Latham and King Blast Cap and Trade

VANDER PLAATS CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION, SAYS CULVER IN “FANTASYLAND” ON BUDGET

DES MOINES – Gov. Chet Culver’s claim that the state budget “should be all right” despite growing concerns from the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency that the fiscal year will end with a deficit reflects a “hope you can’t believe in,” Sioux City Republican Bob Vander Plaats said today.

“Chet Culver is hoping, not leading. If that’s the only kind of hope he has to offer, Iowans will be more convinced than ever that we need real change in the Governor’s Office,” Vander Plaats said today. “He’s living in Fantasyland.”

The state’s Legislative Services Agency recently pointed out that state revenues have fallen $90 million below previous estimates and could push Culver and the Democrat-controlled Legislature into illegal deficit spending. Rather than taking additional action to cut state spending, Culver said Wednesday that he and his advisers “still feel very good that we’re going to balance in ’09 but we’re watching it closely. We should be all right.”

“Should be, could be, would be – those are the words of people who react to situations instead of taking charge and making things happen,” Vander Plaats said. “Chet Culver created these problems with his own out-of-control spending. Now, he says he hopes Iowa’s economy will rebound faster than other states but Iowa tends to lag other states in coming out of a recession. He’s a poster child for politicians who will say whatever it takes in hopes that things will hold together just long enough for him to win another term. Meanwhile, our state’s budget is out of control.”

He continued, “Chet Culver is planning on spending most, if not all, of the state’s reserve funds this coming year. If I were governor, I’d do what Governor Terry Branstad did in the mid-1980s when he was faced with a down economy and lead a major reorganization and downsizing of state government. I’d also bring cities and counties to the table and ask them to do their part.”

Latham: Cap-And-Trade Will Tax Your Lights Out

Dear Friend:

The U.S. House of Representatives is rushing toward a vote on the more than 1,200-page cap-and-trade energy proposal, a piece of legislation that will have very far-reaching and unknown negative consequences, including the potential to cause significant financial pain for every household, farmer and small business owner in America.

There is no question that we must work together to pursue comprehensive long-term common sense solutions that protect the environment without economically crippling hardworking American families. The cap-and-trade bill being pushed through Congress by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA) is misguided and will do nothing to actually protect our planet and has every possibility of punishing the back pockets of every American who turns on a light switch. I have opposed the cap-and-trade proposal from the outset, and I want you to know that I will do everything I can to stop this misguided policy from becoming law.

The U.S. House version of cap-and trade (the “Waxman-Markey” energy legislation) seeks to limit greenhouse gas emissions on the part of businesses by establishing a scheme under which a government carbon emissions cap is set. Businesses would then buy and sell ‘permits,’ or pollution credits, that allow them to emit certain levels of CO2. A business can either use permits/credits to discharge a level of CO2, or it can sell its permits/credits to other businesses that need extra permits. In essence, this legislation creates an energy rationing system that will cause energy to become more expensive and lead to higher costs of production that will be passed on to hardworking consumers. This eventually will weaken the overall economy and raise prices for many goods and services.

One of the close-to-home impacts for households will be electricity rates as utility companies will face additional costs to produce energy as a result of cap-and-trade. These costs will then be passed along to consumers in the form of higher rates. At a time when we are trying to climb out of a terrible recession, a cap-and-trade policy will raise energy bills for families, farms and small businesses. The policy will be especially painful in Iowa because of the state’s dependence on coal as an energy source. Major utility companies in Iowa have estimated that energy bills could go up as much as 25 percent due to cap-and-trade. Americans are already straining to make ends meet, and cap-and-trade will pile yet another tax on everybody.

The cap-and-trade proposal also puts America at a competitive disadvantage in the world economy because other countries, particularly China and India, have no reason to impose similar caps on emissions. One of the reasons that these countries will not impose emission caps is that they are continuing to invest in energy production facilities, such as coal plants and refineries. The last thing these countries want to do is impose emissions caps on their producers and populations. After all, they need to recoup the costs of these facilities, upon which they rely for economic development as they climb out of the recession.

In addition, the United States currently has the second highest corporate tax rate in the world. As such, the cap-and-trade proposal could provide further incentive for employers to relocate from the United States to places such as China or India, where energy and environmental regulations are not as stringent. If cap-and-trade becomes law, Congress will enhance the chances that American jobs will be sent overseas in a nicely-wrapped package.

The proponents of cap-and-trade argue that this legislation is necessary to slow global climate change, but recent studies have shown that the policy will have only a minor impact on the environment. The proposed reduction in emissions would slow warming by only a small fraction of a degree by the year 2050, according to some predictions.

The environmental impact of cap-and-trade is difficult to measure, but the economic damage it can cause has become quite evident in Europe, where a similar cap-and-trade system has been operating for about three years. The results: the system has largely failed and the price of utilities in the average household has risen. For example, reports have shown that German household electricity rates climbed by 25% under the European cap-and-trade scheme. Manufacturers often shut down production for part of the day to save money, losing environmental efficiencies in the process.

In an effort to protect the economic well-being of American families, farmers and small businesses, I have authored an amendment that, if accepted, would kill the cap-and-trade scheme if it is determined that it increases the cost of energy for consumers or small businesses anywhere in the country. My amendment would provide an economic insurance policy that would repeal cap-and-trade if it has a negative impact on consumers, farmers or job-creating businesses. Adding the measure to the bill would protect America from the disastrous effects that so many expect this bill to cause.

Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have pushed for comprehensive energy reform that puts the American people first. Rather than create tax schemes that target every American who flips a light switch or puts gas in a car, we need to invest in an all-of-the-above approach to energy that embraces conservation and efficiency as well as renewable fuels, nuclear energy and expanded energy exploration in this country. We must implement a comprehensive approach to strengthen America’s energy foundation while also protecting the environment. We can meet these goals without levying a massive energy tax on the American people. Cap-and-trade falls far short of that ideal. Make no mistake, it is a massive energy tax.

Best wishes,

Tom

Reed Slams Loebsack

For immediate release

Loebsack votes ‘Present’ on House Resolution

Today, former United States Senate Candidate, and Marion, Iowa resident Christopher Reed is calling Dave Loebsack on the carpet for a vote he levied in the United States Congress on Friday of last week.

The measure in question was a non-binding resolution of support for the Iranian citizens demonstrating for their right to fair elections and their right to assemble.

“Mr. Loebsack’s inability to take a stand on this issue is proof-positive he is lacking true leadership” Reed said. “Mr. Loebsack should have taken a stand on this issue and stood by his decision whether he is for the issue or not” Reed continued, “A real leader doesn’t vote “Present” on issues, a real leader votes with principles and conviction”.

Reed, a Navy veteran, went on to describe the state of leadership in Iowa’s second Congressional District as “lacking”. “With today’s economic turmoil and world geo-political strife, we can no longer afford leaders in Washington who sit on the fence on issues.” Reed explained, “By voting “Present”, Mr. Loebsack demonstrated he is more afraid of disappointing President Obama than the residents of Iowa’s 2^nd Congressional District”

Majority of Iowans Disapprove of Culver’s Performance

Gov. Chet Culver’s Poll Numbers Continue to Plummet
Majority of Iowans Now Disapprove of Iowa Governor’s Job Performance

Des Moines — The latest Survey USA poll indicates that more than half of all Iowans disapprove of Governor Chet Culver’s job performance. Jeff Boeyink, Executive Director of the Republican Party of Iowa, said today, “Governor Culver’s free-spending, big debt, and job-killing agenda is out of touch with Iowa values and it is reflected in job approval ratings that are the lowest of his tenure as Governor. More than half of Iowa voters now disapprove of the Governor’s job performance.”

In the June 2009 poll conducted by Survey USA, only 42% of Iowans approve of the Governor’s job performance, with more than half expressing disapproval. Independent voters are especially critical of Governor Culver, with 56% of those respondents saying they disapprove of his performance and only 35% expressing support for his work.

Boeyink continued, “Governor Culver and majority Democrats ignored the best interest of Iowans during the last legislative session and now they’re paying the price. Iowans said they were against borrowing more than a billion dollars to pay for short-term projects. Iowans also said they want a vote to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. And, Iowans say they want to keep federal deductibility. On each and every one of these issues, Governor Culver consistently ignores the will of the people.

“Iowa Republicans are ready, willing, and able to deliver on the priorities of Iowa voters and, if given an opportunity by the voters, will do so,” concluded Boeyink.

Link to the current poll results

McKinley Statement on Iowa’s New Unemployment Rate Figures

2009 session was missed opportunity to grow Iowa’s private sector economy

DES MOINES, IA – Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) issued the following statement today in response to the new 22-year high unemployment rate figures released today by Iowa Workforce Development showing over 96,000 unemployed Iowans:

“Iowa unemployment reached a 22-year high today. Unfortunately, Governor Culver and the Democratic controlled Legislature did nothing to create long term sustainable jobs in Iowa and instead chose to expand government and send the bill to our children and grandchildren.”

Paulsen Issues Statement on New Revenue Numbers

(DES MOINES)—House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) today issued a statement on the report of the nonpartisan Legislative Service Agency that the state will not have enough money to cover its bills.

“Democrats in Des Moines have a spending problem. House Republicans offered over $300 million in reasonable cost-saving measures that were not accepted. It’s not surprising that our state’s fiscal house is not in order. The governor just signed the largest amount of spending in Iowa history. It’s time the government get serious about saving taxpayer dollars and not rely on the wallets of hard-working Iowans to balance the budget.”

LATHAM STANDS UP FOR OUSTED IOWA GM DEALERSHIPS

CONGRESSMAN LATHAM EXPRESSES CONCERN TO GM CHIEF OVER “MISMANAGED AND PAINFUL BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING”

Washington, Jun 12 – Iowa Congressman Tom Latham expressed his concern over the closures of numerous GM dealerships in Iowa in a letter sent on Thursday to General Motors Chief Executive Fritz Henderson.

In the letter, Congressman Latham notes that the forced closures of Iowa dealerships will weaken the local economies the dealerships serve and cautioned against troubling examples of possible political favoritism intruding into GM’s bankruptcy proceedings.

Due to the unique circumstances surrounding the General Motors bankruptcy, Congressman Latham has also co-sponsored legislation with more than 90 other representatives that would require GM and Chrysler to honor agreements the auto manufacturers made with dealerships before entering Chapter 11 protection. Such a policy would preserve the rights of dealers to recourse under applicable state laws.

The letter, which was also sent to the Obama administration’s car czar, is available as a PDF here, and the full text follows below:

Dear Mr. Henderson:

I am writing to express my disappointment at learning of the decision by General Motors to force the closures of numerous dealerships throughout the State of Iowa. I’ve grown increasingly concerned of the economic pain created by the General Motors bankruptcy for thousands of Iowa families who rely on jobs at dealerships and other support businesses as they are forced to close their doors. I am also troubled by the recent news that politics are poisoning the General Motors bankruptcy proceedings. News is surfacing that members of Congress are using their influence to shield GM distribution centers and dealerships in their congressional districts from closure.

According to a June 5, 2009 article in the Wall Street Journal, you reversed the forced closure of a GM distribution center in Norton, Massachusetts, that employs 90 people at the request of Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA). The article points out that after “Mr. Frank put in a call to GM CEO Fritz Henderson” a new lease on life was secured for the Norton facility. The article further notes that Congressman Frank discussed “the facility’s value to GM.”

Additionally, according to a June 9, 2009 story on Minneapolis television station WCCO’s Web site, GM once again reversed the decision to force the closure of a Bloomington, Minnesota, dealership which employs 80 people after Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) “set up a meeting with top GM executives” to request the reversal of the closure.

Perhaps there is an appeal process you are making available to the elected officials who represent the GM facilities and dealerships that are being forced to close. If that’s so, then I’d like to formally request that you reconsider the closure of all the dedicated dealerships in the State of Iowa that are being forced to shutter their doors by GM.

If no such appeal process exists – and GM simply decided to bend to political pressure from Congressman Frank and Senator Klobuchar – then this situation highlights the possibility of government corruption and favoritism that would further taint an already mismanaged and painful bankruptcy proceeding.

While I do not take issue with the concerns expressed by Congressman Frank or Senator Klobuchar for the people affected by these issues, I am troubled by what appears to be a convenient path to relief through a hybrid bankruptcy exercise funded primarily with taxpayer dollars that voids auto dealer protections under state laws – and then the circumstantial or politically motivated reversals of decisions said to be in the interests of GM’s revival. It is difficult for me to grasp the notion that, on the one hand, GM has said that “tough” business decisions have to be made, including the closure of dealerships, while on the other hand concessions to those tough decisions are being made when politicians request them.

At a time when Iowa communities are already struggling during this economic downturn, the forced job losses because of this decision by GM creates additional economic hardships for these loyal dealerships, their loyal owners, their loyal and dedicated employees, their loyal customers, the numerous small businesses and employees that work with these local dealerships, and the communities in which these local dealerships are located.

Local dealerships are a pivotal partner in the overall financial success of GM because 90% of GM’s revenue comes from the hard work of dealerships and their loyal employees.

And, as you know, local dealerships do not place a financial burden on GM because the dealerships are responsible for paying their own way to represent and sell your brands. Local dealers are responsible for paying their employees, purchasing vehicles and parts directly from the manufacturer, and buying and maintaining their own sales centers. They even purchase the signs, logos, and brochures they proudly display on behalf of their partner and GM.

I look forward to discussing this matter with you personally and having Iowa dealerships, their dedicated employees and local communities be given the same quick and positive response afforded to the GM partners lobbied for by Congressman Frank and Senator Klobuchar.

Sincerely,

Tom Latham

Member of Congress

Bill Salier Discusses Iowa Politics With Bob Vander Plaats

VANDER PLAATS COMES OUT ON TOP IN GOP PRIMARY POLL, WINS NOD FROM CHUCK NORRIS

DES MOINES – Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats topped former House Speaker Christopher Rants by more than a two-to-one margin and outdistanced two other potential GOP gubernatorial candidates by even larger margins in a poll conducted by TheIowaRepublican.com. Meanwhile, actor and martial arts legend Chuck Norris has announced his backing for a Vander Plaats candidacy, drawing more national attention and a broader fund-raising base to the campaign.

Vander Plaats received 52.4 percent of the 559 votes in the poll, followed by Rants with 25.6 percent, Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley with 18 percent and former state Sen. Jeff Lamberti at 4 percent.

“This is only one poll and it’s early in the campaign cycle but TheIowaRepublican.com is a respected and unbiased information source and the results of this poll are very encouraging. Christopher Rants is well known across the state, especially in Republican circles, for his years in the legislative spotlight. For Bob Vander Plaats to have such an impressive showing against him and two other respected leaders is a reflection of the deep and broad support he has within our party,” said Vander Plaats spokesman Eric Woolson. “That said, the Vander Plaats organization is going to continuing working very hard every day to build the grassroots organization necessary to win the primary next June and defeat Chet Culver next November.”

Announcing his support for Vander Plaats, former Rep. John Kasich of Ohio and Judge Roy Moore of Alabama, Norris wrote in his national syndicated column, “I encourage you to spread the word about these gentlemen and patriots, learn about their platforms, support their campaigns, and see to it that they are elected in their gubernatorial races. Theirs is leadership we can trust. I’m convinced that if we are to win back America, it’s going to start in the heartland and spread out from there because of the influence of leaders like them.”

He continued, “Don’t like what you see in government? Tired of incumbent lethargy and inactiveness? Does a political issue grind on you like fingernails on a chalkboard? It comes down to this: Either you will change our country or your opponents will, and if you let them change it, you might not like the outcome.”

Norris has taken an increasingly higher profile on issues of national importance since his prominent role in former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s 2008 presidential campaign.

Vander Plaats, who served as Huckabee’s Iowa chairman said, “I had an opportunity to get to know Chuck Norris during the 2008 campaign and we’ve remained in touch because we share the same values and public policy goals. He’s committed to defending Americans’ constitutional rights and the principles that made this country so great. I’m honored to have the support of Chuck and Gena Norris. They are great friends and they’re going to play an important role in our winning campaign.”