A Weekly e-Newsletter from
Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA)

May 1, 2009

Dear Friends,

This week, the Senate passed the final version of the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Resolution by a vote of 53 to 43. I again voted against the $3.56 trillion Budget Resolution, because I believe it spends, borrows and taxes too much.

The solution to our economic struggles is not to dramatically increase government spending, raise taxes on American families and businesses, and put our nation deeper in debt. That is absolutely the wrong response. We must alleviate the tax burden placed on our citizens, and we must stop the reckless spending.

I was also dismayed that House-Senate conference negotiators for the Budget Resolution removed language I authored that would have provided for a $15,000 tax credit to individuals who purchase a home in the next year. This was the second time this year that a House-Senate conference committee has deleted my expanded $15,000 homebuyer tax credit after it has won overwhelming approval in the Senate.

I have pushed hard for a non-repayable tax credit for homebuyers because I know that it will work. In the mid-1970s, America faced a similar housing crisis when a period of easy credit and loose underwriting flooded the market with new construction.  Interest rates rose, the economy slowed and America was left with a three-year supply of vacant homes. Congress responded by passing a $2,000 tax credit for anyone purchasing a new home for their principal residence. I was in the real estate industry in Atlanta at the time and believe the results were clear and swift as home values stabilized, housing inventory dropped and the market recovered.

I will continue to encourage our president and the leadership of our country to take a hard look at what this credit could do. The greatest stimulus in the world is not a gift of money. It is an incentive for American families to invest and to regain confidence in the United States economy.

Nomination of Kathleen Sebelius
On April 28, the Senate confirmed Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius to be Secretary of Health and Human Services by a vote of 65 to 31. I voted against the nomination of Sebelius to serve as HHS Secretary.

During her confirmation process, Sebelius had to correct three years of tax returns and paid more than $7,000 in back taxes after finding "unintentional errors." I believe we should expect the same out of government officials that we expect from all citizens - that they voluntarily pay their taxes.

Hate Crimes Legislation
This week the House passed legislation to expand federal hate crimes enforcement.

I believe equality of individuals before the law has always been a bedrock principle of our nation, and I oppose discrimination based on sex, race, age, religion, creed, disability, or national origin and will support any attempt to vigorously enforce anti-discrimination statutes. 

But because I do not support discrimination under the law, I also do not believe in preference under the law. Therefore, I do not support “hate crime” provisions because I feel they value one person’s life over another based on race, ethnicity, religion, or lifestyle. I believe rights are inherent in individuals, not groups and that we should work to attain our nation’s goal of equal opportunity without quotas or other forms of preferential treatment.

National Charter School Week
Next week, May 3 through 9, 2009, is recognized as National Charter School Week.  As a member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, I am proud once again to lend my support to the Georgia Charter Schools Association and National Charter Schools Week.  The Georgia Charter Schools Association is an important partner for me in order to do everything I can on a national level to support charter schools. 

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that are open to all students. Educators, community leaders, business people and parents who start charter schools select the curriculum, philosophies and emphases of the schools, such as a back-to-basics foundation, technology focus or school-to-work approach.  The start-up nature of many charter schools means they typically operate with strong community support and involvement while seeking to provide teachers with a positive teaching environment.  Due to the demand for more school choice, the number of charter schools in Georgia has nearly doubled in the last three years. Today, 113 charter schools currently serve over 39,000 students across Georgia. These charter schools continue to achieve at high levels with regards to percentage of schools making AYP and graduation rates.  Charter schools encourage parents and families to take an active role in choosing the right learning environment to encourage success for our youth.

Gym Dogs Resolution
On April 27, the Senate passed a resolution I introduced with Senator Chambliss commending the University of Georgia’s gymnastics team for winning the 2009 NCAA national championship.

Last month the Gym Dogs won the program's 10th national title overall and fifth consecutive national championship. The Senate resolution recognizes the Gym Dogs as the most successful gymnastics program in the nation and congratulates Suzanne Yoculan for her spectacular career as the University of Georgia’s gymnastics coach.

These talented and determined women have accomplished a remarkable feat. Their achievements, not only in women’s gymnastics but in all of college athletics, are extraordinary and should be commended. It’s also a privilege to recognize the accomplishments of Suzanne Yoculan, who will retire as the most successful collegiate gymnastics coach in NCAA history.

What’s on Tap?

Next week the Senate will continue debate on housing legislation that would increase the FDIC’s borrowing authority and ease eligibility requirements for a program to help troubled homeowners.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson