Letter from Lungren - Job creation from 'Cap to Cap'

Job creation for our region has been my highest priority since day one.  Keeping in touch with the struggles and progress the entrepreneurs, small business owners and job seekers in the Sacramento area face and make is a crucial aspect of focusing Congress’ attention on encouraging a sustainable economic recovery.
 
I visit with these individuals every chance I get when home in California, but each year I look forward to April when 300 leaders from Sacramento’s business, labor and government sectors come to Washington, D.C. to meet with the capital region delegation about local needs.  This “Cap to Cap” trip gives regional stakeholders a chance to bring our community’s needs directly to Washington where they can see the federal landscape.

As in years past, we especially focused on how to bring economic growth to our area.  The Metro Chamber identified government reform and regulatory relief as important ways to eliminate barriers that impede innovation and job growth.  This is a message I hear a lot from my constituents when I am home – that less, not more, government is what we need to get our economy roaring – but it is refreshing to hear this sentiment echoed in the halls of Congress. 

We also talked about the federal budget crisis.  At my invitation, David Walker, the CEO of Comeback America Initiative, gave a presentation to our group on the budget.  With his vast experience as Comptroller General and time spent in the Government Accountability Office, he presented us with a 30,000 foot view of our fiscal challenges and responsibilities.  I believe it is clear that we have a moral obligation to provide a better future for our children and grandchildren.  It is clear that our current path is unsustainable, reckless and immoral.  That is why I have voted for responsible budgets that bring government spending under control.

Our ongoing dialogue and relationships with area representatives always yield fruit.  For example, when local business owners alerted me to the serious consequences an increased 1099 reporting requirement would have had on their ability to do business, we introduced and passed H.R. 4 – legislation that repealed this damaging section of the healthcare law.  More recently, when small business owners like Travis Hausauer of the Squeeze Inn asked for help curbing the rampant abuse of the Americans for Disabilities Act – where vexatious litigants force small businesses to either pay up or shut down – we introduced the ACCESS Act to discourage abuse of the ADA and ensure its original promise for those who are disabled.  We will continue to work to build a bright future for our region. 
With Cap to Cap concluded for this year, I look forward to seeing more of you while I am home next week.  I hope to see you around town!
Sincerely,

Daniel E. Lungren
Member of Congress