Good Afternoon,

I am disappointed to report that after two weeks back home, House leadership has failed us and we passed a seven day extension to keep the government funded, something I voted against. I constantly push for regular order and to buckle down to find a permanent funding solution. As a business owner for nearly three decades and a Mayor who was required to balance a budget like all hard-working American families do, I understand the importance of growing the economy, reining in our spending and passing a budget that promotes efficiency, effectiveness and accountability. My hope is next week, members can come together and build a transparent consensus.   

Media Mash Up

My column in The Daily Record discusses the need to lower corporate tax rates. The harsh reality is that America has become a woefully uncompetitive place to do business. The United States has the highest marginal corporate tax rate in the developed world. Worldwide corporate income tax rates have fallen from 30 percent in 2003 to 22.5 percent in 2016. Meanwhile the United States has remained at 35 percent. Businesses set their prices to be competitive; the United States has to set its corporate rate to compete as well.

I also spoke on the need for tax reform on several different outlets. You can check out my appearances on CNN Newsroom, FOX Business’s Varney & Co and Countdown to Closing Bell, and MSNBC.

 

Washington Wrap Up

 The highlights of my week, included starting one of my mornings at the annual Ohio State Scarlet and Gray Congressional Breakfast. It is always great to join my fellow Ohio Congressional delegation members and celebrate one of the best public universities the country has to offer. Go Bucks!

On a more D.C. note, the Social Security Sub-Committee held a hearing on how the Social Security Administration (SSA) is working to reduce fraud. In recent years, there have been numerous high profile cases in which individuals were able to commit fraud on a large scale. While the SSA has taken good steps in preventing fraud and abuse, more must be done. Along with the GAO, I recommended to the SSA that they establish further outcome-oriented metrics for their anti-fraud initiatives. I take seriously my responsibility to protect your hard earned tax-dollars, and I will continue to work with the SSA to reduce fraud and abuse.

It’s always a pleasure meeting with various groups of medical professionals from the District and hearing their direct insight and first-hand experience in medicine. Some of the constituents I met with this week include those who practice Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, and Orthopedic Surgeons. One underlying theme amongst all of them was their concern in limiting the intrusion that government has on our doctors today. Rather than having them struggle to keep up with endless mandates and regulations, we need to bolster the doctor-patient relationship and ensure that when you visit your doctor, you actually get to see them face to face.

My tax counsel met with representatives of some of the nation’s sororities to discuss tax reform.  We talked about how creating parity between university housing and non-profit Greek housing helps the education community.

My staff also spoke to Bunker Hill Golf Club about the importance of H2B visas and allowing returning workers to be exempt from the 66,000 limit.

 

District Doings

 

My staff also hosted a successful Veteran mobile outreach office in Canal Fulton. The event served over 100 in mixed areas and was a good combination of veterans needing health, compensation and ID services. I will continue to hold these events throughout my district in the coming months. Please call my Wadsworth district office at 330-334-0040 for more information.

This week, my staff was able to learn about the important work of our local SWAT teams. These heroes risk their lives to ensure our communities are safe. For example, SWAT officers and operators undergo extensive crisis intervention training and are sent out in the vast majority of crisis situations to protect and save lives. Thank you to all of the police officers and sheriff’s deputies that volunteer to protect our communities in the 16^th District.  

 

My staff also had the privilege to attend the groundbreaking of the new Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. This innovative and impressive space is already creating jobs and is expected to spur economic growth in Northeast Ohio for decades to come. I am excited to watch this collaborative project unfold. 

As always thanks for allowing me to represent the 16t district in our nation’s capital.