LeMieux on fishing restrictions, national debt, health care reform; with video
An update from Florida Sen. George LeMieux on his perspective of things in Washington D.C.
If you would like real-time news and views of what is going on in Washington from Sen. George LeMieux, follow him on Twitter. Visit http://www.twitter.com/George_LeMieux.
Health Care Update: Approved House Bill NOT What the Doctor Ordered.
As I have said on numerous occasions I support creating more access to affordable health care but the House bill that passed last Saturday is not a solution. The bill creates a new set of problems and unfortunately, we will all pay the price.
The Senate majority is currently crafting a similar bill behind closed doors that will cut Medicare, raise taxes, increase insurance premiums and create a trillion-dollar new federal program.
This so-called reform will hurt Florida because it cuts Medicare benefits for nearly a million Floridians and raises taxes. We should reform the programs we already have instead of creating new programs that will cost taxpayers more money and bring little benefit. We should start over, have a full and open debate, and take this step by step.
Last Thursday, I talked at length about current health care reform efforts on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal program. See below for video.
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Calling for Review of Restrictions on Florida Recreational Fishermen
Recreational fishing is a huge part of Florida’s economy and way of life. Floridians have adhered to fishing limits, but now, federal officials are trying to change the regulations without listening to the communities most impacted. NOAA has placed new restrictions and early season closures on the Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack fisheries, significantly impacting recreational fishermen.
Before we create a new policy, there needs to be more discussion, review, and public input. Last week, I received a commitment from the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Dr. Jane Lubchenco, that she will appoint a senior policy advisor to improve relations between NOAA and the recreational fishing community.
The federal government also needs to review how it determines the appropriate restrictions. I have serious concerns about the information the National Marine Fisheries Service is using to set new fishing restrictions and closures. I have heard from fishermen in Florida who believe the information is not accurate and in fact they are seeing an abundance of fish compared to other years. Watch excerpts from the Commerce Committee hearing on this matter.
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Tackling the National Debt
Last Friday, I spoke on the Senate floor to raise awareness about the size of our national debt, which now stands at nearly $12 trillion. I plan to continue urging my colleagues to balance the budget and cut federal spending to secure a brighter future for our children and their children. Currently, we pay more than $700 million a day in interest on the debt totaling more than $250 billion a year. A mounting national debt and unchecked deficit spending harms our entire nation and threatens our country’s prosperity.
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Recognizing Job Creators in Florida
Last Thursday, I was honored to help recognize four outstanding Florida companies who excel in the area of increasing American exports.
Lexington International of Boca Raton and The Produce Connection of Miami received the President’s “E” Award for Exports in recognition of their achievement in supporting export growth in the U.S. business community. In addition, Domestic Environmental Corporation of Pompano Beach and Enterprise Florida of Orlando were each given an “E” Star Award for Exports for their sustained export expansion efforts. These “E” Awards are the highest honor the Federal Government can give to a U.S. exporting company.
At a time when the nation’s unemployment is at historic highs, these Florida companies are doing their best to keep creating jobs and opportunities for Floridians. Congratulations to all!
Federal Service Open House in Jacksonville
When I was sworn into the U.S. Senate, I pledged to be a problem solver. One of the ways I can do that is by connecting you with issue experts from federal agencies. On November 16th & 17th, representatives from several federal agencies will be in Jacksonville to assist constituents with services and programs. Representatives will be on hand from the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. These representatives will be available to work with individuals, offer assistance, and answer any questions they might have.
EVENT LOCATION:
Senator LeMieux Federal Service Open House
1650 Prudential Drive, Suite 220
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Tel: (904) 398-8586
Please note the specific times and date agency representatives will be available:
Monday, November 16th:
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Social Security Administration/ along with a representative from SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Tuesday, November 17th:
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Internal Revenue Service
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
CASEWORK CORNER
One of my primary goals is to make sure Floridians are well served by Federal agencies. From time to time, I will share accounts of how our office has helped a Floridian.
One of my constituents is a veteran who was receiving Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits until the VA received information indicating this constituent was allegedly a fugitive from justice. As VA rules require, the benefits payments were halted and the recipient was expected to repay benefits he had received while he was a fugitive.
Fortunately, after some investigation, we were able to determine the veteran was not, and had not been a fugitive. Unfortunately, the VA would not restart benefits payments or forgive the debt until verification could be made. We contacted the Tampa VA office and they were able to verify the error. The benefits have since been reinstated and the debt was waived.
If you are experiencing a problem with a federal agency, please contact our Orlando Regional Office by calling (407) 254-2573 to speak with a member of the Casework Department. The toll-free number for Florida residents is (866) 630-7106. To find out more about how my office can help you, go to http://LeMieux.Senate.gov or stop by one of our scheduled Community Office Hours in your area.
Related posts:
- Health care bill update from Senator LeMieux
- Cong. Klein on passing health care reform
- LeMieux on jobs, high-speed rail, budget, Chinese drywall and more
- Crist Announces Free Saltwater Fishing Weekends to encourage tourism
- FTC: New consumer protections reguarding debt relief
Short URL: http://browardnetonline.com/?p=4251
Posted by Andrea Freygang
on Nov 13 2009. Filed under Broward County, Environmental, Health, Local news, Money, National politics, Recreation, Video.
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We are way overdue to hold Federal, State and local Agencies feet to the fire. Its amazing the waste, fraud and blatant ineptness of some (most) of these agencies expend. Its disheartening to be made aware that most Government employees spend more time counting their vacation days and how much is in their drop program than actually doing their jobs. Whats even more frustrating is the mindset most have, (it is what it is, and there is nothing the public can do about it)..I have just gotten to be an old cynic at this point. In the old days it was (basically everyone is diligent and all would be ok) then it slipped into, (expect the worst and hope for the best) now, now its (assume the worst and brace yourself for it)when dealing with tax-funded agencies.
It isnt even enough anymore to get up in the morning, do the right thing, obey the laws and attempt to put food in our families mouths. . Now we are blindsided by increased fees, outrageous fines and or new taxes for just taking our first breath of the day. It has been quoted that by the time the Democrats get weasled thru all their various pork projects and efforts to subsidize those who cant subsidize themselves, a full 55percent of Americans income will go towards fueling this waste. It appears to me, the Democrats wont be happy until the majority of Americans and or the undocumented are on the public dole, then how do they expect to fund their personal projects?
In case no one noticed? There is an uprising in the air, there is distain for those who lie, steal, cheat off the public. For every new tax, fee or fine the government imposes its one less new car, new house, vacation, one less child a family can afford, less tangibles a person will purchase and while those things may seem like luxuries, there are direct jobs associated with all of them. I personally am getting sick and tired of getting up in the morning and working my eight, nine or ten hours to fund a government who cant wipe their backsides without an instruction manual.
Thomas Jefferson told us ‘having a revolution every now and then is a good thing, and the people – we the people – are going to have to fight back hard if we’re not going to lose our country.
The loss of this country is here and it is now. While I am an advocate and participation of the ideals of our present day Tea Parties, I think we are going to have to go more radical. Lets hope LeMieux can sense in the air what the rest of us do..and instead of telling us what we want to hear, actually do something about it..but being that old cynic? I doubt it..