, who are now grown and on their own. Tom was active in the Big Brother/Big Sister organization when they lived in Ohio and in Pennsylvania. As their second child was about to graduate high school in Bald Eagle Area High School near their home in Howard, Pennsylvania, they were notified that a “Little Brother” was being removed from his foster home,” said Thompson.
“David had switched homes and school districts several times before he was even 10 years old. In the 5th grade, David had switched homes three times in the first five weeks of school before he was fortunate enough to cross paths with the Long family. The Longs opened their arms and their home and family to the young man. That was in 2001. In 2005, the adoption was finally approved and David is now an 18-year-old high school graduate, an accomplished Eagle Scout and has plans to enlist in the U.S. Navy. This is a compassionate and nurturing family and I was proud to nominate them for the Angels program.”
The Angels in Adoption™ program is CCAI’s signature public awareness campaign and provides an opportunity for all members of the U.S. Congress to honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans in the United States and abroad.
In addition to the more than 190 local angels from around the country, several National Angels will also be recognized at the ceremony and gala for their dedication and commitment nationally and internationally to child welfare on a grand scale. Former “National Angels” include First Lady Laura Bush, Patti LaBelle, Jane Seymour, Muhammad Ali, the late Dave Thomas, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bruce Willis, Alonzo Mourning, and Marcus Samuelsson.
Thompson and the Longs will participate in an award ceremony in Washington, D.C. on September 30 at 2 p.m., in 325 Russell Senate Office Building, where Thompson will present the Angel Certificate and engraved pin to the couple.
CCAI was created in 2001 by the active co-chairs of the bicameral, bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA) to more effectively raise Congressional and public awareness about the issue of adoption.
CCAI does not receive any government funding and they rely on the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individuals to accomplish their mission. For more information visit http://www.ccainstitute.org/
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The event will include a welcome from the University and a presentation on the Pitt-Bradford Experience. Two guest speakers are Larry Lepidi, Director of Law and Government Affairs with Joy Mining Machinery and Larry Schardt, National Resource Conservationist with Community Partnership Resource Conservation and Development. Thompson will discuss his work on Capitol Hill and some of the current issues before the Congress and will take questions from the students.
The featured speaker will be Robb Armstrong, a cartoonist who draws the comic strip, “Jump Start.” The strip runs in more than 450 newspapers in eight countries, including The Philadelphia Inquirer. He will speak on how students can achieve their goals.
Students from the Western part of the congressional district will attend this event and students from the Eastern part of the district will attend a similar event at Lock Haven University on September 29, 2009. Some 27 advisors will accompany the students from the following high schools: Clarion Limestone, Northern Potter, Cameron County, Smethport, Austin, East Forest, North Clarion, DuBois, St. Marys, West Forest, Port Allegany, Sheffield, Warren, Kane Eisenhower, Youngsville, Bradford, and A-C Valley.
THE PRESS IS WELCOME TO ATTEND ANY PORTION, OR ALL OF THE SEMINAR.
WHO: Congressman Glenn `GT’ Thompson
Cartoonist Robb Armstrong
Larry Schardt, National Resource Conservationist with Community Partnership
Resource Conservation and Development
Larry Lepidi, Director Law and Government Affairs with Joy Mining Machinery
WHAT: “Government Outreach 2009”for 5th District high school students
WHEN: Registration begins at 8:15 a.m., Monday, September 28, 2009
Concludes with lunch
WHERE: Blaisdell Fine Arts Building
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
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The event will include a welcome from the University and a presentation on the Lock Haven Experience. Two guest speakers are Jordan Clark, chief of staff to Thompson, and Lou Boltik from Joy Mining Machinery, who will speak on energy issues. Talking about the challenges facing small businesses will be David Dickson, District Director of the Small Business Administration and Paula Watts, a member of his staff who is a business development specialist; and, Tim Keohane, Director of the Small Business Development Center at Lock Haven University. Thompson will discuss his work on Capitol Hill and some of the current issues before the Congress and will take questions from the students.
The featured speaker will be Robb Armstrong, a cartoonist who draws the comic strip, “Jump Start.” The strip runs in more than 450 newspapers in eight countries, including The Philadelphia Inquirer. He will speak on how students can achieve their goals.
Students from the Eastern part of the congressional district will attend this event and students from the Western part of the district will attend a similar event at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on September 28, 2009.
Some 20 teachers will accompany the students from the following high schools: S. Williamsport, Jersey Shore, Montgomery, Bald Eagle, Bellefonte, Cowanesque, Elkland, Wellsboro, and Central Mountain.
THE PRESS IS WELCOME TO ATTEND ANY PORTION, OR ALL OF THE SEMINAR.
WHO: Congressman Glenn `GT’Thompson
Cartoonist Robb Armstrong
Jordan Clark, Thompson’s chief of staff
Lou Boltik, Joy Mining Machinery
David Dickson, District Director of the Small Business Administration
Paula Watts, SBA business development specialist
Tim Keohane, Director of the Small Business Development Center
Lock Haven University
WHAT: “Government Outreach 2009” for 5th District high school students
WHEN: Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Concludes with lunch
WHERE: Price Auditorium Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
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“The Obama administration has privately concluded that a cap and trade law would cost American taxpayers up to $200 billion a year, the equivalent of hiking personal income taxes by about 15 percent,” according to CBS reporter Declan McCullagh. “At the upper end of the administration’s estimate, the cost per American household would be an extra $1,761 a year.”
“How is the average American household going to pay for this added almost $2000 a year?” asked Thompson. “How are my constituents, in some of the lowest employment areas in the state, supposed to pay for this?”
The analysis was prepared by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and was obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the free-market Competitive Enterprise Institute, who presumably gave it to CBS.
“For some reason, the Obama Administration has never released this memo from Judson Jaffe at Treasury, who also writes: `It will raise energy prices and impose annual costs on the order of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.’ Apparently the Treasury Department blacked out that line because they did not want the American people to see it,” said Thompson.
Democrats have pointed to estimates of about $800 a year per household. Republicans had set the figure at $3,100 per year.
“There are reasons to address climate change, but there should be transparency about how much it is going to cost. I repeatedly have said cap and trade will raise energy costs and tax each household while contributing to job loss on a massive scale,” said Thompson. “There are those who counter that `green jobs’ will be created, and perhaps that is true. But robbing one set of jobs to pay another is no help to our struggling economy.”
For a look at the CBS story, go to:
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/09/15/taking_liberties/entry5314040.shtml
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“These are competitive grants that address the safety of the public and of firefighters from fire and fire-related hazards,” said U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, a long-time volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. “Organizations eligible to apply should begin the process as soon as possible.”
The projects supported by the grants are often those that include smoke alarm installation, fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The AFG program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate in coordination with the U. S. Fire Administration.
“Homeland Security has set up a website that provides a tutorial on just how to apply for these grants,” Thompson explained. “It gives the overview of their funding priorities and how they evaluate applicants.” The website is www.firegrantsupport.com, but applicants may also call 1-866-274-0960 or or e-mail firegrants@dhs.gov for more information.
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Tayloe testified today at a hearing on H1N1 in the House Committee on Small Business. U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, co-chaired the hearing due to the delayed arrival of the ranking member Rep. Sam Graves, R-Missouri. The chairman is Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-New York.
Tayloe went on to explain that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), calculates the infection risk in the 0 to 24 age group to be four to five times greater than for those 25 to 49. He explained that children appear to have no immunity to the disease and said he anticipates the CDC will recommend children receive two doses of the H1N1 vaccine to obtain maximum protective benefit.
“Dr. Tayloe’s testimony is important for all parents. We need to realize that young people and the aged are more at risk in this potential epidemic,” said Thompson. “This hearing was important to also show the potential impacts to our small business communities and how they can prepare.”
Harold Jackson, a small business owner testified on behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on how small businesses will be affected by absenteeism when H1N1 takes hold.
Jackson said, “The U.S. Chamber recommends that small business owners select someone to be responsible for emergency planning, including infectious disease issues, at the workplace. Also, small business owners should update employee telephone rosters, buy emergency supplies (federal officials recommend storing a two-week supply of food and medical resources for work and home), and review emergency plans with employees.”
He explained his company has taken the following actions:
• Communicating with employees about H1N1 to increase awareness and education.
• Cleaning regularly key boards, desks, file cabinets, and other equipment.
• Installing hand-sanitation stations.
• Having a visiting nurse give free seasonal flu shots to employees, and requesting
H1N1 shots when they become available.
• Purchasing additional copies of special software to allow employees to work from
home.
• Considering limiting travel, should the pandemic worsen, to reduce the risk of
exposure to people with H1N1.
For additional information, go to: www.flu.gov.
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“High school seniors should be aware that the Academy Nomination Application deadline is Oct. 1, 2009,” said Thompson. “We are still accepting new applicants and they still have time to complete a file for nomination and to apply at the various academies. However, just like other college applications, once the deadline is reached, applicants must look to 2011 for another opportunity.”
Thompson’s website: www.thompson.house.gov has all the information on the application process under the title of “services,” including an on-line application.
The basic requirements for applying for a nomination are: the candidate must be at least 17 years old but not have passed his or her 23rd birthday; must be a U.S. citizen; must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents; must reside within the boundaries of the 5th Congressional District of Pennsylvania; and must be able to meet the medical, physical and academic requirements of the academies.
“The military academies offer an amazing educational experience and the opportunity to serve our country,” said Thompson. “Nominating young men and women to the academies is one of the distinct privileges of my position and I approach the job with pride and diligence.”
The four academies that accept nominations through U.S. government representatives are: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. The remaining U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut accepts candidates based on its own testing criteria.
If there are questions not answered on the Thompson website, applicants can call (814) 353-0215 and ask for the Academy Coordinator, Susan Gurekovich.
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]]>His words are in a letter sent today to the District Ranger of the Allegheny National Forest. The letter serves as his comment on the supplemental environmental impact statement to the amendment of the Forest Service’s 5-year plan as a result of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) litigation settlement. The comment period ends tomorrow.
Thompson details the rigorous process already in effect under Pennsylvania law before energy production can take place in the ANF. And he questions the need to apply studies under NEPA as another step. “In my view, the comment period (under NEPA) has the potential to provide for frivolous lawsuits, unnecessary delays, and redundant environmental reviews, superseding historical context of the leasing process in the ANF,” wrote Thompson. “This is exactly the reason why the litigants have attempted to force this law upon private oil and gas production in the ANF.”
He continues, “Most of the wells in the Allegheny National Forest are shallow, meaning that they are highly productive at first, but taper off over a year or two. This suggests that producers must have a steady flow of new permits, otherwise they will not be able to continue to earn a sustainable profit. The real result of applying NEPA—to which litigants are aware—is that without supply (of steady permitting) these producers will go out of business.”
Thompson also explained his concerns over the process used by the Forest Service in regard to this litigation and the abrupt halt to leasing. “It has become very apparent to me and many of my colleagues in the House of Representatives that there is an unwarranted policy change occurring within the Forest Service. Some within the agency appear to be far more focused upon forest preservation and mitigating global warming, rather than the real function of the Forest Service: forest management.”
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