-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

April 13, 2009

April 15th –Tax Day

This week, many of you will file your state and federal income taxes.  As many of you have prepared your tax returns, I have heard and read your concerns regarding how much of your hard-earned money the government takes out of your paycheck.

Unfortunately, the policies of President Obama and the Democrat-controlled Congress continue to run up the bill for the American taxpayers. As I reported last week, Congress took the first step towards passing President Obama’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Under such a reckless plan of increased spending, we can expect to double our national debt in just five years, and triple it in ten years.

You might ask how we are going to pay for this massive debt; like many of you my concern is that we are left with few good options. We have a number of unpleasant choices which include borrowing the money from foreign countries or raising taxes. The President’s budget proposes that we increase taxes on millions of struggling Americans. His budget plan, if implemented by Congress, would raise the income tax, tax every American who uses energy, place a new tax on charitable giving and ends any realistic opportunity of eliminating the estate tax.

I voted against this plan because I believe American workers and businesses are taxed enough.  Instead of raising taxes, the federal government should focus more of its attention on using the tax dollars it does collect in a wiser, more efficient manner.

The American people know we can’t spend and tax our way back to a growing economy.  Instead of raising additional revenue on the backs of Americans, the federal government should focus more of its attention on using the tax dollars it does collect in a wiser, more efficient manner. As your Representative, I will continue to oppose the failed policies of wasteful spending and ever higher taxes, and fight on behalf of tax relief and fiscal discipline.

District Events

Last week, I was in Lubbock meeting with my Agriculture, Financial and Healthcare Advisory Groups. These advisory groups are an excellent opportunity to discuss issues and legislation as well as hear ideas, suggestions, and comments from leaders in the community.   During my stay in Lubbock, I also attended a roundtable with Texas Tech students to learn more about engaging younger generations with new media tools and social networking sites like YouTube and Facebook.

This week, I will be in Abilene to hold more Advisory Group meetings as well as hosting the Service Academy Forum on Tuesday, April 14, 2009. 

On April 20th, I will be a guest speaker at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority forum in Lubbock, Texas. I will be providing an overview of congressional proposals to help protect investors and discussing the current state of the economy. I believe this forum will be a good opportunity to discuss ways to empower individuals to make the best investment choices possible. That same day, I will also be traveling to Littlefield, Muleshoe and Sudan.

As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. In the meantime, do not hesitate to visit my website www.randy.house.gov, or call my office toll free district wide at (888) 763-1611 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-4005.