Politics on the Hudson

Rep. Nan Hayworth, R-Mount Kisco, sent out the following:

Congresswoman Hayworth Op-Ed: Serving our friends and neighbors across the Hudson Valley

A year in review from U.S. Congresswoman Nan Hayworth, M.D. (NY-19)

January 4, 2012

“Focus on jobs.” “Make the federal government work better for us.” “Help break the partisan gridlock in Washington.” These are some of the messages I’ve been getting from people all across the Hudson Valley in our 19th Congressional District. When Congress is not in session in Washington I spend my time here, visiting our towns and villages, small businesses and larger manufacturers, senior centers and schools. We’ve held a jobs fair to bring job seekers together with potential employers; I’ve toured local nonprofits caring for our neediest citizens; and I’ve brought together key state and federal agencies to expedite recovery after Hurricane Irene.

Strengthening our economy and growing jobs is the most pressing issue facing our region and our nation. This year we’ve passed 28 bills in the House of Representatives-with votes from both Republicans and Democrats-aimed at reducing burdens on our businesses, especially small ones, and providing certainty to investors who would like to start new businesses or make existing ones bigger and better.  In June I introduced another bill that can make a difference right here in the Hudson Valley, the PACE Protection Act of 2011. It would allow people who own homes or other properties to make energy-saving retrofits affordably, through a special property tax assessment that is paid over time. It would not add costs for local taxpayers, and it would immediately create jobs in our communities. The PACE Protection Act is gaining support on both sides of the aisle.

I’ve also joined my colleagues in the House to work together with the Senate and the President wherever we can find consensus. For example, President Obama has called for making it easier for businesses to raise capital for expansion, and for reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I’ve supported the introduction and passage of legislation to do these helpful things. To help overcome the partisan divide in the House, I’m a cofounder of the Common Ground Caucus, which brings Republican and Democratic Members together to get to know each other outside of our legislative work. I’m also working with Congressman Peter Welch, a Democrat from Vermont, as a co-chair of the Hurricane Irene Coalition, which crosses the aisle to ensure that our counties, and the entire Northeast, receive all of the federal assistance to which they are entitled to recover from last year’s devastating storms. I’m proud to have been the first member of our New York congressional delegation to have asked President Obama—successfully—for full disaster-relief designation for all of our counties in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

In the face of challenges like natural disasters and man-made pollution, I’ve worked to protect the beauty of our Hudson Valley and to keep our air and water clean in common-sense ways. Last year I received the highest score among our Republican Members of Congress from New York from the League of Conservation Voters. I was also recently recognized by the Sierra Club for my strong voting record in support of clean water. My record on the environment has led observers to recognize me as one of several federal legislators willing to “take the pro-green position during floor and committee votes spanning more than 100 bills and amendments.”

It’s a great privilege to serve our friends and neighbors across the Hudson Valley. I’d appreciate your helping me and our team by letting us know how we can help you or your community. You can contact us, as well as learn more about the issues I’m working on, at http://hayworth.house.gov.  Thanks for joining us to make our Hudson Valley an ever better place to live and work.

Here’s the press release:

U.S. Congresswoman Nan Hayworth, M.D. (NY-19) released the following statement after the House passed a 60-day extension of the payroll tax reduction, unemployment benefits, and Medicare physician reimbursement rates after the Democrat-led Senate agreed to appoint conferees and begin working with House Republican negotiators on a long-term solution:

“Today Congress passed a short-term extension of the payroll tax holiday, federal contribution to unemployment benefits, and current Medicare reimbursement rates for doctors. I have always supported these programs, and in recent days I’ve been privileged to be a highly visible advocate for providing the greatest possible certainty to hardworking taxpayers, job-creating employers, the growing ranks of unemployed Americans, and our seniors and doctors who rely on Medicare. On December 13 I voted with a majority of House Republicans, and many Democratic colleagues, for significantly lengthier continuation of these crucial initiatives. The Senate voted differently, and now it’s time to work towards consensus.
“As part of today’s legislation, the House of Representatives and the Senate have convened a conference committee to devise longer-term extensions for the payroll tax holiday, federal unemployment contributions, and Medicare reimbursements. I have been honored to be one of eight House Republicans selected for the committee, and l look forward to working closely with my colleagues in both parties and both chambers of Congress to do our best for all the people we serve.”

 

House Speaker John Boehner named Rep. Nan Hayworth, R-Mount Kisco, to a committee that will try to resolve the differences over the payroll tax cut extension bill that passed the Senate in a heavily bipartisan vote but was rejected by the House this week.

“In the midst of a terrible economy, our hardworking families should not face increased taxes next year. House Republicans are determined to continue our work in Washington until we come to an agreement that lifts burdens for taxpayers while protecting the Social Security Trust Fund; continues help to our unemployed while assuring sound long-term reforms; and ensures seniors’ access to their doctors under Medicare. We call upon the Senate to join us in working toward a solution that offers long-term relief to struggling families and job creators,” Hayworth said in in a statement.

But with the Senate out of town already and the House adjourned for for the holidays, as USA Today reports, it’s not clear when lawmakers will take any action. The payroll tax cut is set to expire Dec. 31, resulting in the average worker paying $1,000 more next year in Social Security tax.

The Senate version called for a two-month extension; House Republicans wanted to pass a measure that extended the cut for all of 2012 instead of having to take up the matter again come February.

Hayworth, who is in her first term, took criticism yesterday from two Democrats who want to unseat her.

Richard Becker, a Cortlandt Democratic Town Board member who wants to unseat Rep. Nan Hayworth, R- Mount Kisco, next year faulted the congresswoman today for being among those who rejected a bill extending the payroll tax cut beyond Dec. 31. The measure recently passed the Senate.

“Today my opponent, Congresswoman Hayworth, voted in lock step with the Tea Party once again by voting to kill a bipartisan agreement to extend the payroll tax cut for the middle class and unemployment insurance – a bill that was overwhelmingly passed in the Senate by an 89 to 10 vote,” Becker said in an email.

The 229-193 vote in the House also called for setting up a negotiating committee so the House and Senate can develop mutually acceptable legislation. The Senate version called for a two-month extension, which many House Republicans said was an inadequate step. If an extension isn’t approved by the end of the year, the average worker is expected to pay about $1,000 more in taxes in 2012.

Matt Alexander, the mayor of Wappingers Falls and another Democrat vying to challenge Hayworth, this afternoon also criticized Hayworth’s vote. He pointed to a statement he made yesterday.

“ . . . The fact is Congresswoman Hayworth and her Tea Party caucus had an entire year to propose a solution, yet failed to do that. Instead, Nan blocked and opposed every single proposal to extend the payroll tax cut. Well, time’s up. You don’t get elected to lead Congress only to put the country in reverse.”

Within four minutes of each other last night, both Rep. Nan Hayworth, R-Mount Kisco, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee sent out dueling press releases on the House vote extending the Social Security payroll tax cut that will expire at year’s end. Hayworth was among the 234 representatives who voted in favor Tuesday night of a bill that extends the tax cut for one year but also pushes along the Keystone XL oil pipeline project that will run from Canada to Texas.

“Our hardworking families and taxpayers cannot be faced with further burdens this January.  That is why I joined colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support an extension of the payroll tax reduction and unemployment insurance in a responsible manner that protects the integrity of the Social Security trust fund and prevents more debt from being piled on future generations of taxpayers,” Hayworth said in a statement.

Democrats have opposed linking the two items, saying the pipeline project needs more environmental study. The House bill is expected to die in the Senate. By voting for a bill that is expected to go nowhere, the DCCC argued Hayworth is forcing a $1,000 tax hike on middle-class families. That’s the amount in additional taxes an average family is expected to pay in 2012 if the extension isn’t approved.

 

 

 

Matt Alexander, the mayor of Wappingers Falls in Dutchess County, announced today he is seeking to unseat Rep. Nan Hayworth, R-Mount Kisco. In a statement, Alexander, a CPA, said he planned to speak throughout the 19th Congressional District about the issues he thinks are important. Below is part of his announcement speech.

“Today, through my leadership, I’m proud to say Wappingers Falls is one of the fastest-growing communities in our state with an astonishing 17% growth rate in the past year alone. New businesses and jobs are arriving, crime is down and our services and infrastructure are strong, AND we’ve held the line on property taxes.

This turn-around took determined leadership, an unwavering focus on economic development and jobs. It was the commitment of government to act in times of difficulty and put people to work rebuilding the infrastructure that was critical to our economic success.

It took getting people from both parties to stop playing games and to put people above politics and start working together. It took the faith of the men and women in government as our partners working to turn our community around. A community came together to recapture its future.

This approach not only revived our community, but twice earned me the endorsements of the Democratic and Republican parties.

This same formula that worked for Wappingers Falls is what I intend to bring to Congress. I got into government to take on big challenges because I was sick and tired of being on the sidelines. My leadership turned Wappinger Falls around and with your support I’d like to do the same here throughout New York’s 19th Congressional District.” Alexander said.

Alexander is the second Democrat to announce a challenge to Hayworth, who is in her first term. He joins Dr. Richard Becker, a Cortlandt Town Board member, in trying to unseat the congresswoman.

Richard Becker, a Democratic Cortlandt Town Board member who wants to unseat Rep. Nan Hayworth, R-Mount Kisco, reported today that he raised $64,000 from donors and loaned his campaign $50,000. Overall, he said, his third-quarter fund-raising report will show he has $107,000 on hand.

The third-quarter reports are due any day now. Hayworth’s campaign committee, according to its July filing, had $630,662 on hand and had about $500,000 in debt—most of that personal loans from the candidate.

Hayworth is in her first term in Congress.

Congresswoman Nan Hayworth will host a job fair tomorrow (10/14)Nov. 14 in Dutchess County.

Scheduled to attend Hayworth’s jobs fair are Hudson Valley employers seeking new hires in a wide range of fields including health care, manufacturing, technology, financial and retail agencies.  Employment assistance organizations will also be present to provide career counseling and advice.  In addition to meeting with prospective employers, job seekers are encouraged to participate in a variety of workshops and informational seminars focusing on interview skills, resume writing, networking and job search information.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fishkill Recreation Center at 793 Route 52.

State Sen. Greg Ball, R-Patterson, criticized Rep. Nan Hayworth this week for her  “yes” vote last week on a stopgap spending bill that linked emergency relief funds for those suffering from Tropical Storm Irene with offsetting cuts in spending elsewhere in the federal budget.

“Residents, taxpayers and small business owners are suffering, trying to rebuild their lives after one of the most devastating storms in years. The decision to tie disaster relief to spending cuts shows many in the Beltway are completely out of touch with the immediate needs of working people and blue collar families. Our Congresswoman has now flip flopped again, saying one thing in the district via press releases and government mail, then voting another way down in Washington, DC. Its well beyond time that our ‘representatives’ at the nation’s capital stop playing politics and just deliver the relief our beleaguered homeowners need,” Ball said in a statement.

Ball faulted Hayworth earlier in the month for seeming to tie disaster relief with federal spending cuts. In a statement then, she said politics wouldn’t be part of the process.

The Senate eventually rejected the House bill and passed its own version today.

Hayworth, R-Mount Kisco, has a Hurricane Recovery page on her website. She also co-chairs a coalition making sure FEMA has the resources for the post-Irene recovery and that also serves as an information source for members of Congress looking for help in their districts.

U.S. Rep Nan Hayworth will co-chair a group that will make sure FEMA has “the resources” to support the post-Irene recovery and that Congressional members can turn to when looking for information on how to help their districts. The bipartisan coalition, she said, was formed this morning after a meeting hosted by Rep. Peter Welch, a Vermont Democrat.

“Forming the coalition will allow us as members of Congress to come together across the aisle to provide both the best immediate relief we can for our constituents and, more than that, do the meaningful planning for the longer term as we recover from this catastrophe,” Hayworth, R-Mount Kisco, said in a statement. “The coalition will prepare for future events to minimize loss of life, loss of property, and damage to our communities.”

Hayworth said coalition members met this morning with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Deputy Administrator Richard Serino, and White House staff.

You can see her announcement here.

She was criticized last week after expressing support for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s apparent call linking disaster aid with federal spending cuts.