NEWS

Energy Efficiency Event at Home Depot

FLOWER MOUND, TX, Mar 10 – Department of Energy (DOE) Deputy Secretary Clay Sell and Representative Michael Burgess (R-26th) visited the Home Depot in Flower Mound, Texas, to discuss the economic benefits of energy efficiency as well as the economic significance of President Bush's newly announced Advanced Energy and American Competitiveness Initiatives. After a brief tour and demonstration by Home Depot on the benefits of Energy Star products, Congressman Burgess discussed the energy efficiency decisions he and his wife have made recently during the construction of their new home.

Congressman Burgess thanks Deputy Secretary of Energy Clay Sell for attending.

Burgess Remarks on Legislation for Texas Water Day

WASHINGTON, DC, Mar 15 – Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess participated in events supporting Texas Water Day coordinated by Texas Water Conservation Association and the Texas Water Development Board. The focus of the event is on spreading the word on Capitol Hill about pressing needs concerning water in Texas.

“I trust that my Texas colleagues have benefited as much as I have from today’s office visits,” said Congressman Michael Burgess. “As we all know, water supply issues in the State of Texas and the nation present significant challenges ahead. To meet these challenges head on, we all need to support a local-state-federal partnership that can build on the incredible planning efforts of the regional water planning groups and the state.”

Last year, Congress Burgess introduced The Integrated Water Resources Management Act, H.R. 1368, which sets forth the State of Texas' priorities for reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). Currently, the Senate is debating WRDA.

E.G. Rod Pittman, Chairman of the Texas Water Development Board said “We appreciate Congressman Burgess' efforts to highlight Texas water issues, particularly in regards to reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act. H.R. 1368 provides a concise and comprehensive summary of Texas' interests in partnering with the Corps of Engineers to meet the water challenges of the future.”

Burgess Discusses Avian Flu at Internationally Sponsored Congressional Briefing

WASHINGTON, DC, Mar 9 – Today, Congressman Michael Burgess participated in the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Congressional Briefing on Avian Flu in the U.S. Capitol. The meeting included PAHO Assistant Director Dr. Carissa Etienne, Deputy Director Dr. Joxel Garcia, and remarks by Representative Silvestre Reyes and Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D.

Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) , Dr, Joxel Garcia, and Co-Host Rep. Silvestre Reyes (D-TX)

H5N1 avian influenza has now reached some 40 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa, half of them in the past four weeks. More than 150 million birds have died or been culled as a result of the virus, with economic losses in the billions of dollars.

Congressman Burgess’ remarks were focused on reporting new outbreaks early and accurately; stopping the spread of the disease while it is still in animals; protecting North and South America by coordinating efforts along all borders; progressing in our preparedness planning efforts; and most importantly educating the public and elected officials on the potential threat.

“Communicate, Communicate, Communicate” ~ Michael Burgess, Member of Congress

Statement on Immigration:

As the Senate works on their immigration bill, I must reiterate my belief that we must secure our borders first and address immigration reform second. I voted in favor of HR 4437, The Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 last December. This bill improves and strengthens border security to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into this country. I oppose amnesty and will work to defeat any measure that grants a general amnesty to illegal aliens.

One of the great things about living in America is our freedom of speech and our right to voice our opinions. However, I believe that education on the issue one is protesting and not breaking the law should be precursors to any protest. Leaving school because of you receive a text message on your phone telling you to is not truly voicing an educated opinion. I encourage any of my constituents to contact me directly by email, mail or phone to tell me their opinion; a protest where students skip classes is not the best forum.

Burgess Named South West Transit Assoc Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON, DC, Mar 10 – Michael C. Burgess, M.D., U.S. Congressman, 26th district of Texas, was honored by the South West Transit Association (SWTA) with the organization’s 2006 Legislator of the Year Award.

The SWTA Legislator of the Year award recognizes a member of the U.S. House or Senate who has significantly advanced the interest of public transportation in the previous year.

The award was presented to Congressman Burgess at the annual SWTA legislative briefing breakfast in Washington, D.C. on March 7 by Dick Ruddell, SWTA secretary-treasurer and president of The Fort Worth Transportation Authority, and by SWTA president Patrick Judge, public affairs director of the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority.

Burgess was nominated by Ruddell for his role in passage of the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU) in August 2005 and for his support of public transportation nationwide and in Texas.

“Congressman Burgess is a tireless worker for transportation interests in Washington and has increased the level of awareness of public transit in the communities in his district,” said Ruddell. “Those of us in public transportation could not ask for a better partner than Congressman Burgess,” Ruddell added.

For more on this story, please visit the Fort Worth Star-Telegram editorial “Looking Down the Road” printed on Tuesday, March 14, 2006.

Rep. Burgess is presented the SWTA legislator of the year award in the U.S. Capitol.

CONSTITUENT SERVICES

TAX TIME IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
CELEBRATE TAX FREEDOM DAY 2006

Mark your calendars because Tax Freedom Day is just around the corner. Tax Freedom Day is, of course, that date on the calendar, after which we are earning money for ourselves. Prior to Tax Freedom Day we are working for our share of the federal tax burden. Every year since 2001, tax freedom day has arrived earlier and earlier -- it is three weeks earlier this year than in 2000 before President Bush’s tax reforms began to take effect. Indeed we have made some progress, but simplicity and fairness in our tax system are still not a reality.

That is why I am a strong proponent for fundamental tax reform. I think simplicity and fairness demand that we replace our current tax system with a single rate system that taxes income only one time. One year ago, I introduced the “Freedom Flat Tax Act” which would allow taxpayers to opt into a consumption based single rate flat tax system that would replace the federal income tax with a flat 17% wage tax rate. There would be no deductions, nor loopholes; however, some personal exemptions would be allowed. The Freedom flat tax act will create a system that promotes fairness and economic prosperity by treating everyone the same, regardless of income or occupation, and removing the special preferences and disincentives for economic growth which characterize our current tax system.

MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG FORUMS

On January 1, 2006, the new Medicare Prescription Drug benefit began. Every eligible senior has the option of enrolling in this voluntary, but worthy program.

The new Medicare law is designed to help you pay for your medications through the Medicare program. If you do not already have prescription drug coverage or you are looking for better coverage, the new benefit is worth considering. Extra help will be available for those who need it, and a choice of plans will be available for you to pick which one best meets your needs.

The addition of the Medicare Prescription Drug coverage has been a large undertaking, and although there have been some technical problems during the initial start-up phase, the difficulties are being corrected.

The advantages of the program are worth the time and effort of selecting the program that best suits your individual prescription coverage needs. The program can help you by covering both brand name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies close to where you live.

To better assist you, I am hosting Medicare Prescription Drug Program Forums throughout the district designed to help you learn more about the program and to answer questions. I do hope you will take a moment to read about the new benefit, talk it over with your family and friends, and consider how it can help you pay for your prescription drug costs.

"ARTISTIC DISCOVERY”
CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

The contest is open to public, private and home schooled high school students residing in the 26th Congressional District. Student artisans will have their works judged by a professional art educator chosen by the Greater Denton Arts Council, the competition co-sponsor.

First prize in the competition is the display of the winning student’s artwork for an entire year in the U.S. Capitol complex. All the contest participants will be honored by Congressman Burgess at a recognition ceremony during a reception at the Center for Visual Arts in Denton, and the first place winner and honorable mentions will be announced.

If you have any questions regarding the art contest or to request an information packet, please contact Robin Vaughan in my Lewisville district office at (972) 434-9700 or robin.vaughan@mail.house.gov. Please notify Robin by April 10th if you would like to participate.

CONGRESSMAN BURGESS TO CO-HOST U.S. SERVICE ACADEMY DAYS

Academy Day provides interested students and parents an opportunity to learn more about our nation's service academies, admission requirements, and the nomination process. The event is free and open to the public. High school students preparing for college within the next couple of years and considering the service academy option should attend as well as middle school students. Representatives from each of the five service academies will be present to meet with students.

For more details contact Robin Vaughan or Joan Self in Congressman Burgess’ Lewisville Office at (972) 434-9700. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., and presentations from each of the five service academies will begin at 9:00 a.m. Pre-registration is not required for this informational event.