McCarthy: Snowbound Washington means some time at home in the district

 Another weekly update from Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield. In his words:

 "This week, the weather in Washington brought Congress to a standstill. There were no votes in the House, so on the bright side, Congress couldn’t vote on more spending. With the snow, I was able to spend time back home, and in particular, was very happy I had the opportunity to speak with students at my alma mater - Bakersfield High School. I spoke with Jeremy Adams’ civics and economics classes about the legislative process and current events.
 "Jeremy is the founder of the Earl Warren Cup competition designed to help high school students learn about the U.S. Constitution and U.S. history. Many of the students asked me questions about the state of our country’s economy as well as California’s. I explained the importance of reducing our national debt, something that will affect their generation more than anyone, and I used our current national and state budget problems as examples.  I wanted to focus on the debt because I feel it is vital that students understand the historic level of debt our government is acquiring and the effects it will have on our country’s future, and the need to get immediately get it under control.

 "Although it is hard to believe, this month marks the one year anniversary of President Obama’s stimulus bill.  Today, our local community still faces 15.8% unemployment.  Even worse though is that people are beginning to stop looking for work. Our business climate will not improve if more regulations, taxes, and litigation are levied on our economy. We must get our financial house in order and allow small businesses to do what they do best: create jobs and make high quality products.
 "In less than two months, despite ardent opposition by myself and others, this Congress has increased the debt level by almost $2,000,000,000,000 (that’s 2 trillion for those who don’t want to count the zeros).  And I am sure you are asking yourself, what does that mean to me?  Well, with the new debt limit each American now owes $45,000, a debt larger than most Americans annual salary.  This is unsustainable and the next generation must learn from this generation’s budgeting mistakes.  This record spending and borrowing cannot continue and this is why my colleagues and I are calling for a no-cost stimulus.  Our proposal will keep taxes low and focus on creating more economic certainty, the kind that helps create jobs and grows our economy now.

 "If you are a job seeker, I am hosting a Job Resource Expo on March 8, 2010 at the Bakersfield Marriot from 11am – 2pm.  This event hopes to put job seekers in touch with our local business community. A quick note as this year is a big year for some, the City of Taft and the Boy Scouts of America celebrated their 100th birthdays.  Lastly, this Sunday is Valentines Day; don’t forget your loved ones, I know I won’t!