New Rules for Washington
Washington spent billions of dollars to bailout irresponsible banks. These billions proved to benefit the special interests more than our economic interests. Just recently, Wells Fargo, a taxpayer-bailed out bank, forced Plantation Patterns in Wadley, Alabama into foreclosure, costing East Alabama hundreds of jobs. Wells Fargo used their bailout money to purchase Wachovia but couldn't ensure that workers in Wadley could keep their job.
The bailout's intent was to keep the economy strong by reviving lending. When profitable companies like Plantation Patterns shut their doors, we know that the bailout has failed and taxpayers' money has been wasted. This is just another example of how spending without accountability fails to achieve goals. Instead of putting people first, Washington and Mike Rogers have put special interests first.
Not a Dollar Wasted
Josh has a very strong sense that government must justify every single dollar it spends, showing that we will make that money back over time. Josh believes that cost-benefit analysis must be applied to all legislation and not allow wasteful earmarks to slip by without it. For too long Washington politicians have been using our tax dollars to maximize their political well-being rather than our economic well-being.
Washington bailed out Wall Street in 2008 without any accountability measures. Bailed-out banks were not required to lend and keep the economy afloat. Mike Rogers voted for the massive bailout and then voted against adding sunlight and accountability to the use of the bailout's funds. Since accountability was not a guiding principle in the bailout, it is not surprising that most of us have yet to see any benefit from it.
Restoring Public Trust
Washington is gridlocked because it has lost the consent of the governed. Members of Congress should work to gain constituents' support for legislation before voting for it. The career politicians in Washington prefer to pass massive omnibus bills that few can track and comprehend, hiding the earmarks and sweetheart deals for special interests. Josh believes that we should take smaller legislative steps in order to build consensus and restore trust in our major institutions.
Our government will not be accountable unless it is transparent. Fixing the broken system in Washington begins with increasing transparency and shining light on our representatives. Josh supports putting public, unclassified government data online to be used by constituents and the press. Josh also supports posting non-emergency bills online at least 72 hours before voting on them. Constituents deserve an opportunity to view and provide feedback on legislation that affects them.
As your Representative, Josh will hold a town hall meeting in every county at least once a year. Legislation improves when constituents are engaged with the issues and leaders are in touch with constituents. Josh wants to hear your ideas and comments and put your interests at the top of his agenda.
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Jobs and Our Economic Challenges
Alabama has the resources that any state would dream about - plentiful water, moderate climate, and hardworking people. However, we do not use these resources to their maximum effect on our economy and lives. We are ripe for economic growth but the career politicians who represent us have not laid the foundation needed for this growth to take off.
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Men and Women in Uniform
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