Congressman Mike Rogers / Report from Washington: The Uncertain State of Our Union

Mike Rogers

This past week I had the opportunity to talk about jobs and the state of our economy with a number of businesses across the Third District.

In talking with the employees and owners of these facilities, one theme I heard at almost every stop was that folks are uncertain. They’re unsure of what new government-mandated regulations they’ll face in 2014 and long into the future. They don’t see what the Federal government is doing to help improve our economy, or provide certainty for our small businesses.

In almost all cases, they’re worried about Obamacare and its effects on their jobs, businesses and their families.

Last Tuesday evening, President Obama delivered his State of the Union address to the nation. He spoke about the current state of our country, and shared with America his plans for future initiatives and legislation.

Overall, I was extremely dissatisfied with the plans the president outlined in his address. I believe these proposals will increase bureaucratic red tape, stifle job creation and create more and more uncertainty across East Alabama – exactly opposite of what folks are looking for these days.       

In 2013 the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, pushed farther into our lives. Its negative impact on individuals’ insurance in East Alabama has driven premium prices up and actual health care coverage down.

But what we still don’t know is how these new rates will affect both small and large businesses and their hard-working employees. Folks are nervous, as they should be, and the president has not done much to alleviate these fears.

Another issue vital to bringing certainty back to East Alabama is helping folks find a job in their area.

Despite figures which show a declining unemployment rate, this past December’s jobs report was the worst in three years.

The House of Representatives has passed a number of job-creating bills that could help provide some much-needed certainty in our economy. Yet they are going nowhere as they collect dust sitting in the Senate.

These bills would help provide job training, cut red tape, expand American energy options and help create new jobs for Americans.

On a recent Tele-town Hall meeting where I heard concerns from constituents across East Alabama, the sentiment was the same. They overwhelmingly believe Obamacare will have a negative impact on their families, and remain very concerned about the direction of our country.

As always, I want to hear from you.  Contact me at mike-rogers.house.gov and sign up for my eNewsletter.  You can also like me on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03

 

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