Letter from Shelley
Friends and Colleagues,
I wanted to take a moment to update you on a few points of interest for West Virginia that Congress addressed last week.
Opposing Thought Crime Legislation
Last week, I voted against H.R. 1592, a piece of legislation that would undermine the constitutional principle of equal justice under the law. Dubbed by its supporters as the "Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act," this bill allows the federal government to give unequal treatment to people in arbitrary categories if they are victimized by criminals.
Reasonable people all agree that if anyone is a victim of a violent crime, his or her attacker should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. But of course, violent crimes are already illegal everywhere in America, and are already prosecuted harshly by the governments of all 50 states.
This legislation would make crimes against people in arbitrary categories eligible for special treatment from the federal government, flying in the face of our constitutional principle of equal justice under the law. Under this misguided legislation, prosecutors would only be able to get federal help if the victim were a member of an arbitrarily chosen class defined by traits like sexual orientation, sexual identity or race.
That's arbitrary and unfair. And that's why I voted against this bill.
Trucker Legislation Update
Recently, I co-sponsored legislation to clarify and strengthen current limitations on Mexican trucking companies entering the U.S.
The legislation was in response to a recent decision to allow 100 Mexican trucking companies to begin making direct deliveries anywhere in the U.S. I'm pleased to report that the House Transportation Committee--one of the two committees on which I serve --approved similar legislation this week to restrict this ill-conceived plan that I fear would drive down West Virginian truckers' salaries and cost jobs.
I'm hopeful that this legislation will be approved by the full House soon.
Sincerely,
Member of Congress
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Tax Freedom Day
By Rep. Shelley Moore Capito
On Monday, April 30, we celebrated Tax Freedom Day. Americans currently must work an amount of time equal to four months of the year--from January 1 to April 30--before they have earned enough money to pay their federal, state, and local taxes.
This represents another sobering reminder that our working families are taxed enough.
I believe strongly in putting a stop to waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending in order to keep taxes low and keep more of your money in your pocket.
Earlier this year, I voted against a budget that would have laid the groundwork for a tax increase on all West Virginians.
The government takes away enough of your money already. Free people making decisions with their own money is the prescription for prosperity and jobs--not big spending by Uncle Sam.
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Capito Presents Hampshire Co. PSD with $400,000 Grant
ROMNEY, April 27, 2007 – Congresswoman Capito is shown here delivering a check for $400,000 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to a group of Hampshire Co. community leaders. The funds will be used by the Green Spring Public Service District for a wastewater infrastructure project. Click here to read more.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
The Inter-Mountain
May 1, 2007
U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd District, announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded the Tennerton Public Service District in Upshur County a loan of $1,400,000 and a grant of $950,000.
The funds come from USDA’s Water and Environmental loan and grant program and will be used to extend public wastewater collection service to 127 rural residents whose wastewater will be transferred to the city of Buckhannon for treatment.
The current situation involves failing individual septic systems that are causing pollution of local streams.
“Quality water and wastewater infrastructure are critical to attaining a high quality of life for those in rural West Virginia,” Capito said. “This important funding will extend wastewater services to 127 residents in Upshur County as well as help contribute to a healthier and cleaner environment.”
The project involves the installation of approximately 24,800 linear feet of sewer line, 85 manholes and one grinder pump station.
Further information on USDA Rural Development may be obtained by visiting USDA’s Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
Click here for a link to this story.
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