Top Issues at Town Meetings

Last week I had the opportunity to host two community town hall meetings in the Northern part of the 4th district. I enjoy these events because it gives me a chance to hold a forum in which citizens can ask me questions and give me their opinions directly. The two meetings I held in Midwest City and Norman were attended by individuals who asked about legislation and requested federal assistance information from my staff. At both meetings, a few issues kept coming up, revealing that national economic concerns are clearly on the minds of Oklahomans.

During the meeting, a number of people expressed their desire to see the nation have a healthy economy for many years to come. Recently, I voted in favor of an economic growth package that will give tax rebates to Americans at the end of this tax season. But it has to go one step further. While this short term stimulus will jump-start the economy, lawmakers are accountable to the American people for creating a plan for long term growth. In the next few years Congress will be debating the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts instituted by President Bush. I believe those cuts which include eliminating the marriage penalty, repealing the death tax, and creating child tax deductions should be made permanent. This will put money back in the wallets of Oklahomans.

Some others in the meeting voiced their concern that reckless government spending has attributed to the current economic pinch. During my tenure in Congress I have consistently voted for the smallest possible budget every year. I believe government is too big and spends too much. This excessive spending needs to halt soon to avoid an even more serious economic crisis.

During the town hall meeting, a few participants brought up questions about the uncertainties facing the housing market. They expressed their frustrations towards those companies who lent money to individuals who could not afford a traditional mortgage due to low credit ratings or insufficient income. Although I do believe that there needs to be some help offered to home owners who are at risk of losing their homes, I do not believe that our government should bail out subprime mortgage lenders or borrowers. This problem requires a creative solution, but it should not be one that is shouldered by the taxpayers of America.
While the country's economy is certainly stalled at the moment, I have faith in our collective ability to right the ship of state and grow our way out of recession. Ours is a strong, diverse and resilient country. And despite the very real and significant challenges we face, I am confident that the American spirit will prevail and we will continue to be the engine that fuels the world economy.