| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: David Ward |
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| February 20, 2008 | (202) 225-3484 |
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| JACKSONVILLE - Today, Congressman Hensarling (TX-05) visited Tally Ho Plastics in Jacksonville where he toured the facility and spoke about the economy with factory employees. Hensarling also discussed solutions he has proposed in Congress that would help create jobs for hardworking East Texans. “First and foremost, Congress must help ensure that middle-income Americans can keep up with the rising cost of living. As East Texans face an uncertain economy and rising health care, food, education, and energy costs, it is time for both sides in Washington to work together and ensure that good paychecks continue to flow into the pockets of workers,” Hensarling said. In order to buttress the economy, Hensarling is focused on preventing looming tax increases that are scheduled to take effect on many unsuspecting families and small businesses. Hensarling noted, “We have to make sure that couples who fall in love and get married aren’t punished by the marriage penalty and other scheduled increases, such as the cutting in half of the child tax credit. Tax relief for middle-income Americans is very important, especially at a time when their paychecks are squeezed by an increase in the cost of living.” Congressman Hensarling also wants to ensure that small businesses who, according to the Small Business Administration, created up to 80% of new jobs in the last decade, don’t face an enormous tax hike. “We have to make sure that small businesses don’t get blasted by the death tax and income tax rates that will be 13% higher than they pay today. Those high tax rates are relics of the 1990s, and we can’t allow them to return. This is important because small businesses represent 99.7% of all employers in America,” Hensarling said. “Mom and pop shouldn’t be popped with new taxes.” In addition to preventing tax increases, Hensarling has co-authored legislation that will allow East Texas job creators to keep more of their earnings so they can, at a minimum, sustain current payroll levels but more than likely put more paychecks into the hands of deserving workers and hire new people. The Economic Growth Act of 2008 will ensure that Washington takes a back seat to Main Street and job creators are empowered to do what they do best—create jobs. “It is hardworking people like you, and job creators like Tally Ho, that are the engine that drives the American economy,” Hensarling told the crowd. “We must do everything we can to protect –and strengthen-- middle income paychecks so that workers in Cherokee County can keep up with the cost of living.” Congressman Hensarling empathized with displaced workers who lost their jobs due to the recent closing of Alliance Data’s Jacksonville call center saying, “I am very concerned about the loss of jobs in Cherokee County, and realize some East Texas workers are facing rough times. That is why I have introduced legislation, the Economic Growth Act of 2008, aimed at growing the economy and increasing employment opportunities for East Texans.” He also cited a February 13 Jacksonville Daily Progress article that announced the likelihood of an Atwoods store opening in town. “Congress can be a partner with Cherokee County to help create and even more attractive place for businesses to locate,” Congressman Hensarling said. “Let me assure you that I will not stop fighting for common-sense economic growth and job creation until every hard working Cherokee County resident has access to a job and the ability to keep food on their kitchen table.” Congressman Hensarling also addressed the recent tax refund proposal that President Bush signed into law last week. Under this law, a one-time tax refund will be mailed to qualifying taxpayers. “It is never a bad thing to give money back to hard-working taxpayers,” Hensarling remarked. “But, we must be careful not to confuse temporary tax rebates with economic growth. True growth comes from allowing small businesses, families, and job creators access to capitol to actually grow the economy. This kind of growth will preserve jobs and paychecks and even offer the opportunity to grow those paychecks.” Congressman Hensarling is also working to fix the broken system of congressional earmarks which cost American taxpayers $18 billion last year alone. Hensarling is one of only 12 members of the House who have refused to request any pork barrel projects. “When it comes to Congressional earmarks, there aren’t just a few bad apples, the barrel is full of them. The American people have wised up to the fact that too often Congressional earmarks are about using their paychecks to preserve a Congressman’s or Senator’s paycheck,” Hensarling said. “At a time when East Texas families are facing higher gas prices, higher health care premiums, and higher tuition costs, it is especially important for Congress to commit itself to responsible spending levels so that taxes on hard-working Americans aren’t raised even higher.” Congressman Hensarling has received numerous honors and awards for his outstanding service in Congress, including the Guardian of Small Business Award on behalf of the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. |