Letter from Shelley
Friends and Colleagues,
There is quite a bit to update you on this week in terms of House-passed legislation and action on immigration reform in the Senate.
Immigration "Compromise" = Amnesty
A "compromise" on immigration reform legislation was announced by the Senate yesterday. Unfortunately, this compromise amounts to amnesty for the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants who are in our country. I am against amnesty, and do not believe it is the answer to our immigration crisis.
As I have stated before, our focus right now should be stopping the flow of illegal immigration. We have made progress in that area, but there is still plenty to be done.
I oppose amnesty, and I will oppose any legislation that grants amnesty to those who have broken our laws.
Mexican Trucks
Over the last few weeks, I have told you about legislation I supported that would limit the ability of Mexican trucking companies to begin making direct deliveries anywhere in the U.S. I believe rushing to open our roads to hundreds of Mexican trucks carries serious safety implications, as well as the possibility of hurting West Virginia trucking jobs.
I am pleased to inform you that this legislation was passed by the House this week, and am hopeful the Senate will soon follow our lead and also approve this bill.
Budget Bust (Continued...)
In March, I told you about the budget legislation I opposed because it represented the largest tax increase in American history.
After negotiations with the Senate, the budget legislation came back through the House this week for final approval. Once again, I opposed this tax-raising budget plan because it was no better than the first. I support policies that allow you to keep more money in your pocket, not policies that grow government spending and increase your taxes.
Sincerely,
Member of Congress
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Capito Pushes for Additional Mine Safety Measures
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2007 – Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito questions an official from the Mine Safety and Health Administration during a hearing on mine safety on Wednesday. Capito used the hearing to push for additional mine safety measures, including the need for proper installation of mine seals, regulations requiring testing for methane levels and the removal of abandoned mining equipment in sealed mine areas. Click here to read more. You can also click here to read about the hearing in the Charleston Gazette.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: City of Elkins Receives $25,000 Grant for Vision 2010
The Elkins Inter-Mountain
By Julieanne Cooper, Staff Writer
May 16, 2007
Nearly a year has passed since the city of Elkins introduced its Vision 2010 community-driven development. On Tuesday, another round of funding — a $25,000 strategic planning grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission — came the city’s way to allow progress to continue.
Vision 2010 focuses on six strategic areas including: growing the economy; enhancing the quality of life; connecting all elements of the community; understanding the role of government; appreciating Elkins history and culture; and the role that education has in creating a better future.
Elkins Mayor Judy Guye said the funds will help to “continue with our Vision 2010 program” and hire a part-time project coordinator, “to keep up” with each stage of progression, from community meetings to accomplishing individual project goals.
From Vision 2010’s beginning, the city enlisted the services of The Phillips Group. Guye said since the agency is familiar with the project, the individual hired for the part-time position will be an associate from that office.
“We are working on short-term goals and long-term goals,” Guye said. With a long list of both, she said that an extra pair of hands is needed to keep up with the Vision 2010 progress of reaching and meeting these goals outlined by community residents and leaders.
The city worked with U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd District, to secure the grant.
“I’m proud to say that Elkins is one of the best small towns in America. The people there have great community spirit,” Capito said. “Understandably, the residents take a lot of pride in the city. With Vision 2010, they’re preparing Elkins for greater successes in the future.”
Click here to continue reading the story.
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