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Burgess Calls for Transportation Funding Equity for Texas
Posted by on May 21, 2003
U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) lends his support and becomes a sponsor of the Highway Funding Equity Act of 2003. This legislation addresses the inequities in the federal highway transportation program by requiring a more fair distribution of money from the Highway Trust Fund.
”Texas has previously sent more tax dollars to Washington than it ever gets back,” said Congressman Burgess. “The inequity must stop and this legislation will make needed changes for fairness to the Texas taxpayers.”
Each year, federal highway funds are distributed to the 50 states from the federal government. A dedicated user fee generates these funds, which is currently an 18.4-cent federal tax on gasoline. This year the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will reauthorize the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), which will authorize money for federal highway and transit programs for the next six years. This legislation stipulates how these funds are to be distributed. Federal highway dollars are a major component of each state’s budget for highway improvements, construction, and maintenance. Highway projects enhance mobility, improve air quality and foster economic development.
States pay money into the Highway Trust Fund each year, but Texas has always paid more than it gets back. The goal of the Highway Funding Equity Act would guarantee a 95 percent rate of return from the Highway Trust Fund for Texas and other states that receive a disportionate rate of return.
There are currently 28 other states that receive less than a 100% return on their states’ share of Highway Trust Fund contributions.
“It is highway robbery when Texans only receive 86 cents for each dollar we send to Washington. I am happy Majority DeLay introduced legislation to correct this problem so we can get on to improving our highways. As the only Texas Republican on the Committee, I will work to ensure this legislation is part of the overall TEA-21 reauthorization.”
Burgess: Borrowers Can Consolidate Student Loans to Save Money
Posted by on May 20, 2003
Today, U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess (TX-26) learned there is good news for students with college loans. The Department of Education announced that borrowers, who apply now to consolidate their federal student loans, would receive the lowest available rate -- even if interest rates drop on July 1st.
Student loan interest rates -- now at 4.06 percent for most borrowers in repayment -- are expected to fall below four percent when new rates go into effect on July 1. Interest rates are adjusted annually according to a formula based on the interest rates of the 91-day Treasury bills.
“This is great news for students,” said Congressman Burgess. “Student interest rates are at an all time low and we expect they will drop even more. I encourage those with student loans to take advantage of the anticipated low rates. Every dollar we can help a student save today could equal money for savings and retirement down the road.”
Borrowers who submit direct loan consolidation applications between now and June 30 will be notified by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) that their applications will be held until the new rates take effect on July 1. If interest rates were to go up at that time, borrowers who submitted their applications between May 8 and June 30 of this year would be consolidated at the current lower rate. Borrowers, who wish to consolidate their loans prior to July 1, can direct FSA to do so.
Most federally insured education loans are eligible for consolidation. These include Direct and FFEL (Federal Family Education Loans) subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans, PLUS (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and HEAL (Health Education Assistance Loans). Through loan consolidation, outstanding student loans are combined into a single loan, and the interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan.
Secretary of Education, Rod Paige said, "Individual circumstances certainly vary and borrowers should consider all their options, to be sure, but the department would like to give borrowers looking to consolidate the opportunity to take advantage of a potentially historic low new rate.
More information on student loan consolidation, borrower benefits and eligibility requirements is available on www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov, or by calling the Direct Loan Consolidation Center at 1-800-557-7392 or (TDD) 1-800-557-7395. An online calculator is also available on the Web site.
Burgess: School Crisis Planning Guide and $38 Million Available for Local Schools
Posted by on May 19, 2003
U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) encourages local school districts to apply for grants to help them strengthen and improve their crisis plans. As part of a continuing effort to help keep our schools, our teachers and our students safe, U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige unveiled a new guide, Practical Information on Crisis Planning: A Guide for Schools and Communities, to help schools plan for any emergency, including natural disasters, violent incidents and terrorist acts.
“It is best to have a plan in place and be ready for anything. America’s schools are shelters of safety for our children, but without warning a school can be faced with a crisis, commented Congressman Burgess. “Being prepared saves lives. I encourage administrators and teachers to implement the guide and inform parents and students of their plans.”
School districts now can apply for $38 million in grants to help them improve and strengthen their emergency response and crisis management plans. These funds for the Emergency Response and Crisis Management Grant Program could be used to train school personnel, parents and students in crisis response; coordinate with local emergency responders including fire fighters and police officers; purchase equipment; and coordinate with groups and organizations responsible for recovery issues, such as health and mental-health agencies. Approximately $8 million of this total is “carried over” from an appropriation in the FY ’01 budget. An additional $30 million is included in President Bush’s proposed FY 2004 budget for these purposes next year.
Practical Information on Crisis Planning: A Guide for Schools and Communities is available at http://www.ed.gov/emergencyplan/. It will guide schools, districts and communities with the key concepts and components of good crisis planning.
Crisis plans should address state and local school safety laws and be customized to meet the unique needs of local communities. Based on research conducted by experts in school crisis planning, the guide lists four areas of crisis management that all school crisis plans should address: Mitigation-Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery.
The Mitigation-Prevention section addresses what schools and districts can do to reduce or eliminate risk to life and property. Preparedness focuses on the process of planning for the worst-case scenario. Response is devoted to the steps to take during a crisis. And Recovery deals with how to restore the learning and teaching environment after a crisis.
The department expects to award about 150 grants of $100,000 to $500,000 each. The deadline for applications is June 30. Today, the official grant notice will be published in the Federal Register. It can be accessed online at www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html. Stacey DeFino in Congressman Burgess’ office is also available at 202-225-7772 for those interested in applying for the grants.
Burgess Introduces Legislation to Increase Healthcare Coverage for all Americans
Posted by on May 16, 2003
U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) and Congressman David Scott of Georgia (GA-13) introduced the Health Access and Flexibility Act of 2003, (H.R. 2114), a bill that will expand the availability of Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) and create similar types of accounts for low-income Americans.
“I came to Congress to improve America’s health care system. This legislation is a step in the right direction allowing consumers to have more control over their health care choices,” said Congressman Burgess. “We must simplify the burdensome process of figuring out what insurance companies cover and give doctors and patients the ability to decide what health care services meet their needs.”
A Medical Savings Accounts is an account that an individual or a family can use to pay for routine health care expenses, and is owned and controlled by the account holder. Former Ways and Means Chairman Bill Archer was influential in a demonstration project in 1996, which lead to the availability MSAs on limited basis. This consumer driven idea was borne from the idea that patients should have the ability to directly purchase their health care services. Since their creation, Medical Savings Accounts have allowed their owners to purchase health services, tax free, by building funds in an interest earning account. Medical Savings Accounts promote savings and direct health care purchasing.
The consumer-based approach behind Medical Savings Accounts is designed to simplify the doctor-patient relationship by removing the third party—the insurance company. Instead of worrying what an insurance company covers and does not cover, the doctor and patient can discuss their health care needs frankly and honestly. However, Congress has severely restricted access to these innovative savings tools.
The Health Access and Flexibility Act will make positive reforms to current Medical Savings Accounts, which will result in more purchasing power and control for Americans when it comes to their medical needs.
· The bill will allow every American to have access to a Medical Savings Account, doing away with the regulation that only 750,000 accounts can be established in any given year.
· MSA account holders will have the ability to fully fund their accounts under this bill.
· The bill would make MSAs more attainable by lowering cost-prohibitive catastrophic insurance requirements.
"There is no question that there is a health care crisis in this nation because millions of Americans do not have adequate health coverage. Extending Medical Savings Accounts is one method of bringing health care to those Americans who need it most. I am pleased to join my friend and colleague Dr. Michael Burgess as we work together to bring MSAs to the forefront of the Congressional debate on reforming America's health care system, said original co-sponsor Congressman David Scott.
The bill gives states the flexibility to establish a new account for low-income Americans, a Medical Freedom Account (MFA). Under the provisions of the bill, a state would have the option to establish Medical Freedom Accounts for individuals eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Medical Freedom Accounts would resemble Medical Savings Accounts by providing enrollees with a fixed dollar amount, as proscribed by the state, to be used to pay eligible medical expenses and catastrophic health coverage. This consumer-based approach will allow enrollees to have control over their own care, to establish a “medical home”, and become more sophisticated health care consumers. Medical Freedom Accounts will allow enrollees to take more responsibility for their own care, providing them with positive incentives to become more independent and better-educated health care consumers, while providing them with an incentive to hold down medical spending.
Perhaps the most important feature of Medical Freedom Accounts is portability. Under the Health Access and Flexibility Act, enrollees in this program would have the ability to take their Medical Freedom Account with them when they transition off of Medicaid or CHIP. Since many individuals end up cycling on and off of these programs, Medical Freedom Accounts would give these enrollees the ability to pay for health expenses, or even purchase health insurance, as they become more financially independent of public assistance programs.
“It is time we empower all Americans and move to a more patient directed health care system. There is absolutely no reason why low-income Americans should not have the ability to manage their own health care purchasing. Giving low-income Americans this power, they will have an incentive to hold down spending, improve their health outcomes, and benefit the tax payer who supports these subsidized programs,” commented Burgess.
Burgess Kicks-Off National Transportation Week by Driving Automobiles of the Future
Posted by on May 14, 2003
U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) took a first hand look at fuel-cell powered hydrogen vehicles and test drove a hybrid line pick-up truck to learn about the future of energy-efficient automobile travel.
“Isn’t American ingenuity great? Investing into the future of energy-efficient transportation is the best way to someday make the United States energy independent. I know many North Texans would enjoy a hybrid line pick-up truck that is efficient, saves money and creates less pollution on busy Texas highways,” said Congressman Burgess after driving the hybrid line pick-up truck.
Congressman Burgess is a member of both the House Science and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committees, which have jurisdiction over the bold FreedomCAR (Cooperative Automotive Research) and Hydrogen Fuel initiative, which President Bush proposed during his State-of-the-Union address in January.
The goal of this new FreedomCAR program is to make hydrogen fuel cell technology a viable alternative to traditional energy sources, thereby reducing our energy dependence on other nations. There are many benefits to this technology, including a cleaner environment and the possibility that research can spur further technological innovation.
Congressman Burgess, along with other members of the U.S. House of Representatives, voted to pass The Energy Security Act of 2003, H.R. 6, earlier this year. H.R. 6 contains a provision that authorizes a hydrogen fuel cell program with the goal of launching hydrogen fuel cell cars into the market by model year 2020.
Burgess: Pension Security Empowers
Posted by on May 14, 2003
Today, U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) joined a bipartisan majority of members in voting to approve pension reform legislation backed by President George W. Bush that would fix outdated federal pension laws, give workers new freedoms to diversify their retirement savings, and enhance worker access to quality investment advice in the wake of the Enron collapse.
“It is time we restore worker confidence in the nation’s pension system,” said Congressman Burgess
“It is time we bring pension laws into the 21st Century because we remember all too well, Enron and WorldCom. The Pension Security Act will improve retirement security for American workers so employee investments are secure,” said Congressman Burgess. “It is a shame this bill was not law because it would have made a real difference for the workers and investors at Enron and WorldCom.
The Pension Security Act of 2003 empowers employees and makes them more informed about their retirement and investment options. It makes businesses more accountable to their employees. The legislation contains the following provisions:
· Employees with company stock will be allowed to sell it and diversify their portfolios after three years, rather than up to ten years as under current law.
· Companies can no longer require their employees to own shares of their respective employers stock. This would now be optional.
· Employees will have personal investment advice made available to them and tax incentives will be set up to help Americans pay for additional retirement planning services.
· Lastly, this legislation requires that companies must act in their employees best interest at all times.
“Pension security is a common sense way to encourage future investing for the long term growth of America. We are providing new tools to help Americans better manage and expand their retirement savings and adding to the long-term financial security of our nation,” commented Congressman Burgess.
The Pension Security Act (H.R. 1000) passed today mirrors a bill that was passed by the House in the 107th Congress. Unfortunately, the Senate did not schedule a vote on the bill before Congress adjourned. President Bush reaffirmed his support for the Pension Security Act this year in his FY 2004 budget request and indicated he will sign it into law when it reaches his desk.
Burgess Casts Important Vote to Create Jobs for Texans
Posted by on May 14, 2003
Today, U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted to support H.R. 2, the Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003.
“One American out of a job is one too many. We must help spur economic growth and invest in the future, which means more jobs for Americans and more take-home pay for all families,” commented Burgess. “This legislation is the best formula of accelerated income tax relief and substantial business investment incentives to provide for both short term stimulus and long-term growth.”
This package will create 1.2 million new jobs by the end of 2004 by providing tax relief for all Americans. The legislation encourages additional business growth, including an expansion of accelerated depreciation and net operating loss deductions.
The Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003 contains the following provisions:
Acceleration of 2001 Bush Tax Cuts for Individuals
· Child credit – Increases child credit to $1,000 for 2003, 2004, and 2005.
· 10 percent bracket – Accelerate the expansion of the 10 percent bracket for 2003, 2004, and 2005.
· Marriage penalty relief – Accelerate the expansion of the 15 percent bracket and the increase in the standard deduction for married persons filing joint returns for 2003, 2004, and 2005.
· Individual rate cuts – Accelerate the 2006 individual rate cut schedule to 2003. (Rates reduced from 28% to 25%; 31% to 28%; 36% to 33% and 39.6% to 35%.)
Business and investment incentives
· Small business expensing – For 2003 through 2007, increase the amount the small businesses can expense (immediately deduct) from $25,000 to $100,000. Increase definition of small business from $200,000 of capital purchases to $400,000. Provisions are indexed for inflation.
· Bonus depreciation – Allow a business to immediately expense 50 percent of their capital expenditures up to the new $100,000 cap until December 31, 2005. This is an increase of 20 percent over current law.
· Net operating loss carryback – Extend the 5-year net operating loss carryback for three years (2003 through 2005) and hold taxpayers harmless for AMT.
Dividends and capital gains
· Dividend and capital gain tax rate reduction 5/15 – Reduces the tax rate on dividends and capital gains to 5 percent for taxpayers in the lowest tax brackets and to 15 percent for all other taxpayers.
“This legislation stimulates the economy and puts Texans back to work every year going forward. I am proud to have voted in support of the Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003.”
Unborn Victims of Violence Act - Special Order
Posted by on May 13, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I rise today from the perspective of a physician, in strong support of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, also known as Laci and Conner's Law. We have all seen the recent horrific news stories about Laci Peterson and her unborn son.
As a physician, who delivered over 3,000 babies, I am an advocate of this legislation, which would help to protect many who are unable to defend themselves in any way – unborn sons and daughters.
It establishes legal consequences if an unborn child is killed or injured as a result of an act of violence against the mother and allows prosecutors to charge the perpetrators with a second offense for the assault on the baby.
Federal law only recognizes one victim - the mother – when a pregnant woman is attacked and an unborn child is injured or killed.
But twenty-six states have enacted laws to recognize unborn victims of at least some violent crime, during some or all of the period of pre-natal development.
This bill would remedy loopholes that currently exist.
I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the need to pass this important legislation in support of those who cannot help themselves – the Unborn Victims of Violence Act.
Burgess: Nearly $100 Million Available in Education Grant Funding
Posted by on May 8, 2003
Today, U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) announced that the U.S. Department of Education has nearly $100 million for Teaching American History grants and urged local school districts to apply for the funding.
"The Twenty-sixth district has some of the best schools in the region. The teachers and administrators work tirelessly to educate the next generation of accountants, entrepreneurs, physicians, and educators,” said Burgess. It is my hope all of the schools in the area will apply for the Teaching American History grants.
A grant application notice will be published in the Federal Register this week. The application deadline is July 7.
The Teaching American History grant program supports three-year projects to improve teachers' knowledge, understanding and appreciation for American history through intensive, ongoing professional development. Projects must be in partnership with organizations that have extensive knowledge of American history, including libraries, museums, nonprofit history or humanities organizations, and higher education institutions.
Project activities should enable teachers to develop further expertise in American history, teaching strategies, and other essential elements of teaching to higher standards. Nearly 175 school districts in 45 states and the District of Columbia currently receive Teaching American History grants.
Students who know and appreciate the great ideas, issues, and events of American history are more likely to understand and exercise their civic rights and responsibilities. This understanding of traditional American history will be enhanced if it is taught as a separate academic subject and not as a component of social studies. Teachers must have strong content knowledge to teach students effectively about the significant issues, episodes, individuals, and turning points in the history of the United States.
School districts with enrollments of less than 300,000 students are eligible for grants between $350,000 and $1 million. School districts with more than 300,000 students are eligible for grants of between $500,000 and $2 million.
More information about the Teaching American History grant program may be obtained by contacting Christine Miller in the Office of Innovation and Improvement at christine.miller@ed.gov or http://www.ed.gov/offices/OII/portfolio/history.html. People may also contact Stacey Defino in Burgess’ Washington office at 202-225-7772.
Burgess Supports "Next Frontier" of Science - Nanotechnology
Posted by on May 7, 2003
Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) supported a new frontier in science and technology by voting for a plan that would authorize a national nanotechnology research initiative. H.R. 766, The Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2002 would fund more research into this “small science,” which has the potential to evolve into a $1 trillion market with several million new jobs.
“We are stepping into a new frontier of science,” said Congressman Burgess, a member of the Science Committee and co-sponsor of the legislation. “With the broad and practical applications of nanotechnology, it could create millions of new jobs. This legislation funds research and development, but it also accelerates applications in the private sector.”
According to the National Academy of Science nanotechnology is the process of manipulating the structure of individual molecules. This results in stronger molecules, which contain electrical conductivity, electrical resistivity, and have optical absorption, thereby creating a system where molecules self assemble creating more versatile materials.
Nanotechnology is President Bush’s highest science and technology priority in the fiscal year 2004 budget. It has the potential to revolutionize science and engineering, and dramatically enhance industry and human health. The National Science Foundation (NSF) conservatively predicts a $1 trillion global market for nanotechnology in approximately twelve years, which could translate into as many as seven million new jobs.
H.R. 766, the Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2002, authorizes $2.36 billion over three years for nanotechnology research and development programs at NSF, the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Commerce, NASA, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The bill would cement U.S. technology leadership by assuring stable, long-term support for nanotechnology research. It protects taxpayers by adding oversight mechanisms to assure funds are spent wisely and it provides incentives for U.S. citizens to pursue degrees in science and engineering.
Nanotechnology is not only a science; it is making its way into the business community and developing into “nanobusiness” faster than anyone imagined. Unlike the Dot-com era, this is built on true physical, chemical, and biological science – real technology, thereby creating assets.
The University of North Texas had the foresight to invest in this technology and has taken the first step to serve as the regions research arm for this technology, which will lead to the development of real products.
"Rapid advances in nanotechnology will be a major economic engine for the 21st century. UNT’s Center for Advanced Research and Technology (CART) will one-day house specialized nanoscale measuring equipment to characterize nanostructured materials and devices at the atomic level – the field of nanometrology. This unique lab will add a critical measuring service for nanotechnology research throughout the entire southwestern United States, supporting the many nanotechnology labs already in place and helping transition academic research to real products,” said Lee Jackson, Chancellor of the University of North Texas System.
Currently, nanotechnology exists in computers and disk drives, and soon most telecommunications hardware will be based on it. In the not too distant future, nanotechnology will begin to transform biotechnology, medicine, military systems, and energy systems.
Other examples of nanotechnology applications already in existence include stain-resistant, wrinkle-free pants and ultraviolet-light blocking sunscreens. Possible future uses include:
· Homeland security: sensors to detect biological agents
· Information technology: new materials for increased computer memory
· Materials: stronger, lighter, better conducting materials for use in energy applications
· Health: cancer treatments that allow delivery of treatments directly to tumor cells, killing those cells without harming the healthy surrounding tissue
· Chemical industry: nano-catalysts to enable cleaner, more efficient chemical processes.
“Nanotechnology could change our lives by improving our health, our environment, and the way we live and work. I see this as the beginning of the next industrial revolution.”
For questions about the University of North Texas research, call Art Goven, Vice Provest for Research at 940-369-7487
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