"My colleagues across the aisle and I debated these very issues yesterday at the Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati," said Boustany. "Republicans argued to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship that is fundamental to good quality healthcare."
“Today, as thousands of Southwest Louisiana families go to pay their taxes, they are also dealing with higher prices at the pump, medical costs and prices at the grocery store,” Boustany said. “Both parties in Congress are to blame for runaway federal spending. The American people deserve better, and we must work towards lowering their tax bill, increasing American energy production and reigning in spending to let people keep more of their own hard-earned money.”
“As we continue to rebuild Southwest Louisiana, I am proud of the cooperation between our civic and business leaders,” Boustany said. “I will continue to support sound economic principles to strengthen Southwest Louisiana businesses and their employees.”
“I am encouraged by today’s progress, but much work remains to be done,” Boustany said. “I look forward to working with the Conferees of both parties to ensure Southwest Louisiana farmers and ranchers are represented as we move forward. The Conferees must make the Farm Bill about farmers, and that begins by rejecting tax hikes on farmers, their families and their businesses.”
“Small businesses represent the best of American ingenuity, and they are vital to our prosperity in Southwest Louisiana,” Boustany said. “I appreciate hearing the issues that these small business owners face as they try to grow their companies, give back to the community and serve as examples of success for others. I will continue to work to fix the H-2B workforce shortage that hampers their growth as well as fighting against taxes preventing development and increasing access to a wide range of healthcare plans to lower cost and provide better choices.”
“I am glad the IRS is finally working with people who received Road Home funding,” Boustany said. “Anyone with questions about their 2007 tax returns should attend the Lake Charles meeting to get answers directly from IRS officials.”
“Extra money for tax hikes might be in the family budget for people in San Francisco, but families in Southwest Louisiana do not have extra room in their budgets,” Boustany said. “Wasteful spending and tax hikes are irresponsible. The Democratic House leadership must understand that American families are facing higher costs at the pump, higher costs for healthcare and education, and more money to pay federal taxes simply isn’t there.”
“Tax increases on working families and small business is no way to govern,” Boustany said. “Growing our economy, helping American entrepreneurs and allowing more families to keep more of their money are what a responsible budget should do. This Democratic budget is simply a wasteful tax hike on working families. We need a budget that will lead to American prosperity.”
“As the price at the pump continues to soar, American families do not need more Washington taxes,” Boustany said. “We must reward innovation and ingenuity as we look for alternatives to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, but dramatically increasing taxes isn’t the solution for Southwest Louisiana.”
“It is important for people in Southwest Louisiana to find out if they qualify for the tax rebates,” Boustany said. “Some who would not normally have filed a tax form will need to do so to ensure they receive their check, and there are groups that specialize in answering tax questions.”
“Almost two million people in Louisiana will benefit from these tax-rebate checks, boosting local spending and keeping our economy in Southwest Louisiana growing,” Boustany said. “I am glad to have worked on this important legislation that will spur our national economy and help our area small businesses.”
“Loading this bill down with pet projects will only slow tax rebate checks to more than one and a half million Louisianans,” Boustany said. “The Senate should vote on the bi-partisan House passed bill that won overwhelming support without packing it with special interest payouts. Many of the projects are worthwhile, but they will not stimulate the economy. This bill must encourage economic growth.”
