|
OUT2 GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Former editor of Orlando magazine to speak on
the campaign that changed everything in Florida
March 1st
James C. Clark will discuss and sign copies of his book, Red Pepper and Gorgeous George: Claude Pepper's Epic Defeat in the 1950 Democratic Primary, 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 1 in the John F. Armstrong Wing of the Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart. A former editor of Orlando magazine, Clark teaches history at the University of Central Florida. He is the author of four books, including Faded Glory:
Presidents Out of Power. Presented by the Friends of the Blake Library, Inc., the event is free and open to the public.
The 2000 presidential election introduced the phrase "hanging chad" to the national lexicon, but for those in the know the Florida "election of the century" took place 50 years earlier.
Claude Pepper was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1944. A Democrat, he had every reason to suspect the seat was his indefinitely. Certainly no Republican candidate could challenge him in a general election.
Pepper never counted on George Smathers.
Pepper saw himself as the national heir to Roosevelt's foreign policy; he encouraged cooperation with the Soviet Union, our WWII ally, and actively worked to defeat Truman's presidential nomination in 1948.
However, the political world was changing, and it was Smathers, not Pepper, who recognized and took advantage of this fact. Although McCarthyism was later named after the junior senator from Wisconsin, it
was Smathers who first-and successfully-used such divisive tactics in what became a vicious, bare-knuckled campaign. Smathers's resounding victory inspired others, including Richard Nixon and Barry Goldwater, to adopt similar tactics. It also helped set the stage for the completereversal of the political power structure that had ruled the South for nearly a century.
For details or to learn more about other Chautauqua South programs or the Martin County Library System call (772) 221-1403, pick up a Library Connection or Chautauqua South brochure at any branch library
or visit the library website, http://www.library.martin.fl.us.
Rooney: Stimulus Anniversary a Sad Reminder of President's Broken Promises
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) issued the following statement marking February 17, 2012 as the three-year anniversary of the President signing the $1.2 trillion stimulus package into law:
"The anniversary of the failed stimulus is a sad reminder of the broken promises that President Obama made to the American people," Rooney said. "Three years ago, the President told the American people that if Washington borrowed and spent a trillion dollars, then unemployment would stay below eight percent and be down to six percent today. The Pelosi Congress gave the President his trillion-dollar plan, but it failed to deliver the jobs he promised.
"Unemployment remains near double digits in Florida, yet President Obama's budget doubles down on his failed stimulus policies. We can't keep spending money we don't have on programs we know won't create jobs. The House of Representatives has passed almost 30 jobs bills with bipartisan support that are waiting for votes in the Senate. President Obama should call on the Senate to pass those bills without delay."
Broken promise: Passing the stimulus would save or create 3.5 million jobs.
Reality: The economy has shed 1.1 million jobs since President Obama took office.
Broken promise: The stimulus would keep unemployment below eight percent.
Reality: Unemployment has remained above eight percent for 36 straight months, and has averaged 9.3 percent since the stimulus passed.
Broken promise: Unemployment would drop to six percent by today under the stimulus.
Reality: Unemployment in January was 8.3 percent, while millions of Americans have simply given up looking for work.
Rooney: Obama's Budget a Missed Opportunity
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) issued the following statement after President Obama released his budget proposal today:
"President Obama's budget proposal is a missed opportunity, with no new ideas to kick-start our economy, help create jobs, reform the broken tax code, meaningfully cut the national debt, or save Social Security and Medicare for the next generation. The President is stubbornly clinging to the same failed stimulus spending approach while calling for tax hikes that will hurt small businesses and destroy jobs.
"This budget is a reminder of President Obama's broken promise cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term. We're never going to solve our debt crisis by promising spending cuts in the future in exchange for tax increases today. That's what Washington always does, and we never see the cuts. We need meaningful reforms and real spending cuts right away - not gimmicks and phantom savings."
President Obama's budget blueprint includes $1.9 trillion in new taxes, $350 billion in new stimulus spending, and no meaningful reforms to Social Security or Medicare, while producing a fourth straight trillion-dollar deficit. Under the President's budget, gross debt at the end of fiscal year 2022 would be $25.9 trillion.
Rooney: Constitution, Not President's Whims, Protects Right to Free Exercise of Religion
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today issued the following statement after President Obama offered an "accommodation" to his Administration's recent decision to force religious institutions<http://www.youtube.com/user/CongressmanRooney#p/a/u/0/AZS0bc6_4PA> - like Catholic schools, hospitals, and charities - to provide free coverage of contraceptive, sterilization and morning-after pill services, even if those services violate the teachings of an institution.
"The President is not a king. Religious institutions and American families should not have to rely on the good graces of a President worried about his reelection prospects to ensure that their right to free exercise of religion is protected - that's why we have the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
"The President has asserted that he has the power to dictate to American individuals, churches, charities, religious schools, and religious hospitals exactly what kind of health insurance they must have for themselves or provide for others, regardless of whether it conflicts with their religious beliefs, and that only he has the power to grant exceptions to those rulings. This attempt by President Obama to put his big government mandates above the Constitution is further evidence that his health care law must be repealed."
Rooney Welcomes 380 New Jobs to Charlotte County
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today issued the following statement after food distributor Cheney Brothers Inc. announced it would begin construction in 2012-13 on a 250,000-square-feet distribution center in Charlotte County. The $30 million project will bring 380 jobs to Punta Gorda.
"Cheney Brothers' expansion into Charlotte County will boost our local economy and bring hundreds of permanent, private sector jobs," Rooney said. "This is exactly the kind of investment we need to get our economy moving and help put Floridians back to work.
"Florida and Charlotte County have set the stage for economic growth and job creation by restoring an environment where the private sector can grow and add new jobs. The federal government should take a page from this pro-growth, pro-jobs playbook."
Fundraising Meet & Greet a Success for Magar!
In photo: Bob, Sam, MaryLynn, BettieKay, and Larry Magar take a moment from the festivities to pose for photo
JENSEN BEACH, FL.—On Friday, February 3, 2012, dozens of fortunate supporters of MaryLynn Magar, Republican candidate for Florida State House of Representatives, District 82 attended a fundraising meet & greet at the Braswell home in Jensen Beach Florida.
The event was hosted by Tom & Laura Bakkedahl, Linda Braswell, Nita Denton, David Earle, Marsha & Mike Ewing, Charlie & Rae Kane, Jeff Krauskopf, Pam Roebuck, Barry Grant Marsh, Sherry Plymale, Odias & Kathy Smith as well as Larry and Bettie Kay Magar.
The “who’s who” of Martin County Republican politics were in attendance, and the fundraising was a success according to Barry Grant Marsh.
Failed Government Policies Threaten College Dreams
By: Marco Rubio
If the 21st century is going to be another American Century, making a quality college education more accessible is an essential component to greater prosperity. I know how true this is from my own experience.
Throughout my own life, I was blessed by a few key factors. First, I have lived under an American free enterprise system where good ideas, talent and hard work help people move up the economic ladder. Second, I had parents who sacrificed a lot to give me opportunities they never had. And third, I was able to afford college because of student loan and grant programs made possible by a limited government doing things it should be doing.
After high school, I attended Tarkio College in Missouri to play football. I had never lived away from home, and my parents could not afford to help me financially. What made it possible was the financial assistance I received. Instead of a traditional athletic scholarship, the school put together a financial aid package for me that made it possible to pursue my two dreams: going to college and playing football. After one season (sadly a losing one, as we were 4-5-1), I decided to move back to Florida and dedicate myself more to my studies, first at community college, then the University of Florida and finally the University of Miami's law school. Once again, I was relying on student loans, grants and hard work.
These experiences taught me all too well about the challenges students face in making ends meet in college, and later on as graduates trying to pay off their student loans. I was once in their shoes as a student. And I still find myself in the shoes of many, owing Sallie Mae more than $100,000 in law school loans, for which I pay about $700 each month. It's an experience I hope my kids don't have to go through, which is why we've set up pre-paid college tuition programs for all four.
My experiences are like those of many of the constituents I represent, and millions more across America. They've taught me that making college more affordable starts with having a disciplined government that doesn't waste money on endeavors it has no business in, so it can prioritize helping young people move up the economic ladder. My experiences also taught me that there is simply no better way to help Americans pay off their student loans than having a strong job market awaiting them upon graduation, and sustaining it throughout their careers by having government remove tax and regulatory obstacles that prevent entrepreneurs from opening new businesses or expanding existing ones.
Unfortunately, despite the president's best intentions, he continues to push for tax increases on the very employers that we are counting on to hire our nation's best and brightest students. He refuses to lead a government that spends no more than it takes in. He refuses to do anything to remove the long-term cloud of uncertainty stemming from our national debt. He refuses to fix our complicated tax code, and he refuses to rein in the Washington bureaucrats making our regulatory system a nightmare for job creators.
Rooney Statement on January Unemployment Report
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) issued the following statement on the January jobs report:
"America's job creators and our workforce deserve tremendous credit for the job gains they've produced in recent months, despite policies from Washington - like a broken tax code, a deluge of costly regulations, and a crushing debt burden - that have made economic growth and job creation significantly more difficult.
"Any growth in jobs is a positive step, but 8.3 percent unemployment is not nearly good enough, especially with the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projecting unemployment to climb steadily over the next year. If President Obama is as serious about creating jobs for the American people as he is about protecting his own, he'll take a short break from campaigning to demand that the Senate take up and pass the 27 bipartisan jobs bills<http://www.facebook.com/reptomrooney?
sk=app_222479327817385> that have passed the House but can't even get a vote in the Democratic Senate.
Rooney Calls for Special Prosecutor to Investigate Fast and Furious
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today cosponsored a resolution calling for a special prosecutor to investigate Operation Fast and Furious, the botched Justice Department gun-running program that lost track of more than 1,800 weapons, including the gun used to kill U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.
"Over the last year, Attorney General Eric Holder and other Justice Department officials have used every tool at their disposal to withhold necessary information, avoid answering tough questions, and conceal their apparent culpability in Operation Fast and Furious.
"Since Attorney General Holder will not fully cooperate with ongoing Congressional inquiries, we need to appoint a special prosecutor to complete a thorough, independent investigation and determine who authorized this disastrous program, who knew about it, and when. President Obama needs to appoint a special prosecutor so that we can hold the responsible individuals accountable for their actions and ensure that this doesn't happen again."
The resolution, H. Res. 532, was introduced by Rep. Ben Quayle (AZ-03). It expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President of the United States should appoint a special counsel to investigate Operation Fast and Furious and the Attorney General's knowledge and management of Operation Fast and Furious.
Rooney Statement on Afghanistan Announcement
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16), a member of the House Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, today issued the following statement in response to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's announcement that the United States would shift to a non-combat role in Afghanistan by 2013:
"I respectfully urge our Commander in Chief to reconsider this premature announcement and base any changes in our Afghanistan strategy on the situation on the ground. While our troops have made progress in stabilizing areas of Afghanistan, the Obama Administration has not presented any assessment that suggests our military commanders believe the Afghan Security Forces are prepared to maintain that stability.
"We saw in Iraq in 2006, when the country nearly degenerated into civil war, what happens when we move our troops before local security forces are prepared to take over. Before publicly telegraphing a withdrawal date, we need clear evidence that the Afghan Security Forces are prepared for this transition - they aren't now, and there's no crystal ball to ensure us they will be a year from now."
Stuart Celebrates Youth Success Day
  
Stuart – Three local success stories were heard yesterday as officials of the Martin County Juvenile Justice System recognized three citizens, once mired in the world of Drugs, violence and prostitution.
Assistant State Attorney Pam Roebuck presided over the ceremony calling the “Youth Success Program” a rousing success, :I’m seeing permanent changes in kids.”
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Stuart Celebrates Youth Success Day
Stuart – Three local success stories were heard yesterday as officials of the Martin County Juvenile Justice System recognized three citizens, once mired in the world of Drugs, violence and prostitution.
Assistant State Attorney Pam Roebuck presided over the ceremony calling the “Youth Success Program” a rousing success, :I’m seeing permanent changes in kids.”
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Stuart Celebrates Youth Success Day
  
Stuart – Three local success stories were heard yesterday as officials of the Martin County Juvenile Justice System recognized three citizens, once mired in the world of Drugs, violence and prostitution.
Assistant State Attorney Pam Roebuck presided over the ceremony calling the “Youth Success Program” a rousing success, :I’m seeing permanent changes in kids.”
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Stuart Celebrates Youth Success Day
  
Stuart – Three local success stories were heard yesterday as officials of the Martin County Juvenile Justice System recognized three citizens, once mired in the world of Drugs, violence and prostitution.
Assistant State Attorney Pam Roebuck presided over the ceremony calling the “Youth Success Program” a rousing success, :I’m seeing permanent changes in kids.”
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Lincoln Day Brunch with Newt
Stuart – Newt Gingrich visited Stuart today on his way around Florida and eventuly to Washington and the Presidentcy.
Gingrich, after a rousing introduction by Florida Statehouse candidate MaryLynn Magar immediately addressed the assault on his Moon base goal criticized earlier this week by Mit Romney. He gave a history lesson citing Lincoln and Kennedy as being visionaries with regard to transcontinental rail and putting a man on the moon.
He took questions from the audience ranging from Social Security to the repeal of “Obamacare” and cuts in defence.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Lincoln Day Brunch with Newt
Stuart – Newt Gingrich visited Stuart today on his way around Florida and eventuly to Washington and the Presidentcy.
Gingrich, after a rousing introduction by Florida Statehouse candidate MaryLynn Magar immediately addressed the assault on his Moon base goal criticized earlier this week by Mit Romney. He gave a history lesson citing Lincoln and Kennedy as being visionaries with regard to transcontinental rail and putting a man on the moon.
He took questions from the audience ranging from Social Security to the repeal of “Obamacare” and cuts in defence.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Lincoln Day Brunch with Newt
Stuart – Newt Gingrich visited Stuart today on his way around Florida and eventuly to Washington and the Presidentcy.
Gingrich, after a rousing introduction by Florida Statehouse candidate MaryLynn Magar immediately addressed the assault on his Moon base goal criticized earlier this week by Mit Romney. He gave a history lesson citing Lincoln and Kennedy as being visionaries with regard to transcontinental rail and putting a man on the moon.
He took questions from the audience ranging from Social Security to the repeal of “Obamacare” and cuts in defence.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
RUBIO TO OBAMA: "THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF YOUR PRESIDENCY
HAVE BEEN A PROFILE IN LEADERSHIP FAILURE"
Dear Mr. President:
Any day now, news reports suggest you will ask Congress to approve yet another increase in the debt ceiling. The expected request is another $1.2 trillion, adding to a three year debt binge that has totaled $4.5 trillion on your watch and that has enabled our overall debt to surpass $15 trillion. Your latest request will push the federal debt limit well above $16 trillion.
This pending request will be the sixth time during your Presidency that Congress is being asked to keep allowing government and spending to grow at rates that are unsustainable. In other words, you have made it a routine part of your job to ask for more room to spend without any plan to reduce our debt.
Instead of making debt ceiling increases a routine Washington exercise, we need to make it routine to actually spend no more than we take in. Until then, I will oppose your request to continue borrowing and spending recklessly.
As I wrote in The Wall Street Journal in March 2011, I will oppose a debt ceiling increase unless such an authorization is accompanied by a real plan to tackle our debt. Ideally, such a plan would feature both pro-growth elements and spending restraints, including fundamental tax reform, regulatory reform, meaningful cuts to discretionary spending, a balanced-budget amendment, and reforms to save Social Security and Medicare.
If we had done this in mid-2011 when we last debated the debt ceiling, we could have set America on a path to economic growth and prosperity. This would have led to more jobs and, in turn, to more duly employed taxpayers generating more growth-driven revenue to help us pay down our debt. Instead, you failed to lead, punted the tough decisions and, in doing so, our credit rating was downgraded for the first time in our history. It's a tragic reality but, on your watch, more and more people have come to believe that America is becoming a deadbeat nation inevitably heading toward a European-style debt crisis.
When you served in the Senate in 2006, you called raising the debt limit "a sign of leadership failure." Using your own standard, this request will mark your sixth "sign of leadership failure" on the debt ceiling issue alone. Throughout our history, Americans have revered courageous leaders and celebrated them as profiles in courage. Unfortunately, the first three years of your presidency have been a profile in leadership failure. While you may choose to run your reelection campaign against a "Do-Nothing Congress," your insistence on doing nothing to meaningfully tackle our debt poses a direct threat to America's exceptional character and is leading us towards a diminished future.
America deserves leaders who will stand front and center, level with the American people about our challenges and offer real solutions to solve them. Instead of simply asking for another debt ceiling increase, I urge you to come forward with a real plan to tackle our debt in 2012.
Sincerely,
Marco Rubio
United States Senator
Rooney Statement on Payroll Tax Relief Agreement
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today issued the following statement after the House of Representatives and Senate reached an agreement to extend the payroll tax holiday for two months. The agreement will also extend unemployment benefits, prevents reimbursement cuts to doctors who treat Medicare patients, and opens the Keystone Pipeline.
"I'm frustrated that the Senate left town and refused to negotiate a long-term agreement, but I am glad we will be able to prevent a tax hike from hitting middle class families, while correcting some of the errors in the Senate bill that made it unworkable for small businesses," Rooney said.
"A full-year extension of the payroll tax holiday would be far better than a two-month stop-gap. However, as I said at the beginning of this debate, a two-month extension that prevents a tax hike, protects Medicare access, includes the Keystone Pipeline, and gives us time to work out additional spending cuts and reforms is preferable to continued gridlock that would lead to a tax increase for millions of Americans.
"The Senate now needs to work with us to reach a long-term agreement that will give middle class families, small business owners, doctors and Medicare patients the certainty they need. We should not wait, yet again, until the last minute."
Congresswoman Sandy Adams Tears Into Eric Holder
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder went before the House Judiciary Committee today to answer questions regarding the botched ‘Fast and Furious’ program that allowed illegal firearms to wind up in the hands of Mexican drug cartels. Florida Congresswoman Sandy Adams had several minutes to question Holder, and the blood was on the floor before the time limit saved Holder from further embarrassment.
THE RACE FOR SHERIFF BEGINS
Stuart -- The race for county sheriff is of and running in full swing. Will Snyder hosted a campaign launch at his home in Palm City and David Dees did much the same at a get together at the Sunlight Ranch and Polo Club.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
RUBIO PROMOTES AGREE ACT, HIGHLIGHTS PRESIDENT'S
SUPERCOMMITTEE LEADERSHIP FAILURE
AMANPOUR: Let me ask you first, Senator Rubio, you have said that this is not an earth-shattering bill that you're proposing. Just how many jobs do you think it will create?
RUBIO: Well, we're not claiming to know that number. We know it'll be more than what we have now, and that's what's important. This helps real people. These are ideas that came from job creators.
Some of it's extending existing law to give another year of certainty to job creators. And others are things that are new that came, for example, from the Franchise Association, but we believe that one of the things that's holding back economic activity is all the bad news and impending bad news that's coming out of Washington.
And we feel like if we can show people that there are things we can work on together, that there is a glimmer of hope in Washington, that we are able to agree on the things we agree on, we hope to be able to get the ball rolling on a little bit of confidence over the next 12 months.
RUBIO: And our point is that there is no reason for this not to pass. You know, I think people at home, certainly here in Florida, and I'm sure across the country, understand that there are big differences between Republicans and Democrats, and they understand that's why we're going to have an election next year to decide that.
What they don't understand is why do you guys fight about the things you agree on? And so what we did is we just sat down and went and tried to collect a few things that we - every - people had agreed on in a bipartisan way, and said, at least let's pass those. We can't sit around for 12 months and do nothing.
And so that's what we're hoping to do here. But you ask a very important question. If something like this can't get traction, if something like this can't pass, what does it say about our process?
RUBIO ON THE SUPERCOMMITTEE: WHITE HOUSE LEADERSHIP HAS BEEN LACKING
RUBIO: Well, first of all, I never thought the super committee was a good idea. And, second of all, I hope it does work out because so much is at stake. But I want to say something, actually, in defense of the Democrats on the super committee, and I blame the White House for a little lack of leadership on this.
I mean, the White House has never indicated to them how far they can go on making concessions, how far that -- for example, on entitlement reform. And I think it's very difficult for the Democrats on that committee to enter into a negotiation, not knowing where the White House is.
They don't want to get their legs cut out underneath them as they agree to some entitlement reformmeasures that later on the White House decides they don't want to support in an election year.
AMANPOUR: Senator Rubio, do you agree with what many in your party say publicly, constantly, that President Obama doesn't, in fact,want this super committee to succeed, wants it to fail in order to be able to run against a do-nothing Congress?
RUBIO: Well, again, I hate questioning people's motives, but I do believe that there's political strategy involved here. And I certainly think the president would like to run against a do-nothing Congress.
But I hope that doesn't stand in the way of meaningful legislation, particularly out of the super committee.
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
SENATOR RUBIO COMMENTS ON SUPER COMMITTEE'S FAILURE
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio issued the following statement regarding today's announcement that the congressional "Super Committee" failed to produce a plan to tackle the national debt:
"The Super Committee was a flawed idea from the start and, while I give credit to several of its members for making a good faith effort, its fate was sealed by the President's failure to put forward a plan to cut spending and his unbreakable obsession with raising taxes on job creators.
"The consequences of this Washington-style leadership failure are not only a missed opportunity to reign in our debt, but also a step toward devastating cuts to our national security efforts. In sum, this threatens to leave us with a diminished economy, a less secure future and on track for our own Greece and Italy-like day of reckoning.
"We need to cut spending and save entitlements without enacting job-killing tax hikes that would hurt our economy. Until the American people rid Washington of politicians who are addicted to spending and intolerant of fundamental spending reforms, our job creators won't have the confidence to go out and do what they do best, and our people will continue to suffer."
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Representative William Snyder Plans to Further Legislation
Regarding Military Funerals and Services
Stuart -- Representative William D. Snyder (R-Stuart), who earlier had publicly voiced his support for a bill protecting the families of slain military personnel from intrusive picketing during funeral services, is pleased to announce that the bill passed its first committee earlier today.
Representative Snyder will work closely with the bill sponsor, Representative Pat Rooney, as this legislation, House Bill 31/Funerals, Burials, and Memorial Services, will be heard next in the Judiciary Committee, which Representative Snyder chairs.
Local authorities anticipated protests from the Westboro Baptist Church members during past ceremonies for slain Treasure Coast military personnel.
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
State Representative William D. Snyder Recognized
by the American Conservative Union as a 2011 "Defender of Liberty"
Tallahassee, FL - As part of the American Conservative Union's first-ever rating for the Florida Legislature, Representative William Snyder (R-Stuart) was honored on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, by ACU Chairman Al Cardenas as a 2011 "Defender of Liberty" for championing issues important to conservatives.
"On behalf of the American Conservative Union, I am pleased to present our 2011 State Legislative Ratings for members of the Florida Legislature," said Chairman Cardenas. "Just as we hold every member of Congress accountable for his or her voting record on the most important issues facing our nation, the ACU will ensure voters in Florida have access to the latest information on their state representatives' conservative credentials."
The "Defender of Liberty" award recognizes a perfect 100 percent score on ACU's ratings for the Florida State legislature. Additionally, it reflects outstanding support of conservative principles on a wide range of issues during the 2011 session.
Founded in 1964, ACU represents the views of Americans who are concerned with economic growth through lower taxes and reduced government spending and the issues of liberty, personal responsibility, traditional values and national security. The ACU Ratings of Congress have been the definitive guide for decades on where Members of Congress stand on conservative issues. Published by the ACUF, it provides the public and the news media a yearly score for each Member of the United States House and Senate.
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
RUBIO COMMENTS ON IAEA REPORT ON IRAN
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement regarding today’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report about Iran’s nuclear weapons program:
“This report is another example of how the Iranian government subverts the international community by concealing their nuclear activity. Congress should approve the sanctions included in the Iran, North Korea and Syria Sanctions Act. The Obama Administration should work with our allies and partners in Europe and Asia to impose crippling sanctions on Iran, including its central bank, to finally send a message that the Iranian nuclear weapons program is intolerable. I look forward to learning more about this report and to hearing how the Administration plans to respond to it.”
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) Schedule of Events in the 16th District to Honor Veterans Day
Friday, November 11
11:00 AM - Tequesta American Legion Post Veterans Day Event
WHAT: Congressman Rooney will participate in an event to honor Veterans Day at American Legion Post 271 in Tequesta.
WHERE: American Legion Post 271
775 N. U.S. Highway 1
Tequesta, FL 33469
2:00 PM - Benjamin School Veterans Day Award Ceremony
WHAT: Congressman Rooney will deliver the keynote speech at a Veterans Day award ceremony at The Benjamin School.
WHERE: The Benjamin School Campus - Upper School Gym
4875 Grandiflora Road
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
Saturday, November 12
2:00 PM - Tequesta Friends of Public Safety Chili Cook Off to Benefit Honor Flight
WHAT: Congressman Rooney will be a guest judge at the Tequesta Friends of Public Safety Chili Cook Off, with proceeds benefiting Honor Flight.
WHERE: Tequesta Brewing Company
287 N. U.S. Highway 1
Tequesta, FL 33469
SENATOR RUBIO LAUNCHES NEW iPHONE, iPAD & ANDROID APPLICATIONS
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio today released a full suite of mobile device applications to make it easier for constituents to follow his Senate work and contact his office. The new applications for iPhone, iPad, and Android are available now and offer simple access to Rubio’s blog, social media feeds and latest press releases.
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
132 Economists Say Ideas in Rooney Jobs Bill Better Than Stimulus for Job Creation
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today released a list of 132 economists<http://www.speaker.gov/UploadedFiles/Economists-11-8-11.pdf> who believe the core ideas the Rooney jobs bill<http://rooney.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3293> - reforming the tax code and ending unnecessary regulations - will do more to boost private-sector job creation in the near- and long-term than the stimulus spending approach pushed by President Obama.
"The lesson of Stimulus I is that helping small businesses and the private sector grow - not growing the size of the federal government - is the solution to job creation," Rooney said. "Many economists agree that by reforming the tax code and ending unnecessary regulations, we can do more to help put Americans back to work than we could with another flawed stimulus approach.
"This list confirms that solutions like my plan<http://rooney.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3293>, and the 22 House-passed jobs bills<http://www.facebook.com/reptomrooney#!/reptomrooney?sk=app_222479327817385> awaiting Senate action, are the key to job creation in both the near-term and short-term."
Rooney's bill, the "Restore America Act,"<http://rooney.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3290> would help the private sector grow and create jobs in four steps: reform the tax code, get rid of unnecessary regulations, expand domestic energy production, and streamline federal job training programs.
Last month, Speaker Boehner and House Republicans asked a group of economists across the nation which approach they believe is more likely to boost private-sector job growth in America in both the near- and long-term: a plan focused on billions of dollars in additional stimulus spending by government, or one that stops excessive government regulations and fixes the tax code to help private-sector job creators? A total of 132 economists indicated they favor the latter strategy, which is included in Rooney's bill.
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
MARCO RUBIO'S FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
As Congress gets set to take on the troubling issue of human trafficking, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who is co-sponsoring a major bill on the subject tells that Brody File that what is happening in America is a humanitarian crisis and, “sounds like some sort of cable movie but it’s real.” He says America must take the lead because of its moral standing in the World. He then takes a swipe at China saying, “China will never be America” because it is a country that, “violates the rights of its own people and can care less about the rights of others.”
I spoke with Rubio in his Capitol Hill office about the issue of human trafficking, which will be the focus of a hearing on Capitol Hill today. Rubio will play a lead role as he and other members of the U.S. Helsinki Commission look to reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2011.
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Rooney Introduces Plan for Jobs
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today introduced the "Restore America Act,"<http://rooney.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3290> new legislation to help the private sector grow and create jobs.
"Nearly three years after the first stimulus bill passed, unemployment remains above ten percent in Florida and above nine percent nationwide," Rooney said. "We need a new approach, one that recognizes that businesses and entrepreneurs - not federal government officials and bureaucrats - are the real job creators who can lead us into economic recovery and help put Americans back to work.
"My bill reflects the concerns I've heard from local businesses, who want to grow and hire new workers but are being weighed down by a broken tax code, unnecessary mandates, high energy costs, and uncertainty about what's coming next. We need to tear down these roadblocks, get Washington out of the way, and lay the groundwork for real, private-sector job creation.
"This plan helps put Americans back to work in four key steps: reform the tax code, get rid of unnecessary regulations, expand domestic energy production, and streamline federal job training programs.
"We need to reform the tax code to make it fair, simple and competitive. My plan gets rid of corporate loopholes and deductions, and replaces them with across-the-board, permanent tax relief. A fairer tax code will help business grow and compete on a level playing field, and permanent tax relief will give them the certainty they need to invest in their companies and create new jobs.
"By ending unnecessary, costly regulations that are destroying jobs, we can remove a critical obstacle facing small business owners. The Small Business Administration reports that businesses spend $1.75 trillion dollars and nearly 9 billion hours each year trying to comply with federal regulations - resources that they should be using to grow and hire new workers. My plan stops the Administration from piling new, job-destroying mandates on our job creators by requiring Congressional approval of any new regulation with a significant economic impact.
"Expanding American energy production would create jobs right away while reducing prices for families and businesses. We have tremendous energy resources in our country, and if we utilize them, we'll see new jobs immediately in the energy sector. Producing American energy would drive down energy costs, helping both families and small businesses make ends meet.
"Streamlining and coordinating federal job training programs, which right now are duplicative and inefficient, will help ensure that when jobs are available, job-seekers have the skills and training they need. My plan directs Congress to streamline the 47 different federal job training programs we have now, and give more power and flexibility to state and local job training programs, so they better reflect the unique needs of our communities."
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
“MARCO RUBIO USES SENATE PLATFORM TO CALL ATTENTION TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING”
WASHINGTON — In Immokalee, a dozen Hispanics spent long days in the fields then were forced to sleep in a rental truck. In Boca Raton, Filipino workers pulled grueling shifts at country clubs then returned home as captives, fed rotten chicken and denied medical attention.
Stories like these from recent years in Florida are chilling examples of human trafficking — an issue officials say is growing but often overlooked.
"It's a much bigger problem than I think most people are aware of and Florida, unfortunately, plays a role," said U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.
The state, in fact, is considered one of the hotbeds for human trafficking in the U.S., where each year up to 20,000 people are brought against their will or under false pretenses and forced to work or held captive.
Rubio said he wants to use his Senate platform to call more attention to the issue. The problem is most associated with prostitution, but forced labor is more common in Florida. A year ago in Pinellas County, FBI and local officials found 27 people living in two homes and suspected they were being forced to work at a Country Super Buffet. The case is still under investigation.
"People think slavery is something that happened 150 years ago and to the extent it's happening, they think it's happening halfway around the world, which it is," Rubio said in an interview. "But it's also happening here."
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
RUBIO ANSWERS CONSTITUENTS’ QUESTIONS ON UNEMPLOYMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING AND POLITICAL IMPASSE
Washington, D.C. – In today’s installment<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR57KWbvbrw> of Marco’s Constituent Mail Box video series, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio responds to letters from Florida constituents concerned with the unemployment crisis, plans for infrastructure spending and dysfunctional Washington politics.
In the first letter, Kenia from Panama City wrote regarding the unemployment crisis in America. She was very discouraged that her husband, a disabled Navy veteran with a 4 year degree, had been struggling for years to get a job. Our second letter came from Kurt in St. Augustine who was dissatisfied with the political impasse in Washington. The last letter came from Luis in Orlando who is concerned about infrastructure spending and upset with Rubio’s vote against the recent stimulus bill.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Chinese Economic Espionage Hurts American Jobs, Threatens Security
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16), a member of the House Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, today issued the following statement on a new report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) titled, "Foreign Spies Stealing US Economic Secrets in Cyberspace," which details foreign economic espionage against American businesses.
"The explosion of business activity and development in cyberspace has opened a new world for malicious actors across the globe to steal information from American businesses," Rooney said. "Not surprisingly, the Chinese have been the most aggressive in stealing American economic information and technology. The onslaught of cyber-theft from China not only hurts our economy and slows job creation, but it puts America's national security at risk. This behavior is unacceptable, and we need to push all the pressure we can on Beijing to crack down on this illegal activity."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Rooney to Participate in Events for Local Children's Home, Homeless Veterans' Center
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today released the following schedule of events in the district for Saturday, November 5:
Hope Walk for Home Safe
WHAT: Congressman Rooney will participate in a walk for Home Safe<http://www.homesafeforkids.org/>, a center for abused and neglected children. Rooney served as CEO of Home Safe before being elected to Congress.
WHERE: Carlin Park
400 Florida A1A
Jupiter, FL 33477
WHEN: 9:00 AM
Stand Down House Take Flight Award Celebration
WHAT: Congressman Rooney will deliver opening remarks at a celebration dinner for Stand Down House<http://www.standown.org/>, a transitional living facility for homeless veterans.
WHERE: Doubletree Palm Beach Gardens
4431 PGA Boulevard
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
WHEN: 8:00 PM
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Weak Jobs Report Highlights Need for New Approach
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) issued the following statement on the jobs report released this morning by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, showing the economy gained just 80,000 jobs in October:
"While President Obama campaigned and Harry Reid staged votes designed only to fail, the economy continued to sputter and 14 million Americans remained out work in October," Rooney said. "The House has now passed 22 jobs bills<http://www.facebook.com/reptomrooney?sk=app_222479327817385> with bipartisan support, but those bills can't even get a vote in the Democratic Senate - that's a shame, and the American people deserve better.
"After the failure of the first stimulus to meet its stated goals of keeping unemployment below eight percent, the last thing we need is Stimulus 2.0. That's why I have introduced a plan<http://rooney.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3293> get Washington out of the way, tear down roadblocks to economic growth, and lay the groundwork for real, private-sector job creation
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
MY FAMILY'S FLIGHT FROM CASTRO
The Washington Post on Friday accused me of seeking political advantage by embellishing the story of how my parents arrived in the United States.
That is an outrageous allegation that is not only incorrect, but an insult to the sacrifices my parents made to provide a better life for their children. They claim I did this because "being connected to the post-revolution exile community gives a politician cachet that could never be achieved by someone identified with the pre-Castro exodus, a group sometimes viewed with suspicion."
If The Washington Post wants to criticize me for getting a few dates wrong, I accept that. But to call into question the central and defining event of my parents' young lives - the fact that a brutal communist dictator took control of their homeland and they were never able to return - is something I will not tolerate.
My understanding of my parents' journey has always been based on what they told me about events that took place more than 50 years ago - more than a decade before I was born. What they described was not a timeline, or specific dates.
They talked about their desire to find a better life, and the pain of being separated from the nation of their birth. What they described was the struggle they faced growing up, and their obsession with giving their children the chance to do the things they never could.
But the Post story misses the point completely. The real essence of my family's story is not about the date my parents first entered the United States. Or whether they travelled back and forth between the two nations. Or even the date they left Fidel Castro's Cuba forever and permanently settled here.
The essence of my family story is why they came to America in the first place; and why they had to stay.
I now know that they entered the U.S. legally on an immigration visa in May of 1956. Not, as some have said before, as part of some special privilege reserved only for Cubans. They came because they wanted to achieve things they could not achieve in their native land.
And they stayed because, after January 1959, the Cuba they knew disappeared. They wanted to go back - and in fact they did. Like many Cubans, they initially held out hope that Castro's revolution would bring about positive change. So after 1959, they traveled back several times - to assess the prospect of returning home.
In February 1961, my mother took my older siblings to Cuba with the intention of moving back. My father was wrapping up family matters in Miami and was set to join them.
But after just a few weeks, it became clear that the change happening in Cuba was not for the better. It was communism. So in late March 1961, just weeks before the Bay of Pigs invasion, my mother and siblings left Cuba and my family settled permanently in the United States.
Soon after, Castro officially declared Cuba a Marxist state. My family has never been able to return.
I am the son of immigrants and exiles, raised by people who know all too well that you can lose your country. By people who know firsthand that America is a very special place.
My father spent the last 50 years of his life separated from the nation of his birth. Separated from his two brothers, who died in Cuba in the 1980s. Unable to show us where he played baseball as a boy. Where he met my mother. Unable to visit his parents' grave.
My mother has spent the last 50 years separated from her native land as well. Unable to take us to her family's farm, to her schools or to the notary office where she married my father.
A few years ago, using Google Earth, I attempted to take my parents back to Cuba. We found the rooftop of the house where my father was born. What I wouldn't give to visit these places where my story really began, before I was born.
One day, when Cuba is free, I will. But I wish I could have done it with my parents.
The Post story misses the entire point about my family and why their story is relevant. People didn't vote for me because they thought my parents came in 1961, or 1956, or any other year. Among others things, they voted for me because, as the son of immigrants, I know how special America really is. As the son of exiles, I know how much it hurts to lose your country.
Ultimately what The Post writes is not that important to me. I am the son of exiles. I inherited two generations of unfulfilled dreams. This is a story that needs no embellishing.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Rooney Statement on Iraq Announcement
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) issued the following statement on President Obama's announcement of the withdrawal of combat forces from Iraq:
"I stand with all Americans to thank our brave men and women in uniform for their service and sacrifice and that of their families. Iraq has a real chance at peace, thanks to our military and our allies, as long as the Administration stays engaged with the emerging democratic government there to ensure they know ours is a long-term partnership.
"As our troops return home, we must not forget their hard work and sacrifice. We have tremendous strides in recent years to improve health care services - particularly mental health - for troops and veterans, and to reduce veteran homelessness, but we still have significant work to do to ensure that those who serve receive the support and care they deserve. We must also help ensure that as our veterans enter a tough economy, they receive the training and assistance they need to find work and successfully transition to civilian life."
Rooney visited Iraq<http://rooney.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3213:rooney-visits-iraq-to-see-transition-to-democracy-firsthand&catid=48:2011-press-releases> in April, his second visit in the last three years, to see firsthand Iraq's progress toward democracy and to discuss the country's challenges and next steps with Iraqi leaders and senior military officials.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Craig Miller Releases 3rd Quarter Fundraising Figures
Campaign Continues to Build Momentum Across Florida
ORLANDO – Craig Miller, successful businessman and veteran, today released his first fundraising report in his race to replace Bill Nelson. His “Main Street Conservative” message has resonated throughout the state, resulting in a mounting grassroots and financial network.
Having spent his career in business, not politics, Craig Miller has dedicated himself to traveling the state to meet and work alongside Floridians. "We are exactly where we wanted to be at this stage of the campaign, having exceeded our initial growth expectations. We have assembled a strong team and we are building momentum daily. Floridians from around the state are joining the campaign, expressing their support for a U.S. Senator who has done more than run for public office. I am humbled by all the support, and will work hard to continue building momentum moving forward,” said Craig Miller.
Miller raised $226,000 in the 3rd quarter and has $145,000 cash on hand.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
SENATOR RUBIO STATEMENT ON ADMINISTRATION’S PROPOSED
PRISONER EXCHANGE WITH CUBA
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration’s attempts to negotiate the release of an American contractor held in Cuba in exchange for releasing a convicted Cuban spy and easing sanctions:
"It’s deplorable that the U.S. government offered several unilateral concessions to the Castro regime in exchange for the release of a man who was wrongfully jailed in the first place. Rather than easing sanctions in response to hostage taking, the U.S. should put more punitive measures on the Castro regime.
"Until Secretary Clinton answers for this, the nomination of Roberta Jacobson to be the next assistant secretary of state for the western hemisphere will be in question."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Rooney Schedule of Events, October 17-18
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today released the following schedule of events in the district for October 17-18. These events are open to press.
Monday, October 17
4:00 PM Congressional Award Presentation
WHAT: Congressman Rooney will present 58 Gold, Silver and Bronze Congressional Award Medals to students from Palm Beach County. Information about the Congressional Award program is available here<http://www.congressionalaward.org/about.php>.
WHERE: Palm Beach State College
Eissey Campus Theatre
11051 Campus Drive
Palm Beach Gardens
Tuesday, October 18 - 9:00 AM Job Creation Panel and Discussion of New Rooney Jobs Plan
WHAT: Congressman Rooney will host a panel of local job creators to present his new private-sector job creation plan and receive their feedback.
WHERE: Martin County Business Development Board
1002 SE Monterey Commons Blvd, Suite 203 Stuart, FL
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
SENATOR RUBIO COMMENTS AFTER HIS VOTE ON PRESIDENT OBAMA'S JOBS BILL
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio issued the following video statement today regarding the Senate's vote on President Obama's Jobs Bill:
"The first thing we have to remember is that President Obama does not have a very good track record when it comes to job creation. His first effort at job creation failed miserably, and this one really is almost identical to that one, except it's a little bit less money. And so that's why I can't support it.
"I can support a real job creation bill because I think job creation is the number one issue in America. And I think if you want to know what's standing in the way of job creation, we have to talk to the job creators who are telling us that it's strangling regulations, a complicated tax code that has to be reformed, and this debt burden that hangs over us like a dark cloud. These are the things that are standing in the way of people starting a business or expanding an existing business. And, by the way, nothing scares them more than the prospect of tax increases. Even the President himself admitted this when he extended the Bush tax cuts. Now he's changed his mind.
"So I think this is the wrong approach. I hope that I can work with my Democratic colleagues, and the President, on a real jobs bill that gets America back to work."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Rooney to Present New Jobs Bill to Local Job Creators
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today announced that Tuesday he will host a panel of local job creators to present his new private-sector job creation plan and to receive their feedback.
"Costly mandates, an unfair tax code, and high energy costs are making it increasingly difficult for our businesses to compete in the global economy and create good jobs for American workers," Rooney said. "I'm looking forward to meeting with some of the job creators in my district to listen to their ideas, hear about the impediments to business growth that they're facing, and discuss my new jobs bill with them."
Congressman Rooney plans to introduce new legislation, after he receives input from local employers next week, to improve the environment for the private sector to grow and create jobs. The Rooney bill will include significant business tax reform, the elimination of excessive federal regulations, and increased American energy production. Details of the plan will be available at the job creation panel.
EVENT DETAILS
WHO: Congressman Rooney and job creators in the 16th district
WHEN: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 9:00 AM.
WHERE: Martin County Business Development Board
1002 SE Monterey Commons Blvd, Suite 203
Stuart, FL 34996
This event is open to press.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
SENATOR RUBIO ENCOURAGED BY PASSING OF THE FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio issued the following video statement today regarding the Senate's votes passing the free trade agreements:
"First of all, I'm very encouraged by the fact that we finally passed the free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.
"It's been a long time coming. We've been talking about it for many years. We've been talking about it since day one here in my service in the United States Senate.
"And I think the first question people have is: "what took you guys so long?" And that is the same question I have.
"But we're glad it passed because it has huge positive benefits for Florida, especially the free trade agreements with Colombia and Panama. They will create thousands of jobs in Florida.
"These are good free trade agreements that are also fair to the American worker. They won't lead to jobs going overseas. On the contrary, it will strengthen our neighbors and their economies, but it will also strengthen ours, especially in places like Florida.
"So we're really excited that, finally, the free trade agreements have passed."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Free Trade Means More Jobs for Florida
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today issued the following statement on House passage of free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea:
"These free trade agreements will help create jobs and grow the economy by opening new markets for American-made products. According to some estimates, these agreements will help create more than 250,000 American jobs, including thousands of new manufacturing and agriculture jobs in Florida.
"Expanding free trade and helping American businesses compete in the global economy are critical pieces of our plan to help America's job creators<http://www.gop.gov/indepth/jobs>. I hope the Senate will approve these trade agreements quickly, and then get to work on the additional jobs bills<http://majorityleader.gov/JobsTracker/> that have passed in the House but are stuck in the Senate."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Senator Rubio Comments On Free Trade Agreements
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio commented on today's announcement that President Obama will be submitting the free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea for congressional approval:
"Approving free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea has been delayed long enough, and I hope Congress moves quickly to hold an immediate up-or-down vote on all three deals. These agreements will be a boon to our economy, create jobs for Floridians and help solidify our alliances with these steadfast partners. The agreements with Colombia and Panama in particular will boost Florida businesses, workers and farmers whose livelihoods rely on exports to these countries.
"Today's news is welcome, but it is several years overdue. Unfortunately, the long delay in bringing these deals up for a vote has allowed our competitors to seize on the Administration's complacency."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
SENATOR MARCO RUBIO TO PARTICIPATE AT
2011 WASHINGTON IDEAS FORUM
Washington, D.C. – Tomorrow, October 5, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio will be participating in the 2011 Washington Ideas Forum. He will partake in an on stage interview with National Journal’s Major Garrett at 2:25pm EDT.
The event will gather 600 leaders from across Washington and the country at the Newseum on Wednesday and Thursday.
Media wishing to cover this event must RSVP directly via Natalie Raabe at nraabe@theatlantic.com<mailto:nraabe@theatlantic.com>
A live stream of the speech will be available here<http://events.theatlantic.com/washington-ideas-forum/2011/>.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
2:25 p.m. EDT
Senator Marco Rubio to do an onstage interview with Major Garrett.
Newseum
555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Rooney Statement on Governor Claude Kirk
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) issued the following statement today on the passing of former Florida Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr:
"Governor Kirk will be dearly missed, but his memory will live long in Florida, where he will be remembered as a strong leader, a captivating and charismatic speaker, and a loyal public servant to our state. He was truly a great man. We say that about many people, but in this case there's no arguing it. Everyone who was blessed to know him would agree. Very seldom in our lives do we come across people of his character and stature. When you are around people like him, you feel lucky to just have a few minutes.
"Governor Kirk was a mentor and role model to me. His son Erik and daughter Claudia are close friends of Tara's and mine, so we were fortunate to get to know him beyond a politician and a statesman. While his passing is cause for sadness, I know the governor is making everyone in heaven have a good laugh. Tara and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Kirk family during this difficult time."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Rooney Statement on Killing of al-Awlaki
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16), a member of the House Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, today released the following statement on the death of Anwar al-Awlaki:
"The killing of terrorist leader Anwar al-Awlaki represents another significant victory in the war on terror. Al-Awlaki was recruiting American Muslims, like the Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hassan, and spreading hatred through his publication Inspire. He was trying to position himself of as a future leader of Al Qaeda, but thankfully, he will never get that chance.
"Since 9/11, our intelligence community has done a remarkable job of keeping America safe from terrorist threats. Just five months after the death of Osama bin Laden, the killing of al-Awlaki is another example of the important work our intelligence agencies and armed forces are doing behind the scenes every day."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Miller Statement on President Obama's Tax Hike
"President Obama's proposal to raise taxes is dangerous to our economy and a bad deal for the voters of Florida. Senator Nelson should stand up to the leaders of his own party and reject this tax hike. Now is the time to grow the economy and encourage job creators to invest in America. By keeping taxes low and easing burdensome federal regulations, we can grow the private sector workforce and expand the tax base, which will put our economy on the path to recovery. Instead, President Obama chooses to propose the largest tax increase in history. President Obama has already failed us with his so-called stimulus and his government-run healthcare scheme that only added to our crippling national debt. Now he proposes more taxes to fund his massive spending programs. These are not the answers that Floridians want and they should not be the policies that our senator supports."
Craig Miller began his restaurant career in the dish room as a teenager and rose to become a successful businessman, creating over 40,000 jobs at several well-known restaurant chains like Red Lobster, Pizzeria Uno, and Ruth’s Chris. He served as Chairman of the National Restaurant Association and was named Operator of the Year in 2007 by Nation’s Restaurant News. Miller is a veteran of the United States Air Force, having volunteered to serve in Vietnam in 1969. He is the father of three, a proud grandfather and resides in Winter Park with his wife, Susan.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Three to
Nineteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Tallahassee, Fla. - Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointments of George W. Bush Jr. and Scott W. Konopka and the appointment of Jennifer L. Williamson to the Nineteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission.
Bush, 47, of Palm City, is a partner at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush and McCluskey L.L.P. He is reappointed for a term beginning September 22, 2011, and ending July 1, 2015.
Prior to his current firm, Bush practiced at the Law Offices of George W. Bush Jr. P.A. from 2003 to 2004, and at Bush and Donlon P.A. from 1999 to 2003, primarily in business litigation. He received a bachelor's of degree from Georgetown University and law degree from Cornell Law School.
Konopka, 41, of Stuart, is a shareholder at Page, Mrachek, Fitzgerald and Rose P.A. He is reappointed for a term beginning September 22, 2011, and ending July 1, 2015.
Specializing in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, Konopka has practiced law at Page, Mrachek, Fitzgerald and Rose P.A. since 2002, and previously with Gunster Yoakley from 1996 to 2000. He received his bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Florida. Konopka is appointed from the list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar.
Williamson, 39, of Okeechobee, is a shareholder at Crary-Buchanan P.A. She succeeds David Carter and is appointed for a term beginning September 22, 2011, and ending July 1, 2015.
Practicing law with Crary-Buchanan P.A. since 1999, Williamson has specialized in commercial litigation and transactional practice in corporate and real estate law. She received a bachelor's degree from Florida Atlantic University, two master's degrees from Georgia State University, and a law degree from Boston University.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
IN WEEKLY VIDEO SERIES, SENATOR RUBIO ADDRESSES CONSTITUENTS’
LETTERS ABOUT NASA AND FREE TRADE
Washington, D.C. – In today’s installment of Marco’s Constituent Mail Box video series, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio responds to several constituents regarding the government’s inaction on the free trade agreements and the future of NASA.
Fred Cohen, President of Omicron Supplies from Pompano Beach, wrote about his concerns with the political debate over trade and how inaction on several measures has damaged his business. Robert from Valrico wrote to us about the importance of an adequate NASA budget and his dismay with the “Democrats’ desire to take the USA out of leadership roles in foreign policy and space exploration.”
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
House Passes Deutch-Rooney Provisions to Reduce Veteran Homelessness
Washington, D.C. - Last night, the House of Representatives approved legislation that included portions of the Helping Homeless Heroes Act, a bill introduced by Rep. Ted Deutch (FL-19) and Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) to strengthen federal efforts to end homelessness among America's veterans.
"While we've made dramatic improvements over the last decade to reduce veteran homelessness, we still have significant work ahead of us to ensure that no one who served is left out in the cold while making the transition to civilian life," said Congressman Rooney. "This legislation builds on successful support programs to help fulfill our debt to those who put their lives on the line in defense of our country."
"I am pleased to have my colleagues join me in support of federal initiatives that have successfully helped thousands of homeless veterans get off the streets and back on their feet," said Congressman Deutch. "As more and more of our troops return from Iraq and Afghanistan and encounter a challenging economy at home, we must ensure that the federal programs responsible for providing job-counseling, housing assistance, health care, and other services are fully funded. We have an obligation to ensure that no veteran becomes a forgotten hero after their mission is complete."
Over the last decade, significant progress has been made reducing the number of homeless servicemen and women, from more than 300,000 in 2003 to less than 150,000 in 2009. The Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011 includes language from the Deutch-Rooney legislation to bolster federal programs responsible for much of this success.
Included in the Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011 are provisions that:
* Renew critical programs like the Department of Labor-Veterans' Employment and Training Service's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, the only nationwide employment assistance program dedicated to homeless veterans;
* Reauthorize the repayment of VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program (GPD), a transitional housing program that is the foundation of VA and community partnerships;
* Reauthorize the VA Special Needs grants for the following homeless veteran populations: women, including women who have care of minor dependents; frail elderly; terminally ill; or chronically mentally ill; and
* Reauthorize financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing. VA's Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program is designed to promote housing stability for very low-income veterans and their families. According to estimates from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, about 600,000 veterans can be classified as extreme low-income, and are therefore at great risk of becoming homeless.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
SENATOR RUBIO & FLORIDA REPUBLICANS URGE EPA TO STOP JOB-KILLING REGULATION
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Florida's Republican congressional delegation today joined in urging the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw its job-killing numeric nutrient regulation in Florida.
On July 29, 2011, the EPA denied a 2008 petition to move forward with Federal regulation of nutrients in the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin (MARB). In their denial, the EPA cited the several other ways the Agency was addressing nutrients in these water bodies in cooperation with the states. With this petition response, Florida remains the only state in the country with Federal regulations regarding numeric nutrient criteria.
Previously, on June 13, 2011, the EPA chose not to grant or deny a petition from the State of Florida that would allow the state to move forward with their own rulemaking regarding nutrients. The EPA's lack of response has left industry in the state subject to the kind of continued regulatory uncertainty that negatively impacts Florida's job creators.
Addressing this matter, Rubio and all Florida congressional Republicans wrote to Administrator Jackson asking her to grant the petition to the State of Florida and withdraw the federal regulation. The letter states that, in EPA's own words, "the most effective and sustainable way to address widespread and pervasive nutrient pollution in the MARB and elsewhere is to build on these efforts and work cooperatively with states and tribes to strengthen nutrient management programs."
The letter further states that "the State of Florida is the only state that EPA has overtaken with Federal regulations to address nutrients in water bodies. Notably, all of the national efforts outlined in the Agency's July 29th letter...equally apply to Florida.
"Consistent with the cooperative federalism envisioned by Congress in the Clean Water Act, we ask that the EPA immediately withdraw its decision to impose numeric nutrient criteria in Florida and place our state on a level playing field with states in the Mississippi River watershed and throughout the rest of the nation. Specifically, and to this end, we respectfully request that you immediately grant the petition filed on April 22nd by the State of Florida so that the state can move forward in protecting Florida's waters and businesses can move forward in creating more jobs in our state with newfound regulatory certainty."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Bank of America Charitable Foundation Grant to Benefit Martin County's
Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Palm City, FL, September 13 - Low income families and seniors will benefit from a $30,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to be presented to Indiantown Non-Profit Housing representatives on Wednesday, September 14 at 2 p.m. at the bank's Martin Downs branch office at 3270 SW Martin Downs Boulevard in Palm City.
Representatives from Indiantown Non-Profit Housing, Martin County Housing and the Community Foundation for Palm Beach Martin Counties will be present for the ceremony.
Martin County's Neighborhood Stabilization Program assists eligible residents in obtaining affordable rental housing. Income eligibility is based on 50 percent of the area's median income. For example, a family of four with a 2011 household income of up to $28,350 would be eligible to rent a home for $777 per month or less under the program.
Currently, Indiantown Non-Profit Housing has nine newly renovated rental properties in Stuart available through the program. The rental homes are duplexes and single family homes.
Grants such as Bank of America's are used to reduce the cost of acquiring, renovating and maintaining the rental homes, assisting Indiantown Non-Profit Housing in providing below-market rental costs to eligible families.
For information about Indiantown Non-Profit Housing's programs, visit www.inphi.org, call 877-212-0309(toll-free) or stop by the INPHI offices at 15516 SW Osceola St., Indiantown.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Martin County Uses Grant funds To Install Hurricane Shutters On 150 Homes
Stuart, FL, September 19 - Thanks to Martin County's efforts and federal funds, approximately 700 county residents will be safer this hurricane season.
Grant writers in Martin County obtained $135,000 in funding through the federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Florida Department of Community Affairs to purchase and install accordion shutters on 150 homes in the affordable rental housing communities of Joseph Lee Gardens and New Hope in Indiantown.
"We aggressively search for grants to help out the community," said J.R. Lindstrom, Martin County housing specialist. "These funds were part of HUD's disaster recovery initiative. Having these shutters in place will keep people from having to seek help at public shelters during storms that don't require evacuation," he added.
Shutter installation began in mid-July and concluded in mid-September, according to Lindstrom. Area contractors were used to do the work, employing between nine and 15 workers for approximately two months.
The affordable rental home communities are owned and operated by Indiantown Non-Profit Housing. "We are grateful for everything Don Cole [the county's housing program manager] and his team did to identify the grant, secure the funding and manage the program," said Donna Carman, executive director of Indiantown Non-Profit Housing. "These shutters will help protect the life, property and security of the people in these households, people who typically have a more difficult time recovering from a loss," she said.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
SENATOR RUBIO ON THE PRESIDENT'S JOBS AND DEBT PLAN
Hedinger: "Well, it was pretty clear yesterday that the president didn't want to get seriously into entitlement reform. Your take on his call for a trillion and a half dollars in new taxes, Senator?"
Rubio: "Well, it goes contrary to what he himself said last December when he said that tax increases in the middle of a recession is the worst thing to do. So, I don't think that plan yesterday, with all due respect, I mean I hate coming on and always being the guy bashing the president. Let me just say that, with all due respect to the president, I think that the plan that he put out is really not a serious plan. It is more of a political one designed to appease his base. Some of the things in there, some of the savings, for example, that he takes credit for aren't real. They're phantom savings."
Hedinger: "A trillion dollars on the war that won't be spent."
Rubio: "Yeah, whether that will really save money or not, you know, a Canada war. Well, we weren't planning to invade Canada so, what's the point? These kinds of things aren't real. Then you look at some of the tax proposals that he offers up. To me, it's about job creation. The only solution to our debt problem happens to be the biggest problem in America, and that's unemployment. One percent of economic growth would do more to solve this debt problem than all these cutting exercises combined.
"So, you know, that's what we need to focus on, economic growth, getting people back to work. You have more people working, you have more people paying taxes, more people buying things, more economic activity. It will be better for everybody. We've got to get people back to work, that means we got to give people confidence in investing in the economy, in the economic future. More regulations, more taxes and that message does not create confidence."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
SENATOR RUBIO CALLS FOR JOB CREATION POLICIES AT
U.S. HISPANIC CHAMBER CONVENTION
Rubio: "The basics of economic growth have been unchanging. ... Some of the things that I hope government will focus on in months to come - things that I believe we can embrace on a bipartisan level, things that are not about ideology or a belief in a certain set of principles held by a particular party, but the basic elements of economic growth - are the things that I hope the policy makers like myself will begin to focus on again."
RUBIO ON PRO-GROWTH TAX, REGULATORY & ENERGY POLICIES
RUBIO: "There's a lot of talk about what government can do to help create jobs and opportunity, but I want to share a few things, basic things, that I think government can do. And let me say right now, when I talk about these issues, sometimes there's a level of frustration because people want to hear something novel and unique and different. The reality is that the basics of economic growth have been unchanging. The American free enterprise system is providing more opportunity than any economic system in the history of the world. And these are the things I hope we will embrace again as a nation.
"So, some of the things that I hope government will focus on in months to come, things that I believe we can embrace on a bipartisan level, things that are not about ideology or a belief in a certain set of principles held by a particular party, but the basic elements of economic growth are the things that I hope the policy makers like myself will begin to focus on again. Things like a tax code that is simple. That's why we need tax reform. It's not simply about tax cuts, it is about creating a tax system that is fair, easy to understand and possible to predict. About a regulatory code whose cost of compliance is not so high that people decide not to do business in this country. About our energy needs. The cost of energy is a real cost of doing business. There is a reason why the Chinese will drill a hole anywhere they can get their hands on. Because energy costs are real. Lucky for us as a nation, we don't have to be environmentally irresponsible as China is, but we do need policies that encourage energy innovation and energy independence for the United States".
RUBIO ON PROMOTING A 21ST CENTURY WORKFORCE
RUBIO: "Two more things I hope we'll touch upon: number one is investing in our people. The lifeblood of any economic system is a qualified and motivated workforce. And that begins with us, number one by placing a premium on education, as a cultural value. We must be frank with our children and grandchildren, that in this new century, in the twenty-first century, there will simply not be enough jobs in America for people that do not have some sort of advanced education. And that's why it is the proper role of our federal government to invest in things like Pell grants and our student loan program. But it is incumbent on us as a community to also place value on this and to incentivize these things.
"In addition, I grow increasingly frustrated at how, in our nation, we have stigmatized career education. How we've made career education appear to be something beneath people when in fact it is something we desperately need. There are kids that don't want to go to a four year university, but they're really good at fixing things, making airplane engines or maybe they've never met a computer program they can't solve. There is no reason why this nation cannot have an educational system that allows children to graduate high school, not just with a high school diploma, but an industry certification and some technical skill that they can use to provide for themselves & their families in the future".
RUBIO ON APPROVING FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS
RUBIO: "Another thing that is near and dear to the heart of this community, and to this group, is international trade which is a logical thing, particularly in this hemisphere. The twenty-first century holds extraordinary promise for the Western Hemisphere. Not just for Latin America, by the way, not just for the Western Hemisphere, but for the whole world, and particularly for the United States. Imagine the growing number of nations with people prosperous enough and secure enough to trade with us, and to buy the things that our children and grandchildren will invent and hopefully build. That is the promise of free trade agreements.
"That's the promise of political and economic policies that this nation can undertake. To dedicate with seriousness of purpose, rededicate ourselves to growth, economic and political, in the Western Hemisphere in this century. And that's why I hope that as soon as possible the United States Congress will ratify the free trade agreements with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea".
RUBIO ON TACKLING OUR DEBT
RUBIO: "And last but not least, something that we need to deal with is our national debt. Now look the focus in Washington is on the budget and the debt, and that's an important issue. But while the debt is the most important issue in Washington, the most important issue in America is the job crisis that you're facing every single day and that all Americans are facing in their daily lives. And the debt is a part of that. Because as you know better than I do or any politician does, ultimately in order for someone to invest in a nation and in its economy, you must have confidence in the future. You must believe that the worst has passed, that tomorrow has a chance to be better than today. You have to somehow be able to predict what's around the corner. And so long as our nation faces a debt that is larger than our economy, no one is going to feel like tomorrow is better than today. And so we have to deal with our debt. And I hope that's something Washington will begin to take seriously after years of letting it grow under both Republican and Democratic administrations.
"Today the national debt hangs over our economy as a dark cloud, creating uncertainty and fear about the future. A fear that tomorrow will bring about higher interest rates and punitive tax rates that will stifle economic growth and opportunity. I sincerely hope and I am willing to work with anyone in any party to seriously deal with the drivers of our national debt. Now that means we have to tackle discretionary spending, there is no doubt there have to be reductions in government spending. But here is what I fear: number one, there is not enough money in the discretionary part of the budget. And so if all we do is cut programs, you will end up getting rid of legitimate government spending programs, things like education and infrastructure that our nation desperately needs. ...
"One more point about budget cutting. There is a lot of focus on defense spending. And believe me we should find fraud, and abuse, and waste anywhere it exists. But if you think national debt is bad for our economy, terrorism is even worse. The world is as dangerous today as it has ever been and it desperately needs a strong and vibrant America able to protect its national interest anywhere in the world, politically and diplomatically, and if there is no other choice, militarily. And to do so requires us to spend money to ensure that America's armed forces remain the strongest and most powerful in all of the world".
RUBIO ON SAVING MEDICARE
RUBIO: "We must fix, if we want to save, America's entitlement programs. In particular, Medicare is a program near and dear to my heart. It has provided high quality health care for my father before he passed away a year ago and as I stand here before you today is providing quality healthcare for my mother, who has recently been ill. I want Medicare to exist. I want Medicare to survive. I want Medicare to thrive. I want it to exist without any changes for people like my parents, like my mother, and her generation without any changes. But I also want it to exist for me and for my children when we retire. And the sad truth is that if things continue the way they are in that program not only will it bankrupt our country, but the program itself will cease to exist.
"And so I hope that on a bipartisan basis American leadership will do whatever it takes to save Medicare, and do so in a way that does not harm or change anything for people currently in the program, but preserves it for people like myself and for our children. In a way that allows our nation to once again grapple with its national debt. But to do that it will require people like me, and people like you, that are decades away from retirement to accept the simple but powerful truth that if we want Medicare to survive without changes for our parents and to exist for us, that our Medicare will have to look different than our parents'. And the sooner we accept that, the better off our parents and grandparents will be, the better off we will be, and the better off our nation will be".
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Adam Hasner Statement On Senator LeMieux's Recognition Of "Palestine"
Boca Raton, FL - Just days before the likely United Nations vote over an independent Palestinian state, Senator George LeMieux issued a statement to supporters referring to "Palestine." Not prospectively or hypothetically but simply "Palestine." While the overall direction of his statement was favorable to Israel, his misunderstanding of the stakes in the Middle East, where words and terminology matter, was made clear. U.S. Senate candidate Adam Hasner released the following statement in response:
"Senator LeMieux's direct reference to 'Palestine' at this critical moment exposes either his misunderstanding of Israel's history or a disrespect for Israel's borders and security. Even President Obama is unwilling to recognize the declaration of a Palestinian state at this point, so why should Senator LeMieux?
"We share bonds of trust, friendship, and common values with Israel, bonds that I believed Senator LeMieux understood. But this mistake is so glaring and comes at such an important time that it calls into question his understanding of the existential risks Israel faces from the Palestinian terrorist organizations that seek to destroy it.
"Terminology and language have diplomatic consequence, and although I hope that Senator LeMieux's statement was a simple oversight, a man who has served in the U.S. Senate should be more conscious of the implications of his words. 'Palestine' is not an existent country, and this is so because the Palestinian Arabs are unwilling to end their terror and recognize the Jewish State of Israel's right to exist. They are the true obstacles to peace.
"Senator LeMieux's recognition of 'Palestine' whether through ignorance or error, is a dangerous failure of leadership on an issue of fundamental importance to America, Israel, and the world.
"I call on Senator LeMieux to immediately stop his erroneous use of the term 'Palestine.' In addition, since the timing couldn't be worse for a former U.S. Senator to use this inappropriate term, if his use of 'Palestine' was a mistake, rather than a disastrous policy pronouncement, I call on him to issue an immediate and widely distributed correction."
Background
In A Recent Email To Supporters, Senator LeMieux Makes Reference To "Palestine." "Palestine And The UN...Recently, Palestine announced it will continue its efforts for recognition of statehood in the United Nations. So long as Palestine continues to sanction actions of terror against Israel, our staunchest ally in the Middle East, the United Nations should not recognize Palestine as a member state. Palestinian leaders admit their motivation for recognition is to pursue claims against Israel in the International Criminal Court. Until Palestinian leadership commits to a serious peace process and severs ties with Hezbollah, it should not be granted United Nations' recognition."(Senator George LeMieux, "Senator George LeMieux's Weekly Report," 9/18/2011)
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Rooney: $1.5 Trillion in New Taxes Devastating for Jobs
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) issued the following statement after the President proposed $1.5 trillion in new taxes:
"Creating jobs has to be our top priority, and I just don't see any way that a $1.5 trillion tax hike - one that hits small business owners, investors and entrepreneurs particularly hard - will help create one single job. The President's proposal will never pass the House or the Democratic Senate because people on both sides of the aisle recognize that it will destroy jobs.
"I can't think of a better way to ensure a double-dip recession and end any hope for private sector job creation than by raising taxes by $1.5 trillion. This kind of proposal may win the President some points on the far-left, but it is terrible economic policy.
"Instead of pushing this outrageous tax hike, President Obama should work with us on pro-growth tax code reforms. By putting an end to the types of deductions and loopholes that allow companies like GE not to pay any taxes, we can reduce tax rates for everyone and create a tax system that is fair, simple and competitive."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
SENATOR RUBIO TO SECRETARY DUNCAN: CAJOLING STATES TO ADOPT OBAMA EDUCATION REFORMS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
Rubio: “This initiative is an overstep of authority that undermines exiting law, and violates the constitutional separation of powers.”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today urged Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to reconsider the federal government’s problematic approach to granting No Child Left Behind waivers in exchange for states’ adherence to Obama Administration policies.
“Our principal concern is that the Executive branch does not possess the authority to force states into compliance with administration-backed reforms instituted through the issuance of waivers,” Rubio wrote in a letter to Duncan. “We acknowledge that NCLB allows the Secretary to grant waivers for existing provisions under the law, but nowhere does the law authorize waivers in exchange for the adoption of administration-preferred policies.”
Rubio added, “This initiative is an overstep of authority that undermines exiting law, and violates the constitutional separation of powers. The responsibility for legislating lies with Congress, and forcing policy reforms through NCLB waivers violates this most basic of constitutional structures.”
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
NLRB Ruling Sets Terrible Precedent for Florida
Votes to Keep Jobs in U.S.
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today voted to reverse the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) ruling that would close Boeing's new manufacturing plant in South Carolina and destroy thousands of jobs - a ruling Rooney said sets a terrible precedent and will hurt job creation in states like Florida.
"The Obama appointees on the National Labor Relations Board have taken government interference in private business to a new and frightening level," Rooney said. "Their decision to block a private company from opening a plant in a right-to-work state should send chills down the backs of every business owner in the country.
"The fact is, Boeing is facing a drawn-out legal battle for creating thousands of jobs in the United States - and it's a battle they could have avoided had they opened their new plant out of the country and outside the reach of the Obama Administration. In Florida, our state and local officials are working hard to encourage businesses to build and invest in our state, but you can bet this ruling has many of those job creators thinking twice about opening new facilities in this country."
Rooney urged President Obama to call on Senate Majority Leader Reid to take up and pass the "Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act," H.R. 2587, which would prohibit NLRB from ordering any employer to relocate, shut down or transfer employment.
"Passing this bill into law is critical to giving businesses the confidence to invest, grow and create jobs in America," Rooney said. "Allowing this flawed, partisan ruling to stand is tantamount to telling our business owners to create jobs somewhere else."
Associated Industries of Florida, which represents small and large businesses across the state, has strongly endorsed H.R. 2587, noting that, "The NLRB's overreach in this case will have a devastating ripple effect on job creation across the United States, including here in Florida."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
IN WEEKLY VIDEO SERIES, SENATOR RUBIO ADDRESSES CONSTITUENTS’ LETTERS ABOUT THE AMERICAN JOBS ACT
Washington, D.C. – In today’s installment of Marco’s Constituent Mail Box video series, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio responds to several constituents regarding the American Jobs Act and our wavering economy.
Gary from Lake City wrote about the need for action on the plan. Dallas, a small business owner also from Lake City, offered her views about the payroll tax cuts offered in the President’s jobs plan. Finally, Amy from Palm Coast wrote about free trade agreements and entitlement reform.
View the video response here<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03nv3H_1A5M>.
Each week, Senator Rubio receives thousands of letters, emails and phone calls from Floridians voicing their opinions. Through this video series, Rubio will regularly respond to a selection of constituent letters on various topics.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Stimulus 2.0 No Solution for Florida's 10.7 Percent Jobless Rate
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) issued the following statement after the Department of Labor reported this morning that Florida's unemployment rate remained at 10.7 percent in August:
"Thousands of workers and small businesses in Florida are still suffering due to the failure of the first stimulus bill - they deserve better than to watch Washington repeat the mistakes of the past by passing Stimulus 2.0.
"Instead of another massive federal spending stimulus plan, we should work together to find common ground on pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda that will:
* Get rid of costly, heavy-handed mandates that prevent small businesses from hiring new workers;
* Fix the tax code and replace loopholes and deductions with lower tax rates for families and businesses;
* Put an end to out-of-control spending, which crowds out private investment and creates uncertainty;
* Produce the energy we need here at home, creating jobs right away and reducing energy costs so businesses can grow and hire new workers; and,
* Expand markets for American-made products by passing pending free trade agreements."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Adam Hasner Statement On Bob Turner NY-9 Victory
Boca Raton, FL -U.S. Senate candidate Adam Hasner released the following statement in response to Bob Turner's election to serve New York's 9th Congressional District. "I offer my sincere congratulations to Congressman-elect Bob Turner, his family, his team, and all of his supporters on their victory tonight. Their ability to succeed against all odds and in a heavily Democratic district, proves that voters are less concerned with party identification and more concerned with records and ideas. "The results are also a clear message that the Obama administration's deeply hostile policies toward Israel have electoral consequences, even in the safest of districts and in the bluest of cities. This further illustrates that Jewish voters, who have traditionally supported Democrats, are searching for alternatives to the politicians and policies that have strained the natural alliance between America and Israel.
"As regional threats mount against our most important ally in the Middle East, Senator Nelson's continued silence clearly demonstrates he values President Obama's approval more highly than the security of Israel. If elected to the U.S. Senate, I will work to reverse their damaging policies and proudly stand with Israel as our most vital and trusted ally in the Middle East."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
Hansbrough Receives Community Wellness Day Proclamation!
In photo: (left to right) Dr. Bruce Hansbrough / Chiropractic Physician, Board Certified Occupational Health Professional with Stuart City Mayor Jeffrey Krauskopt.
By: Jeannie Ferarra
STUART, FL. – On Monday, September 12, 2011, Dr. Bruce Hansbrough from Harmony Healing Arts: A Creating Wellness Center (HHAC) was honored by the City Council to receive a Proclamation declaring September 24, 2011 as Community Wellness Day. According to Jeffrey Krauskopf, Mayor of Stuart, “Chiropractic physicians have long been involved in the overall well-being of their patients and the community at large. Whereas, the mental and physical health, safety, financial stability, and environmental well-being of the overall community is a concern to all; whereas, and bringing awareness regarding the need for health, safety, financial and environmental wellness is a critical measure to urge all members of our community to take responsibility for our community’s wellness.”
The second annual Community Wellness Day will held Saturday, September 24, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Flagler Park in lovely downtown Stuart. Community Wellness Day is a national event focusing on educating the members of our community on important information, which is critical to the total wellness for all of our residents. This event will take place in many cities nationwide during a 4-week period of fall of 2011. Our political leaders recognized this as an important day in our community to empower people to take back responsibility for there families well being. Local fire dept and law enforcement will be on hand to provide ID cards to children and seniors, internet safety and Identity Fraud protection information as well as other vital safety information. There will also be information from many local environmental and financial agencies from the Stuart-Martin County area provided information for all ages of our community. Admission to the event is FREE. There will be food, fun, and entertainment. It will be a great and informative time for all.
LifeBuilders of the Treasure Coast will be the beneficiary of the event. LifeBuilders is committed to making a positive and long lasting impact in the lives of Treasure Coast residents who have struggled with dependency issues. To find out more about the organization, please visit http://www.lifebuilderstc.com/.
Dr. Hansbrough noted, “The health care crisis is not going to be solved in Washington. It is going to be solved in our community through education, awareness, and people making lifestyle changes. I work very hard outside of my office in our community to give people the tools they need to take back responsibility for their family’s health and wellbeing. It is for this reason that I am so proud to be bringing this event to our town.”
In conclusion, did you know that Dr. Hansbrough conducts school physicals for $20 each and then DONATES all the money back to the Adopt-A-Class program for Martin County Public Schools? Did you also know that Dr. Hansbrough has a Military Care Program for Iraq and Afghanistan war Veterans at NO COST to the veteran as a way of giving back to those who have served our beloved country? It is true…. so if your child needs a school physical, or you know of a veteran in need, please call us at 772.287.7701 Harmony Healing Arts Center 500 Southeast Dixie Highway Stuart, FL 34994-3054, http://www.harmonyhealingartscenter.com/contact.html
Dr. Bruce Hansbrough / Chiropractic Physician, Board Certified Occupational Health, Board Eligible. Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders
Don't forget first Tuesday of each month at 6 pm is Dr. Hansbrough’s “What You Don’t Know About Your Health.” This is another free event for all, please call 287-7701 to reserve seats.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Jeannie Ferarra Out2/Martin County.com contributing photographer
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
Reflecting back on September 11, 2001
Washington D.C. -- Reflecting back on September 11, 2001 on this 10th anniversary of the attacks, it reminded me of where I was on that day.
I was a state legislator in Florida, and I was sitting in the Capitol in Tallahassee when these events were unfolding. Even though we knew what was happening was an important moment in American history, it was impossible to fully comprehend the impact it would have on our lives for so long.
In fact, the last decade has been largely defined by 9/11. So much has changed. The world has always been a dangerous place, and America and our freedom have always had enemies. But usually it's been countries and nation states, leaders and armies that wore uniforms. And 9/11 changed all that.
This was a cowardly act of terrorism that actually reached the shores of our country, killing thousands of innocent civilians and first responders, and altering all our lives forever.
It was a deep human tragedy, and today we remember the people we lost on that day and their loved ones who have had to rebuild their lives. We remember all the first responders who risked their lives to save thousands, and particularly those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. We also acknowledge our friends abroad who joined us in solidarity 10 years ago and do so again today.
Of course, in terms of the global landscape, 9/11 redefined the world in a way that we're going to be living with for a very long time. It reminds us that, even now, there are people all over the world who hate the freedoms that America stands for, that want to impose their world view on as many people as possible, and they see America as the only nation willing and able to stand in their way.
What I'm proudest of is that America not only quickly stood up and recovered, but actually went out to bring to justice those responsible for the attacks. And 10 years later, the world is still dangerous and there are never any guarantees, but the people that attacked us are now no longer able to do the things they used to be able to do with impunity just 10 years ago.
We, as an American people, should be proud of what our nation has stood for, once again defending the values we have always stood for - the defense of the liberties and freedoms of people all over the world.
May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Rooney Statement on RPOF Chairman Dave Bitner
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today released the following statement on Florida Republican Party Chairman Dave Bitner:
"I want to thank Dave for his service to the state of Florida and the Republican Party. His leadership and commitment will be dearly missed.
"Dave was from Charlotte County and was one of the first people I met when I decided to run for Congress. He was nothing butencouraging to me. He is a no-nonsense guy, a rarity in
politics, but the kind of person I grew up with – like my grandfather, Art Rooney. The Republican party will miss him,and I will miss him. I wish him and his wife well and will
continue to keep him in my prayers."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Adam Hasner Statement On Florida's Unemployment Rate
Orlando, FL - Despite the promises made by President Obama and Senator Bill Nelson that the national unemployment rate would not climb above 8%, today it was announced that Florida's climbed from 10.6% to 10.7%. The unemployment rate nationally has been above 8% for 30 consecutive months and has not been below 9% in Florida since January of 2009. In response to this U.S. Senate candidate Adam Hasner issued the following statement.
"Despite the work of state and local leaders to turn Florida's economy around, we're not going to start growing jobs in this state until President Obama and Senator Nelson lose theirs. Instead of the Obama-Nelson agenda of more spending, more taxing, more regulation and more debt, what we need is limited-government leaders in Washington who will focus on getting government out of the way of job creators and small businessmen and women."
Background
Senator Bill Nelson:"This Is Stimulus. This Is Providing Jobs. This Is Helping People In Need. This Is The Right Thing To Do For Florida." (Sen. Bill Nelson, Congressional Record, 2/13/09, p. S2281)
Senator Bill Nelson: "Specifically, In Florida, This Bill Is Going To Create Or Save 206,000 Jobs. Nationwide It Is Going To Be Somewhere Between 3 Million And 4 Million Jobs It Is Going To Create Or Save."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
SENATOR RUBIO COMMENTS ON THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S SYRIA POLICY
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration's newly announced policy with respect to Syria:
"Bashar al-Assad and his murderous regime's enablers lost their legitimacy to govern a long time ago. I am pleased the Administration is finally taking these belated steps and hope it will lead to renewed efforts for a strong resolution and multilateral sanctions at the UN Security Council. I urge our partners and allies in Europe and Turkey to join the U.S. on these efforts.
"The end is near for Assad and his regime. His actions demonstrate he is no political reformer and his regime is a source of instability. The U.S. should use every tool at our disposal to support the Syrian people in realizing a more prosperous and democratic future at peace with their neighbors."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
"Let's Put An End To Modern-Day Slavery"
Even as America grapples with a struggling economy and growing debt, we must not lose sight of our responsibility to protect and be a voice for the powerless.
Too many of our fellow humans are being exploited as part of the trafficking trade, a cruel form of modern-day slavery. Some are men, but most are women and children being abused and robbed of their dignity.
While the recent U.S. State Department's "Annual Trafficking in Persons Report" highlighted how pervasive this practice is worldwide, many of these victims are also in our own communities, as about 17,000 new victims are trafficked in the U.S. annually.
In Florida, Miami, Orlando and Tampa have become main transit points. Just last month, 12 Floridians were accused of sex trafficking after two 15-year old girls from Highlands County ran away to Orlando, and met a couple of men who drugged and raped them. Other men also raped the victims. One of them was then forced into prostitution in Miami.
Fortunately, victims have many key allies. Today in Orlando, a committed group of Florida-based and national activists is convening the 8th National and International Preventing Abuse Conference, which is raising awareness about this human tragedy and developing innovative ways to combat it. Groups like the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking are doing commendable work that exemplifies our calling to help victims of such unspeakable atrocities.
At the federal level, a groundbreaking human-trafficking law enacted in 2000 was the first slavery-related legislation passed since the Civil War ended. Among other goals, it required the State Department to evaluate countries on efforts to fight this problem and highlight needed improvements. This law now needs to be re-authorized before it expires at year's end.
I am co-sponsoring the bipartisan Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, which would build on the earlier version and enhance our capabilities to support law enforcement, assist victims and maximize government resources to combat this horrendous crime at home and abroad.
We are a compassionate nation, which understands that our most fundamental freedoms are universal rights. Our words must make this unmistakably clear, but our deeds must back them up. Our laws must be updated to protect victims and improve government's ability to combat modern-day slavery. We must also continue raising awareness to enlist support to stop this abuse.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Special Presentation at Stuart City Commission Meeting Recognizes July 4th Donors
In photo: Ron Hart is recognized by Stuart Main Street President Raoul Ocampo
STUART, FL - August 8, 2011 - A presentation at tonight's Stuart City Commission meeting will recognize many of the businesses, individuals and volunteers who helped make Stuart Main Street's fireworks display possible the past two years. The annual display, which attracts several thousand visitors to Stuart's waterfront downtown for music, children's activities, and - of course - fireworks, has a budget of approximately $50,000, funded solely from contributions.
Local businessman Todd Harris of Crown Car Care was this year's presenting sponsor. Harris challenged local businesses and citizens to match his contribution, and many rose to the challenge, making contributions ranging from as little as $5 to as much as $11,000.
"We were both touched and impressed by the way the community supported downtown Stuart and this Fourth of July tradition this year," said Stuart Main Street Manager, Thondra Lanese. "Many people are still struggling in this economy, but when news got out that we were having trouble raising the funds for this year's celebration both individuals and companies came forward to help make sure it happened."
The celebration is coordinated by Stuart Main Street with generous donations from all walks of the community, including: Todd Harris' Crown Car Care, Treasure Coast Toyota-Scion of Stuart and Treasure Coast Lexus of Fort Pierce "The Family Stores," Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers,
Ron Hart and Earthtones, Southern Eagle Distributing, the City of Stuart Community Redevelopment Agency, the Historic Stuart Downtown Business Association, St. Lucie Medical Center, Bottom's Up Beverage, Seacoast National Bank, Mulligan's Beach House Bar and Grill, Florida Power & Light, Wallace Automotive, All Spiced Up, Kilwin's, Whiticar Boat Works, Captec Engineering, Treasure Coast Multimedia, Stuart Jeweler's, Matilda's, Argento Jewelry, Duffy's Sports Grill, Mark and Marilyn Gravitt, David and Marilyn Jordahl, Julia San Severe, Albert G. Interiors, Caramba!, the Gauze Shop, and many anonymous donations from private individuals. John Pierson and Mulligan's Beach House Restaurant were lead sponsors for the 2010 celebration.
Stuart Main Street is a historic preservation-based program dedicated to building a healthy, vital downtown area through community self-reliance and a focus on the downtown's traditional assets: personal service, local ownership, unique architecture, and sense of community. Formed in 1987, the group follows the Main Street Four-Point Approach(r) as established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center and practiced in over 1600 communities across the country. Stuart Main Street meets the second Tuesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers at 121 SW Flagler Avenue, Stuart.
For more information, visit stuartmainstreet.org or call 772-286-2848.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Special Presentation at Stuart City Commission Meeting Recognizes July 4th Donors
In photo: Representing The City of Stuart, Mayor Jeffrey Krauskopf is recognized by Stuart Main Street Predident Raoul Ocampo
STUART, FL - August 8, 2011 - A presentation at tonight's Stuart City Commission meeting will recognize many of the businesses, individuals and volunteers who helped make Stuart Main Street's fireworks display possible the past two years. The annual display, which attracts several thousand visitors to Stuart's waterfront downtown for music, children's activities, and - of course - fireworks, has a budget of approximately $50,000, funded solely from contributions.
Local businessman Todd Harris of Crown Car Care was this year's presenting sponsor. Harris challenged local businesses and citizens to match his contribution, and many rose to the challenge, making contributions ranging from as little as $5 to as much as $11,000.
"We were both touched and impressed by the way the community supported downtown Stuart and this Fourth of July tradition this year," said Stuart Main Street Manager, Thondra Lanese. "Many people are still struggling in this economy, but when news got out that we were having trouble raising the funds for this year's celebration both individuals and companies came forward to help make sure it happened."
The celebration is coordinated by Stuart Main Street with generous donations from all walks of the community, including: Todd Harris' Crown Car Care, Treasure Coast Toyota-Scion of Stuart and Treasure Coast Lexus of Fort Pierce "The Family Stores," Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers,
Ron Hart and Earthtones, Southern Eagle Distributing, the City of Stuart Community Redevelopment Agency, the Historic Stuart Downtown Business Association, St. Lucie Medical Center, Bottom's Up Beverage, Seacoast National Bank, Mulligan's Beach House Bar and Grill, Florida Power & Light, Wallace Automotive, All Spiced Up, Kilwin's, Whiticar Boat Works, Captec Engineering, Treasure Coast Multimedia, Stuart Jeweler's, Matilda's, Argento Jewelry, Duffy's Sports Grill, Mark and Marilyn Gravitt, David and Marilyn Jordahl, Julia San Severe, Albert G. Interiors, Caramba!, the Gauze Shop, and many anonymous donations from private individuals. John Pierson and Mulligan's Beach House Restaurant were lead sponsors for the 2010 celebration.
Stuart Main Street is a historic preservation-based program dedicated to building a healthy, vital downtown area through community self-reliance and a focus on the downtown's traditional assets: personal service, local ownership, unique architecture, and sense of community. Formed in 1987, the group follows the Main Street Four-Point Approach(r) as established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center and practiced in over 1600 communities across the country. Stuart Main Street meets the second Tuesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers at 121 SW Flagler Avenue, Stuart.
For more information, visit stuartmainstreet.org or call 772-286-2848.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Special Presentation at Stuart City Commission Meeting Recognizes July 4th Donors
In photo: Mulligan's is recognized by Stuart Main Street President Raoul Ocampo
STUART, FL - August 8, 2011 - A presentation at tonight's Stuart City Commission meeting will recognize many of the businesses, individuals and volunteers who helped make Stuart Main Street's fireworks display possible the past two years. The annual display, which attracts several thousand visitors to Stuart's waterfront downtown for music, children's activities, and - of course - fireworks, has a budget of approximately $50,000, funded solely from contributions.
Local businessman Todd Harris of Crown Car Care was this year's presenting sponsor. Harris challenged local businesses and citizens to match his contribution, and many rose to the challenge, making contributions ranging from as little as $5 to as much as $11,000.
"We were both touched and impressed by the way the community supported downtown Stuart and this Fourth of July tradition this year," said Stuart Main Street Manager, Thondra Lanese. "Many people are still struggling in this economy, but when news got out that we were having trouble raising the funds for this year's celebration both individuals and companies came forward to help make sure it happened."
The celebration is coordinated by Stuart Main Street with generous donations from all walks of the community, including: Todd Harris' Crown Car Care, Treasure Coast Toyota-Scion of Stuart and Treasure Coast Lexus of Fort Pierce "The Family Stores," Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers,
Ron Hart and Earthtones, Southern Eagle Distributing, the City of Stuart Community Redevelopment Agency, the Historic Stuart Downtown Business Association, St. Lucie Medical Center, Bottom's Up Beverage, Seacoast National Bank, Mulligan's Beach House Bar and Grill, Florida Power & Light, Wallace Automotive, All Spiced Up, Kilwin's, Whiticar Boat Works, Captec Engineering, Treasure Coast Multimedia, Stuart Jeweler's, Matilda's, Argento Jewelry, Duffy's Sports Grill, Mark and Marilyn Gravitt, David and Marilyn Jordahl, Julia San Severe, Albert G. Interiors, Caramba!, the Gauze Shop, and many anonymous donations from private individuals. John Pierson and Mulligan's Beach House Restaurant were lead sponsors for the 2010 celebration.
Stuart Main Street is a historic preservation-based program dedicated to building a healthy, vital downtown area through community self-reliance and a focus on the downtown's traditional assets: personal service, local ownership, unique architecture, and sense of community. Formed in 1987, the group follows the Main Street Four-Point Approach(r) as established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center and practiced in over 1600 communities across the country. Stuart Main Street meets the second Tuesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers at 121 SW Flagler Avenue, Stuart.
For more information, visit stuartmainstreet.org or call 772-286-2848.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Special Presentation at Stuart City Commission Meeting Recognizes July 4th Donors
In photo: Karyn and Willow celebrate a 4th birthday at City Council meeting
STUART, FL - August 8, 2011 - A presentation at tonight's Stuart City Commission meeting will recognize many of the businesses, individuals and volunteers who helped make Stuart Main Street's fireworks display possible the past two years. The annual display, which attracts several thousand visitors to Stuart's waterfront downtown for music, children's activities, and - of course - fireworks, has a budget of approximately $50,000, funded solely from contributions.
Local businessman Todd Harris of Crown Car Care was this year's presenting sponsor. Harris challenged local businesses and citizens to match his contribution, and many rose to the challenge, making contributions ranging from as little as $5 to as much as $11,000.
"We were both touched and impressed by the way the community supported downtown Stuart and this Fourth of July tradition this year," said Stuart Main Street Manager, Thondra Lanese. "Many people are still struggling in this economy, but when news got out that we were having trouble raising the funds for this year's celebration both individuals and companies came forward to help make sure it happened."
The celebration is coordinated by Stuart Main Street with generous donations from all walks of the community, including: Todd Harris' Crown Car Care, Treasure Coast Toyota-Scion of Stuart and Treasure Coast Lexus of Fort Pierce "The Family Stores," Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers,
Ron Hart and Earthtones, Southern Eagle Distributing, the City of Stuart Community Redevelopment Agency, the Historic Stuart Downtown Business Association, St. Lucie Medical Center, Bottom's Up Beverage, Seacoast National Bank, Mulligan's Beach House Bar and Grill, Florida Power & Light, Wallace Automotive, All Spiced Up, Kilwin's, Whiticar Boat Works, Captec Engineering, Treasure Coast Multimedia, Stuart Jeweler's, Matilda's, Argento Jewelry, Duffy's Sports Grill, Mark and Marilyn Gravitt, David and Marilyn Jordahl, Julia San Severe, Albert G. Interiors, Caramba!, the Gauze Shop, and many anonymous donations from private individuals. John Pierson and Mulligan's Beach House Restaurant were lead sponsors for the 2010 celebration.
Stuart Main Street is a historic preservation-based program dedicated to building a healthy, vital downtown area through community self-reliance and a focus on the downtown's traditional assets: personal service, local ownership, unique architecture, and sense of community. Formed in 1987, the group follows the Main Street Four-Point Approach(r) as established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center and practiced in over 1600 communities across the country. Stuart Main Street meets the second Tuesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers at 121 SW Flagler Avenue, Stuart.
For more information, visit stuartmainstreet.org or call 772-286-2848.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
ADAM HASNER STATEMENT ON UNITED STATES CREDIT DOWNGRADE
Boca Raton, FL - U.S. Senate candidate Adam Hasner released the following statement in response to Standard & Poor's announcement that it has downgraded the United States credit rating.
"This is a sad day in American history and a defining moment for our republic. Reckless legislation and wasteful spending by both Democrats and Republicans set the wheels in motion for this crisis long ago. President Obama accelerated the crisis with his $787 billion stimulus package, Obamacare, and a refusal to take immediate actions to reduce the debt.
"America has faced adversity like this before and each time we've come together to overcome it. We must cut spending, shrink the size of government, and take proactive measures to grow our economy. We know what the problem is, and we know what the solution must be, now we need to elect the right leaders willing to do the difficult work that lies ahead."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Rooney Cosponsors "Stop Pay for Members Act"
Washington, D.C. -U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today cosponsored the "Stop Pay for Members Act," a bill that would prohibit members from receiving pay during a default and would not allow for that pay to be recouped retroactively.
"I remain hopeful that we can reach an agreement that will prevent a default, cut spending significantly and implement serious reforms to ensure that we don't face a debt crisis like this in the future," Rooney said. "Congress needs to do its job, but if August 3 rolls around and there's still no deal, then we absolutely should not get paid."
According to a Bipartisan Policy Center analysis, if the debt ceiling is not increased by August 2, the Treasury Department would have to choose which of the approximately 80 million in payments need to be made with the limited revenue available. The Stop Pay Act would place Members of the House and Senate dead last on the list, ensuring Members would not get paid.
Rooney has written a letter to the President<http://rooney.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3248:rooney-urges-president-to-prioritize-social-security-interest-military-payments&catid=48:2011-press-releases> urging him to commit his Administration to making all interest, military personnel, Social Security and Medicare payments in full and on time, even if the federal debt ceiling is not increased by August 2.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
SENATOR RUBIO JOINS COLLEAGUES TO PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY AND MILITARY PAY
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today joined Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) and 29 other senators in introducing legislation to ensure the full faith and credit of the United States while protecting America's soldiers and seniors.
The Full Faith and Credit of the United States and Protecting America's Seniors and Soldiers Act would require the Treasury Department to prioritize payments on publicly-held debt, Social Security and active-duty military pay, in the event the federal government fails to raise the debt limit before August 2.
"For decades, seniors worked hard and paid into Social Security with the expectation that it would be there for them when they retired. The President's recent claims that there are now no guarantees for Social Security recipients or for armed service members beyond August 2 are both irresponsible and completely avoidable," said Rubio. "As the debt ceiling debate continues, Congress and the President should immediately approve this plan to reassure seniors and active service members that our government will not break our promises to them."
Senator Toomey is the lead sponsor of the bill, and the following senators have already co-sponsored it: Sens. Kelly Ayotte; John Barrasso; John Boozman; Saxby Chambliss; Dan Coats; Tom Coburn; John Cornyn; Mike Crapo; Jim DeMint; Mike Enzi; Lindsey Graham; Chuck Grassley; Orrin Hatch; Dean Heller; John Hoeven; Kay Bailey Hutchison; James Inhofe; Johnny Isakson; Mike Johanns; Ron Johnson; Mark Kirk; Mike Lee; Richard Lugar; Jerry Moran; Rand Paul; James Risch; Pat Roberts; David Vitter and Roger Wicker.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Miller Blasts 40-Year Career Politician
Nelson For Vote Against ‘Cut, Cap And Balance’
ORLANDO - After Senator Bill Nelson joined his liberal colleagues in voting down the “Cut, Cap, and Balance” plan, businessman and Republican candidate Craig Miller criticized Nelson for once again saying one thing while doing another.
Miller remarked, “Saying one thing and doing another has become an ugly habit for Senator Nelson. This is a politician who, earlier this year, said he was for a balanced budget amendment, spending caps and spending cuts. But when it came time to vote on exactly those things, Nelson followed President Obama and Senator Reid, rather than representing the interests of Floridians. The voters of this state deserve better. They deserve a U.S. Senator who is in touch with the people on Main Street and who shares their concerns and values. Floridians have had enough of Nelson’s double-talk.”
Nelson On Cutting, Capping, and Balancing:
March 2011: “I Have Supported A Balanced Budget Amendment, Spending Caps, And Spending Cuts. _NELSON: “I wish to talk about our Nation's financial troubles. Over the years, _I have supported a balanced budget amendment, spending caps, and spending cuts_. Recently, we had a proposal to fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year, and I voted against it because I felt we needed to do more than the amendment proposed.” (Sen. Bill Nelson, Congressional Record, P. S1920-S1912, 3/29/11)
July 2011: Nelson Votes Against “Cut, Cap And Balance” Plan. (Roll Call Vote #116, Motion To Table Agreed To 51-46; D 49-0, R 0-46, I 2-0, 7/22/11, Nelson Voted Yea)
Craig Miller began his restaurant career in the dish room as a teenager and rose to become a successful businessman, creating over 40,000 jobs at several well-known restaurant chains like Red Lobster, Pizzeria Uno, and Ruth’s Chris. He served as Chairman of the National Restaurant Association and was named Operator of the Year in 2007 by Nation’s Restaurant News. Miller is a veteran of the United States Air Force, having volunteered to serve in Vietnam in 1969. He is the father of three, a proud grandfather and resides in Winter Park with his wife, Susan.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Rooney Cosponsors Bill to Reduce Veteran Homelessness
Washington, D.C. - This week, Rep. Ted Deutch (FL-19) and Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) announced new legislation to strengthen federal efforts to end homelessness among America's veterans.
"While we've made dramatic improvements over the last decade to reduce veteran homelessness, we still have significant work ahead of us to ensure that no one who served is left out in the cold while making the transition to civilian life," said Congressman Rooney. "This legislation builds on successful support programs to help fulfill our debt to those who put their lives on the line in defense of our country."
"The Helping Homeless Heroes Act of 2011 honors our responsibility to ensure that no American who dons the uniform of the United States becomes a forgotten hero after their mission is complete," said Congressman Deutch. "Our servicemen and women endure unimaginable sacrifices while serving our nation, we cannot stand by while so many of them are going homeless."
Over the last decade, significant progress has been made reducing the number of homeless servicemen and women, from more than 300,000 in 2003 to less than 150,000 in 2009. The Helping Homeless Heroes Act reauthorizes and improves several programs responsible for much of this progress.
The bill, H.R. 2259 would:
* Reauthorize critical programs like the Department of Labor-Veterans' Employment and Training Service's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, the only nationwide employment assistance program dedicated to homeless veterans;
* Reevaluate the repayment method of VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program (GPD), a transitional housing program that is the foundation of VA and community partnerships; and,
* Expand VA Special Needs grants to include male homeless veterans with minor dependents, as well as allowing dependents of veterans in those programs to directly receive services.
"This bill would reauthorize highly successful programs that have helped reduce the number of homeless veterans by about 70 percent in the last eight years, "said John Driscoll, President and CEO of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. "These programs have received strong bipartisan support throughout that time, and are absolutely critical in the national campaign to end veteran homelessness by 2015. Both the House and Senate deserve commendation for their proud legacy of aiding veterans in crisis and their families - especially veterans with mental illness, other disabilities, and serious barriers to housing and employment."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Craig Miller Announces Bid to Unseat 40-Year Politician Nelson
ORLANDO -- Craig Miller, a successful businessman and Air Force veteran, today launched his campaign to be the next United States Senator from the
state of Florida. Miller, a Republican, announced his plans by flying around the state, making stops in Orlando, Tampa, Naples, West Palm Beach and Jacksonville.
In announcing his bid, Miller stated, “As someone who’s been in the restaurant business for forty years, I’ve learned first-hand that if you’re going to be successful, you have to listen to--and take care of--both your employees and your customers. As such, I’ve met with and listened to Floridians across the state who tell me government is too big, too intrusive, takes too much of their hard-earned money, spends their money wastefully, and is hurting the economy and destroying jobs.”
Miller continued, “Voters also tell me they are fed up with a government dominated by career politicians who’ve never worked a day in the private sector and are completely out of touch with Main Street.”
“I’m proud to have answered our country’s call over 30 years ago when Ienlisted in the Air Force and volunteered to go to Vietnam. And it will be an honor to serve my fellow Americans again in the United States Senate.”
“This campaign is going to be one that pits someone who will fight for Floridians who live on Main Street against a 40-year incumbent politician who has repeatedly bowed to the liberal agenda of those on Pennsylvania Avenue.”
“I’ve spent the last forty years paying attention to what’s happening on Main Street because that’s where people live. It’s where they shop, it’s where they dine out, it’s where they send their kids to school and where they raise their families. Main Street is home for Floridians.”
“Bill Nelson has forgotten where Main Street is because he’s spent the last forty years trying to further his political career, running for political office after political office after political office. Nelson is so out-of-touch that he doesn’t care or recognize the hurtful impact his votes for President Obama’s liberal agenda have had on folks back home who are just trying to make ends meet.”
40-Year Incumbent Politician Bill Nelson Has .
Voted For President Obama’s Position 97% Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly, [4]www.cq.com, Accessed 2/18/11)
Supported Cap And Trade Legislation That Could Destroy 66,000 Florida Jobs Over The Next Two Decades And Raise Electricity Bills By $800 Per Household. (S. 3036, CQ Vote #145: Rejected 48-36: R 7-32; D 39-4; I 2-0, 6/6/08, Nelson Voted Yea and Kreutzer, David, et al, “Impact Of The Waxman-Markey Climate Change Legislation To Florida,” The Heritage Foundation, 8/19/09)
Voted For The Health Care Reconciliation Bill Which Cut Medicare $500 Million Over The Next Decade. (H.R. 4872, CQ Vote #105: Passed 56-43: R 0-40; D 54-3; I 2-0, 3/25/10, Nelson Voted Yea; Lori Montgomery and Paul Kane, “House Leaders Announce $940 Billion Health-Care Compromise Bill,” The Washington Post, 3/19/10)
Voted For President Obama’s Failed So-Called “Stimulus” Bill. (H.R. 1, CQ Vote #64: Adopted 60-38; R 3-38; D 55-0; I 2-0, 2/13/09, Nelson Voted Yea)
Voted For The Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Bailout. (H.R. 3221, CQ Vote #186: Motion Agreed To, Thus Clearing The Bill For The President 72-13: R
27-13; D 43-0; I 2-0, 7/26/08, Nelson Voted Yea)
Craig Miller began his restaurant career in the dish room as a teenager and rose to become a successful businessman, creating over 40,000 jobs at several well-known restaurant chains like Red Lobster, Pizzeria Uno, and Ruth’s Chris. He served as Chairman of the National Restaurant Association and was named Operator of the Year in 2007 by Nation’s Restaurant News. Miller is a veteran of the United States Air Force, having volunteered to serve in Vietnam in 1969. He is the father of three, a proud grandfather and resides in Winter Park with his wife, Susan.
SHOW ME A TAX INCREASE THAT CREATES JOBS. YOU CAN'T.
Senator Rubio: "Every other problem we face in our country, the housing crisis, all these other problems become easier to deal with if you have more people working, people making money, people paying their taxes, people spending money into the economy. Unemployment is what we have to get at, and you're not going to create jobs by tax increases.
"And if someone in this building, if someone in Washington has a tax increase that creates jobs, I invite you to offer it. We're all ears. Right now. If someone in Washington has a tax increase that helps create jobs, then now is the time to offer it. I would submit to you you're not going to find one because there are no tax increases that will create jobs. And if you don't create jobs and you don't grow this economy, there is no way out of this debt. You cannot cut your way out of it and you certainly can't tax your way out of it.
"Does that mean we don't do anything about taxes, as I hear some commentators saying in the press? Of course not. Our tax code is broken. There are a bunch of things in the tax code that do not belong there, and I think there is bipartisan support, whether the media tries to ignore it or not, I think there is bipartisan support in the Senate, in the House, in Washington for tax reform."
RUBIO: I'VE NEVER MET A JOB CREATOR LOOKING FOR HIGHER, MORE COMPLICATED TAXES
Senator Rubio: "I swear to you, I have never met a job creator that told me that they are looking for a state with high taxes and burdensome regulations. I have never met one. There may be one. And again, I invite anyone here in Washington, D.C., to produce for us a job creator, a company or an individual who says that what they are looking for is they are looking to open a business someplace where the taxes are high and difficult to understand and the regulations are expensive to comply with because that's what we have in America. You want to know why jobs aren't being created? Because that's what we have in America. So if someone knows of a job creator anywhere in the world that's looking for a high, complex tax environment or looking for a high regulatory environment, I would like to meet them because I have yet to meet a job creator that's looking for that, and that's what we have.
"I would submit to you that there is support, there is bipartisan support for the idea of tax reform, of simplifying our tax code, of making it easier to comply with. If we do it the right way, of lowering everybody's tax rates, so that people have more money in their pocket to spend into the economy, to grow their business, to start a new business, because that's how jobs are created.
"I know that all of us would like to think that Senators and Presidents create jobs. Not outside this building they don't. Jobs are created when everyday people from all walks of life say, 'You know what I'm going to do today? I'm going to open up a business. I'm going to open up a business in the spare bedroom of my home or out of the garage or when someone has an existing business an decides, I want to grow this business I want to hire a couple more people because I have a belief that this business can do better.'
"We need to get people excited about doing that again. You're not going to get them excited about doing that again if our taxes and regulations are out of control."
RUBIO: THE SOLUTION IS TO CUT AND GROW OUR WAY OUT OF THIS DEBT
Senator Rubio: "And there are two things: we must -- we must control our spending, and we must put a plan in place that shows the world how America would bring its spending under control, and we have to do something to grow our economy.
"And you ask any job creator in the real world, you ask any job creator in the real world, what are you looking for to grow your economy - to create jobs and they'll tell you, we're looking for confidence. And we get confidence from knowing that regulations are predictable and easy to comply with, and the tax code is predictable, affordable, and easy to comply with and I submit, that if we focus on those things and not all the other noise that goes on in the back and forth of this place, we can actually start moving towards a solution."
RUBIO: THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH COMPROMISE AS LONG AS IT'S A REAL SOLUTION
Senator Rubio: "The last point I would make is the word "compromise" is a very popular word around here. And there's nothing wrong with compromise, so long as the compromise also happens to be a solution, because if your compromise doesn't solve the problem, you've just created a new problem.
"Nothing wrong with compromise. Maybe your ideas of tax reform are different from my ideas of tax reform, but ultimately we have to solve the broken tax code. So compromise is not a dirty word unless the compromise makes it worse, not better. Too oftentimes in politics, compromise leads to things that make things worse, not better. And if you raise taxes in this economy with 9% unemployment, you're going to make things worse, not better.
"So I hope that we will rally in a bipartisan fashion around the concept of tax reform, of creating a tax code in America that encourages people to create jobs here once again. Because if we can solve the jobs issue, if we can begin to solve the unemployment issue, all has to other issues that we face as a nation become easier to deal with, and with that, I thank you for your attention."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
RUBIO CALLS OUT PRESIDENT'S SOCIAL SECURITY SCARE TACTICS
"If they don't get their Social Security checks, it's because the President's decided to do that, because we still have revenue coming in. ... I think people are going to be shocked to learn the real truth about what the government's done with their Social Security money."
People Are Going to Be Shocked to Learn the Real Truth About What the Government's Done With Their Social Security Money
Hugh Hewitt: "Senator Rubio, you represent a lot of senior citizens in Florida. The country knows that. I think it's despicable to scare them this way. What's your reaction to the President's threat to hold their Social Security checks hostage?"
Sen. Rubio: "Well, if they don't get their Social Security checks, it's because the President's decided to do that, because we still have revenue coming in. Here's the other thing I would say. If in fact the President holds up their checks for Social Security, and Medicare, and whatever else he wants to hold up to make his point, isn't he admitting that all these programs are funded by deficit spending? Isn't he admitting that all these programs are dependent upon borrowed money?
"And I think the folks who are on Social Security, people like my mom, would be shocked to learn the truth that the money that they're receiving in Social Security isn't the money they worked hard for all these years to put away, the government was going to give back to them in their retirement. The government spent all that money already. They spent it long ago on other things. This is borrowed money. This is money that we're borrowing from our children and our grandchildren. And I think people are going to, if that happens, I think people are going to be shocked to learn the real truth about what the government's done with their Social Security money."
Hugh Hewitt: "Do you think the negotiations that he had lured Republicans into over the last couple of weeks have been in bad faith?"
Sen. Rubio: "Well, I wasn't in those negotiations, so I'd hate to characterize something I wasn't a part of. Let me say that he was late to the game.
"First of all, the President, this is not a new issue, okay? This issue of the debt limit didn't sneak up on us. This has been around for a while. We knew this was coming. And then the President's done nothing on it. He gave a state of the union speech this year, never mentioned any plans about how to address this. He offered a budget before Congress, and the budget was so bad, I mean, it actually increased the debt. His budget was so bad, so unrealistic, that when we put it to a vote here in the Senate, not even a single Democrat voted for it. That's how bad it was. It didn't get a single vote.
"So he's had multiple opportunities to deal with this, and he's kind of punted and moved the ball along, and focused on other things. And now, with three weeks to go, two weeks to go, all of a sudden, he wants to ride in and act like he's leading. Well, he's not leading. In fact, what he's doing is he's trying to position this as a political issue, so he can claim victory for his 2012 election. But the reality of it is that people know better, they're going to realize it, we're going to continue to talk about it."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Polish American Club of St Lucie County Hosts Gov. Rick Scott at 2011 Lincoln Day Dinner
Port St Lucie -- Gov. Rick Scott addressed a crowd of over 200 supporting St. Lucie County Republicans on Friday evening.
Republican candidates for U.S. Senate, former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux and Adam Hasner, former state House representative from Boca Raton, State Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, and state representatives Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, William Snyder, R-Stuart, and Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart were also in attendance.
Scott applauded other states in their effort to continue to raise taxes and increase regulation in their respective states. These actions only make Florida a more attractive place to do business.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Marisol Guntkowski Out2/Martin County.com contributing photographer
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
Polish American Club of St Lucie County Hosts Gov. Rick Scott at 2011 Lincoln Day Dinner
Port St Lucie -- Gov. Rick Scott addressed a crowd of over 200 supporting St. Lucie County Republicans on Friday evening.
Republican candidates for U.S. Senate, former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux and Adam Hasner, former state House representative from Boca Raton, State Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, and state representatives Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, William Snyder, R-Stuart, and Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart were also in attendance.
Scott applauded other states in their effort to continue to raise taxes and increase regulation in their respective states. These actions only make Florida a more attractive place to do business.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Marisol Guntkowski Out2/Martin County.com contributing photographer
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
Polish American Club of St Lucie County Hosts Gov. Rick Scott at 2011 Lincoln Day Dinner
Port St Lucie -- Gov. Rick Scott addressed a crowd of over 200 supporting St. Lucie County Republicans on Friday evening.
Republican candidates for U.S. Senate, former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux and Adam Hasner, former state House representative from Boca Raton, State Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, and state representatives Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, William Snyder, R-Stuart, and Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart were also in attendance.
Scott applauded other states in their effort to continue to raise taxes and increase regulation in their respective states. These actions only make Florida a more attractive place to do business.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Marisol Guntkowski Out2/Martin County.com contributing photographer
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
Polish American Club of St Lucie County Hosts Gov. Rick Scott at 2011 Lincoln Day Dinner
Port St Lucie -- Gov. Rick Scott addressed a crowd of over 200 supporting St. Lucie County Republicans on Friday evening.
Republican candidates for U.S. Senate, former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux and Adam Hasner, former state House representative from Boca Raton, State Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, and state representatives Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, William Snyder, R-Stuart, and Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart were also in attendance.
Scott applauded other states in their effort to continue to raise taxes and increase regulation in their respective states. These actions only make Florida a more attractive place to do business.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Marisol Guntkowski Out2/Martin County.com contributing photographer
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
PARENTS OF WOMAN ABDUCTED THANK REP. WILLIAM SNYDER FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HIS DNA LEGISLATION
On January 24, 2006, 25-year-old Jennifer Kesse vanished, without a trace, from the Orlando area. Despite enormous media attention and untold man hours of work by Orlando and federal law enforcement agencies, Jennifer Kesse is still missing and the case is unsolved. Her parents, Drew and Joyce Kesse, began a nationwide effort to reduce the amount of incidences such as this. The Kesses identified the early sampling of DNA as being of paramount importance in these types of cases. They were assisted in their struggle by John Walsh, a renowned advocate in these matters.
On July 1, 2011, Representative William Snyder's (R-Stuart) DNA bill, which was passed in 2009 will be funded by the Florida Legislature. This will facilitate the taking of DNA samples from all suspects arrested for felonies in the State of Florida. Prior to the 2009 legislation, DNA samples could only be taken at time of conviction.
Joyce and Drew Kesse sent a note expressing their profound appreciation to Representative Snyder for his efforts in passing this important piece of legislation. Mr. Kesse stated, "I know how much it took to get this done, and we are most humbled by your leadership and courage to make this work!" Representative Snyder stated that he was enormously satisfied that the provisions of his bill will now be implemented and, as a result, public safety in Florida will be substantially improved.
http://www.mysuncoast.com/news/local/story/Florida-DNA-database-to-help-
fight-crime/UCaOuQKTFUyAKZegZ7VM8Q.cspx
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
“Marco Rubio Takes on ‘Medi-scare’'
If entitlement reform is the third rail of American politics, then there is no place in America where the surge is more powerful than Florida. The Sunshine State has more Medicare recipients than any state in the union except California — making Florida ground zero for the Democrats’ coming “Medi-scare” campaign. So it is significant that, while some Republicans have been distancing themselves from Rep. Paul Ryan’s proposed Medicare overhaul, Florida’s junior senator, Marco Rubio, has emerged in recent weeks as Ryan’s most ardent public defender.
In the wake of the recent New York special election — where Democrats captured a long-time Republican seat while demagoguing Ryan’s proposal — Rubio has been everywhere defending Ryan and challenging the Democrats who criticize his plan to offer one of their own. After the vote, Rubio penned an Miami Herald op-ed backing Ryan, posted a YouTube video, and went on the airwaves to make the case for Ryan’s proposal.
I asked Rubio why he was sticking his neck out — after all, isn’t taking on Medicare the political kiss of death in Florida? Quite the opposite, Rubio says. “The flip side of that is if there is any state in the country that should be scared of Medicare going bankrupt it’s Florida. So that’s exactly why I’m involved in this issue. Because we have millions of recipients in Florida — and one of them is my mother.”
Rubio’s support for Medicare is genuine and personal. When his 83-year old father became ill, Medicare covered his repeated hospital visits and then paid for hospice care, allowing him to die with dignity last September. Rubio says: “I think Medicare is important. I think a country as rich and prosperous as the United States can’t afford not to have Medicare.”
But, he explains, “There is a reason to be worried about the future of Medicare, and it’s not because of the Ryan plan. It’s because Medicare is running out of money.” He points to the report issued last month by Medicare’s trustees which found that the Medicare trust fund will run dry in 2024 — five years earlier than they had forecast just last year. And he warns, “The truth is that if we don’t solve this problem, we’re going to lose Medicare. And history is not going to be kind to anybody up here, Republican or Democrat, if we let that happen.”
For those who criticize Ryan, Rubio asks: “If it’s not the Ryan plan, well then what plan is it? The White House has not offered one. The Senate Democrat leadership has not offered one.. . . They have not offered a budget, much less a plan to save Medicare.” The Democrats’ refusal to do so, while viciously attacking Ryan’s approach, leads Rubio to one inescapable conclusion: “The Democrats don’t have a plan because they have decided that playing politics is more important than saving Medicare.”
That does not frighten Rubio in the least. He is a senior-scare survivor. During his Senate race last fall, former Florida governor Charlie Crist ran false ads accusing Rubio of wanting to cut Social Security benefits for seniors. Rubio stuck to his guns, made his case and prevailed with almost 50 percent of the vote in a three-way race. His advice for candidates facing similar tactics on Medicare this election cycle is simple: “Tell people the truth. Medicare is going bankrupt. And we need to save it. Right now there is a plan in Washington to save it called the Ryan plan.. . . Whoever has a better plan than Ryan’s plan to save Medicare, I think they shouldn’t waste any more time, and they should offer it. If they don’t have any plan, then they need to admit that. And they need to admit that what they want to do is play politics with Medicare.”
Ryan’s Medicare proposal has been front and center in Florida’s Republican Senate primary. One of the candidates, former senator George LeMieux, at first refused to endorse the Ryan plan, claiming he had a better approach, but he finally declared that he would have voted it. Another, state Senate President Mike Haridopolos, was asked on a conservative radio show whether he supports the Ryan plan and repeatedly refused to answer — leading the program’s host to hang up on him in frustration. By contrast, state House Republican leader Adam Hasner has shown Rubio-like courage on the issue — embracing the Ryan plan and declaring: “While others stick their fingers in the wind . . . I remain steadfast in my support [for the Ryan plan].. . . Unlike my opponents, I would vote for the plan without hesitation.”
Rubio believes that Republicans have nothing to fear in the Medicare debate because “We’re serious about solving this problem.” Voters will reward that seriousness if the GOP “unambiguously explain[s] to voters that Medicare is going bankrupt, that it is too important of a program to let go bankrupt, that we have to save Medicare, and that we have to do it now.” For Republicans looking for a way to fight Medi-scare, Marco Rubio is showing the way.
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: D rshall@out2martincounty.com
ick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact:
Repealing Obamacare About Liberty and Jobs
Orlando, FL - U.S. Senate candidate Adam Hasner released the following statement today in advance of oral arguments in Florida's challenge to the federal health care law: "Today, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta will hear oral arguments from 26 states seeking to overturn President Obama and Senator Bill Nelson's unconstitutional health care takeover. Led by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, the states have already won significant legal victories against this overreach by the Federal Government.
"Attorney General Bondi is right to focus on the need for states to protect and defend the individual liberties of their citizens, as well as preserve the constitutional principle of limited government. But there is an important economic component to defeating Obamacare as well.
"Implementation of Obamacare has played a major role in prolonging our country's economic challenges. Earlier this year, the head of the Congressional Budget Office testified before Congress that that implementation of Obamacare would cost 800,000 jobs. Here in Florida, nearly one million Floridians are already out of work and the myriad regulations, taxes, and rules contained in Obamacare has only caused more worry and hesitation among the small businessmen and women and job creators I've met with during the past three months.
"Individual liberty and limited government are paramount toward the defeat of Obamacare, but we should also never forget the incredible toll this massive overreach of government will take on our economic freedoms as well. Getting Florida and America back to work requires expanding economic freedoms, and getting Washington regulations out of the way of job creators. There's no better place to start than by defeating Obamacare in the courts and repealing it in Congress."
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
Rooney Introduces Bills to Address Hurricane Insurance and Preparedness
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today introduced the following three bills to reduce insurance premiums and cleanup costs related to hurricanes and other natural disasters:
1. The Natural Disaster Mitigation Act would provide a tax credit (equal to 25% of mitigation expenditures up to $5,000) to qualified homeowners who mitigate their homes to prevent or reduce the risks that can result from hurricanes and earthquakes. The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Allen West (R-FL), and Jo Bonner (R-AL).
"Mitigation must be a priority," Rooney said. "Too many families and homes remain unnecessarily vulnerable to natural disasters like hurricanes. While mitigation will never eliminate the risk to homeowners, it could reduce loss and, in many cases, save a family's home.
"For every $1 spent on mitigation, $4 in post storm cleanup and rebuilding is saved. These tax credits would provide an important incentive for families to proactively protect their homes from natural disasters.
2. The Policyholder Disaster Protection Act would create a tax-deferred reserve that insurance companies can set up to cover the losses from future natural disasters. Currently, insurance companies can only reserve against losses that have already occurred. Rep. West is an original cosponsor.
"Floridians have seen their insurance premiums skyrocket in recent years because of the threat of natural disasters," Rooney said. "Allowing insurance companies to save for future losses and take proactive measures to protect policyholders would prevent companies from having to increase premiums after losses occur. This legislation would help keep insurance rates under control."
3. The Catastrophe Savings Accounts Act would create tax-exempt catastrophe savings accounts (CSAs) to pay expenses resulting from a presidentially declared major disaster. Rep. West is an original cosponsor.
"As Floridians know all too well, when a hurricane or other disaster strikes, the costs can be enormous, even if you have insurance. Tax-exempt catastrophe savings accounts would allow people to put away a little money each month, before taxes, and save it for when disaster strikes."
A Long Time Coming
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
In photo: James Wolfe, District Four Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
In photo: Former State Senate President Ken Pruitt remembers the effort to get the bridge
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
A Long Time Coming
In photo: Former County Commissioner Mike DiTerlizzi, who invested 8 years plus in the bridge
Out2martincounty.com is a photo journal featuring people, "Who they are, what they do and where they do it".
Do you have something to say, an event to talk about? An event you would like me to cover? Do it here! Email your story or request to me at rshall@out2martincounty.com
Photo by: Dick Hall Out2/Martin County.com
Out2martincounty.com adheres to full compliance with C.O.P.P.A. (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998)
"Martin County's Photo Journal"
This low resolution photo is NOT copy write protected. If you wish a copy simply right/click on the photo and hit “copy” or “save image as”. If you wish a high resolution file contact: rshall@out2martincounty.com
|
