E-NEWSLETTER
Message From Senator Burr
In this first edition of my quarterly newsletter, I am highlighting some of the issues under debate in the Senate that directly affect North Carolinians. These issues include: supporting our military and veterans, increasing access to affordable health care, improving emergency public health preparedness, strengthening public education, comprehensive immigration reform, and soaring gas prices.
NEWS UPDATE
The Military
Iraq In August, I traveled to Iraq and was impressed by the men and women in uniform I met who are dedicated to getting the job done. They continue to train the Iraqi security forces and protect the country's infrastructure against terrorism in a struggle that may not end as quickly as we hope. I am grateful for the sacrifices our troops are making to keep our country safe, and I pray for their safe return. The commitment of our troops is why we should provide our military with the best equipment, a good quality of life for our military families, and increased pay. I will continue to work to provide the resources and support our troops need to complete their mission. Veterans In November, I introduced the Services to Prevent Veterans Homelessness Act to provide services to help keep low-income veterans in permanent housing. The legislation would increase veterans' access to assistance for housing, physical and mental health services, health insurance, and vocational and financial counseling. In addition, I introduced the Veterans Outreach Improvement Act which provides grants for the VA to partner with state and local governments to increase outreach to veterans and their families on benefits.
Health Care
Health Insurance Medicare Public Health Preparedness/BARDA
Education
I believe investing in education is one of the best ways to secure a bright future for North Carolina. In March, I introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Education Flexibility Partnership Act (Ed-Flex). In late March, President Bush signed the legislation into law. Ed-Flex was created to help schools implement education reforms and raise student achievement levels by providing more flexibility in the implementation of federal education programs. In return for the additional flexibility, states which participate in the program must demonstrate enhanced accountability for the performance of students. The Ed-Flex waivers in North Carolina are helping local school systems improve student achievement while meeting federal No Child Left Behind requirements in a number of ways.
Immigration
I believe comprehensive immigration reform is necessary and needed, especially border security. As a nation, we have welcomed generations of legal immigrants over the course of our history--immigrants who respect the law and contribute a great deal to our country, but as I have said before I do not believe we should reward those who are here illegally with an automatic path to citizenship. I remain hopeful the Senate will find a common sense approach to border security legislation and comprehensive immigration reform and vote on this important issue soon.
Gas Prices
Soaring gasoline and energy prices are a strain on the family budget. I believe conservation is a key to reducing these costs. As gas prices continue to rise, I encourage North Carolinians to be more energy efficient by driving the speed limit, riding to work with a friend, and combining several errands in one trip. If every American reduces their energy consumption by just three percent, we could see a significant decline in costs. For helpful links see www.burr.senate.gov. I believe we need to decrease our dependence on foreign sources of energy and promote a diverse mix of domestic sources of energy that will come from renewable sources. In October, Senator Allen and I introduced the Affordable and Reliable Gas Act of 2005 legislation to help decrease U.S. vulnerability to gasoline price spikes by reducing the number of available special fuel blends on the market, commonly known as boutique fuels, and consolidating the number of clean fuel blends. I am monitoring the gasoline markets for any pricing irregularities. If you feel that pricing irregularities are occurring in your community, I strongly suggest you contact the North Carolina Attorney General's Office at (877) 5-NO-SCAM to report any improprieties.
In Closing
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve North Carolina in the U.S. Senate. My office is glad to help North Carolinians solve problems with the federal government. If you are planning a visit to Washington, D.C. please do not hesitate to contact my office to set up tours of the U.S. Capitol and other sites. Finally, while in DC please stop by my office and say hello.
Sincerely,
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