Feb 26 2015

Caveats for HR 5

Much of the attention this week has centered around the Net Neutrality issue.  While Americans are struggling to understand how capitalism in our Country can be circumvented by three dictators in closed meeting without any accountability to the citizens of this Country, there have been some other bills debated this week.  One is HR 5, the Student Success Act.

First let me preface my comments by saying it is the position of TMCV that the Federal involvement in the educational system is the primary reason for the deplorable failing in the educational standards for  the youth of our Country.  That acknowledged, the pragmatist must assess the landscape he faces in the modern educational debate.  The Federal Government controls the majority of our education.  The challenge before us is to keep government out of the forms of education that are still free from Federal control.

The initial reports I had on HR 5 painted a negative picture.  I posted some of those reports here on TMCV.  Further review of the bill and the support of some organizations I respect, has caused me to cautiously reconsider.  I do so with the caveats so aptly stated by many of the bills supporters.

The HomeSchool Legal Defense Association sent a letter of support for HR 5 but with numerous caveats. The majority of these emphasized the necessity that the language which protects home and Christian schools from government interference remain in the bill.  The Family Research Counsel has a similar letter in which their support is predicated upon language protecting children from sex education and wording that protects and upholds religious liberty.  Still, the implication is that this support could be withdrawn if certain language in the bill is withdrawn.

The Student Success Act has yet to be voted on.  Sources in Washington tell me there is at least 40 amendments still to be debated on HR 5.  For the home schooler or administrator of a Christian school, it is important to understand the language of independence in this bill hinges on not taking Federal funds.  As with anything, the temptation to take monies from the Federal or State governments will most assuredly result in government oversight.  This will destroy any free forms of education.  If we want to be independent, we must truly be independent.

Feb 26 2015

Thwart the Raider

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 529.  This bill strengthens and expands the 529 College Savings program, which many American families use to save funds for the children’s college expenses.  This was passed in the face of the President’s attempt to raid the 529 program to support his budget.  This comes on the heels of revelations that the President intends to also raid funds from the Veteran’s Choice program in his budget proposal.

Of the 529 program and H.R.529, U.S Congressman Bruce Poliquin is on record stating, “We should be doing things to ease the burden of college and its financial costs, rather than making it harder for our kids to have a successful college experience.  Also, we should never penalize our families for trying to plan ahead.”  It seems the President disagrees with Mr. Poliquin, as he is determined to steal monies from our brave veterans and then our children trying to further their education in order to cover his fiscal ineptitude.

Feb 24 2015

Poliquin Reacts to the President’s Veto of Keystone Pipeline/Questions cuts to VA

With the news of a Presidential veto of Keystone Pipeline, Bruce Poliquin expressed his disappointment by releasing a statement from his office. “It’s a shame that the President put politics before policy by vetoing the construction of the Keystone Pipeline,” said the Congressman from Maine’s second district, noting that the project would create 40,000 new jobs and drive down the costs of heating for Mainers.  He reiterated his resolve to stay committed to fighting for job creating policies, citing the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act which he supports.

More For Veterans

In other developments, Poliquin has joined with other colleagues in the House of Representative in asking the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary, Robert McDonald, the reasons for cutting funds to the Veteran’s Access, Choice and Accountability Act.  This Act was intended to alleviate the wait time periods and help facilitate access for those  veterans in rural areas through Veteran’s Choice.  In the presser, Poliquin posted a list of questions sent to the Secretary along with a copy of the letter specifically asking why the President’s new budget needs to raid funds from this benefit set aside for veterans.

Feb 24 2015

Congressman Poliquin Tours Togus

Yesterday, U.S. Congressman Bruce Poliquin toured the VA facilities here in Maine at Togus.  He spent time with many of the veterans there along with interviewing staff and leadership.  Poliquin has asked for reports from the leadership detailing the status and operation of the Veterans Hospital there.  Though not stated in his presser, TMCV believes there was a twofold purpose in his visit there. First to show the respect and gratitude that so many of his constituents feel towards our veterans.  Secondly, to put the hospital on notice that they will need to give an accounting to his office on the practices and treatments, both medical and fiscal, administered by this Federally funded institution.  Of his visit, Poliquin states, ”  After my visit today, I am more committed than ever to doing everything possible to make sure our Maine heroes they earned, were promised and deserve.”   He goes on further to say that he has “spoken with the Inspector General’s office for an update on their report.  Once complete, I look forward to reviewing their findings.”