The Economy

Hoosier families have to live within a budget, and so too should the government. Throughout my congressional tenure I have pushed for Washington to adhere to Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) budgeting rules that will curb spending and reduce the deficit over the long term. PAYGO is credited largely with creating the budget surpluses our great nation experienced in the late 1990s.  It worked once, and will work again.   While short-term stimulus spending was essential for addressing our economic downturn, it's time to refocus on the national and economic security threat posed by our ballooning deficit.

Hoosier Values

As a family man with deep religious convictions, I bring to Congress the Hoosier values our government really needs these days: Honesty, Responsibility, and Faith. The youngest of eight children, I come from a hard-working Hoosier family. I have lived in Southern Indiana all my life, and my wife Betty and I have raised our family here in a community that exemplifies the true definition of Hoosier values. My wife of nearly four decades, Betty Schepman Hill, just recently retired from teaching math and social studies at Seymour Middle School.

Internet Safety

As the father of three daughters and grandfather to one beautiful new baby girl, I know Hoosier parents are very concerned about Internet safety. I have successfully pushed two bills through Congress that streamline Internet safety resources and make more information available to parents regarding how best to protect their children from online predators and inappropriate Internet content.

Second Amendment Rights

Like many of my fellow Hoosiers here in Southern Indiana, I am proud to be a lifelong sportsman and gun owner. I am, and have been, strongly opposed to any legislation that would unfairly infringe upon the right of Americans to bear arms.

Energy Independence and Homegrown, Clean-Energy Jobs

Reducing our dependence on foreign fuels is key to our economic and national security.  Investing in the clean-energy, green sector will create significant jobs right here in Southern Indiana.  We have the natural resources, workforce and universities to be a leader in this field.  Let's seriously invest in jobs that cannot be shipped overseas. 

I have worked on several pieces of legislation to move this country toward real energy independence:

·         I authored the bill that increases fuel economy standards for the first time in thirty years. 

·         I have introduced a bill to go after oil speculators to stop wealthy investment firms from artificially driving up the price of oil.

·         I have also supported legislation to stop price gougers, suspend filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and allow our government to fight back against foreign oil consortiums.

·         I am a cosponsor of a bipartisan bill that would increase offshore drilling rights and ease consumer oil prices.

In addition to these immediate responses, we must also have a long-term solution. I have supported bills to increase research into alternative fuels including ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, and biodiesel. I believe that if we open up areas for drilling, we should use that money to further the development of alternative energy and achieve energy independence.  

Veterans

I’m proud to be part of a Congress that has made tackling veterans issues one of its top priorities.  Our nation’s veterans deserve the highest level of care, whether that is at a VA hospital or when they ask their Member of Congress for help in getting the benefits they need and deserve.  During the past few sessions, Congress has:

·         Enacted the single largest increase in funding to the VA in its 77-year history;

·         Greatly increased funding (240%) for VA medical facility maintenance since January 2007 to avoid Walter Reed-like incidences;

·         Focused funding and policy attention toward treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury;

·         Began to reduce the 400,000 VA benefit claims backlog;

·         Increased travel reimbursement (from 11 cents to 28.5 cents / mile) – the first increase since 1979. 

Locally, assisting veterans in resolving issues with government agencies is one of the most important parts of my job.  I'm proud to report that during my time as the Representative from Southern Indiana, my staff and I have helped thousands of Hoosier veterans secure benefits and address casework issues. 

Property Tax Relief

Hoosier families have experienced markedly-higher property tax bills recently.  Although largely a state legislature issue, I returned to Washington determined to find a way to provide tax relief to these hard-working folks.  In 2007, I authored legislation giving homeowners an additional standard deduction of up to $500 and $1,000 for joint filers was signed into law.  This language was included in a comprehensive housing bill in 2008, and was extended for another year under the Tax Extenders Act of 2009.

The War on Terror 

Like many folks in Southern Indiana, I am frustrated by our extended stay in Iraq, but hopeful that our troops will come home in a timely manner.  I believe the shift of emphasis onto addressing the escalating violence in Afghanistan and Pakistan is the right course of action.  We must be diligent in our pursuit of those who want to do us harm.  Protecting Americans and bolstering our national security are two of the most solemn duties of a Member of Congress.    

Education

My wife Betty, a public school teacher for more than 25 years, is my chief adviser on education issues.  And, I can’t think of anyone better to tell me how to really improve the education system.  We have an obligation to our children to prepare them for this competitive, global environment.  Unfortunately, we are lagging in our responsibilities and if the federal government imposes strict mandates onto our educational systems, sufficient funding must be provided.  It is our duty to make sure teachers and administrators have the tools they need to do their job. Significant strides have been made in making higher education more affordable for Hoosier families. I supported legislation that will cut student loan interest rates in half, the first of which took effect this summer. But, we must go farther.  Education is the great equalizer in our country and should not be accessible only to those who can afford it.

Agriculture

The previous Congress passed the first Farm Bill since 2002, the most important piece of legislation affecting our farmers.  It contains reforms in subsidies, brings more nutrition to young children, creates more conservation efforts to maintain our land and waters, and provides a safety net for farmers.  I was also able to ensure that the bill would prevent the closure of FSA offices for at least two years.  These local offices provide critical resources to Hoosier farmers and should not be closed or consolidated on short notice. 

Hill Fighting to Protect Social Security for Hoosier Seniors

September 25, 2008

During this time of economic turmoil, many Hoosier seniors are understandably concerned about the continued solvency of Social Security. Congressman Baron Hill has consistently fought to preserve the Social Security Trust Fund. In fact, he voted against both budget proposals put forth by his Democratic colleagues during this session of Congress, largely because the bills relied too heavily on taking from the Social Security Trust Fund to balance the budget. » More

House Passes Government Funding Bill: Bill includes economic stimulus and disaster funding provisions

September 25, 2008

Yesterday, Congressman Baron Hill supported legislation that would fund the government at Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 levels through March 6, 2009. The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, H.R. 2638, would provide disaster relief, loans for automotive factory updates, and home energy assistance. The bill also includes the FY 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Defense, and Homeland Security Appropriations bills. H.R. 2638 passed the House by a vote of 370 to 58. » More

Hill to Participate in Timely and Important Economic Hearing: Joint Economic Committee will hear from Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke

September 23, 2008

As a member of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), Congressman Baron Hill will participate in tomorrow's JEC hearing entitled, "The Economic Outlook." Members will hear testimony from the Honorable Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, regarding the current financial crisis and the future of the nation’s economy. » More

Hill Supports Oil Speculator Legislation

September 19, 2008

Yesterday afternoon Congressman Baron Hill supported legislation that is aimed at curbing excessive energy speculation that is artificially driving up the price of gasoline. The Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act of 2008, H.R. 6604, which contains provisions from Congressman Hill's legislation, H.R. 6372, the Commodity Futures Restoration Act, passed the House by a vote of 283 to 133. » More

Serving Constituents in Wake of Defeat: Hill did the job, Sodrel did not

September 10, 2008

Both Baron Hill and Mike Sodrel have found themselves in the same position: handing over the seat of Ninth District congressman to the other. However, the way the two men handled their respective situations could not be more different. » More

President Signs Toy Safety Bill into Law

August 18, 2008

Late last week, President Bush signed H.R. 4040, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, into law, which includes protections against faulty toy imports and improves consumer recalls. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection (CTCP), Congressman Baron Hill has been working diligently on this legislation to strengthen protections against dangerous toys since November 2007. Hill was an original cosponsor of the bill. His work in the Subcommittee led to the inclusion of a provision to improve all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety. » More

College Opportunity and Affordability Act Signed into Law

August 15, 2008

Late yesterday afternoon, President Bush signed H.R. 4137, the College and Affordability Act of 2008, into law. Congressman Baron Hill supported this bill earlier this year in the House. H.R. 4137 is a comprehensive reauthorization of the Higher Education Act that addresses rising college costs and removes various barriers to college enrollment. » More

Hill Looking Forward to Fall Energy Vote

August 14, 2008

Congressman Baron Hill looks forward to a possible vote on a bill to allow offshore drilling. House leadership has indicated a willingness to allow the Members to debate and vote on a bill that would increase offshore drilling rights and ease consumer oil prices. » More

Hill Protects the Lost River System

August 4, 2008

The U.S. Forest Service has completed the boundary exchange that Congressman Baron Hill had requested on April 1, 2008. The exchange will allow the National Forest Service to purchase or accept donated land to the Hoosier National Forest for preservation and recreation in and around the Lost River. » More

House-Passed Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill Makes Historic Commitment to Our Veterans: Hill secures funding for MUTC

August 1, 2008

Congressman Baron Hill supported the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, H.R. 6599, when it was overwhelmingly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives this morning. The legislation builds upon this Congress' commitment to making veteran issues one of its top priorities. In fact, the funding increase for veterans' care in this bill is 11 percent higher than last year's largest-ever increase in the 77-year history of the Veterans' Administration. Hill also successfully secured funding for the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center (MUTC) to expand its training capability in the bill. » More

House to Consider Oil Speculation Bill That Includes Provisions from Hill's Commodity Futures Restoration Act

July 30, 2008

The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to consider this afternoon H.R. 6604, the Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act, which contains provisions from Congressman Baron Hill's legislation, H.R. 6372, the Commodity Futures Restoration Act. Both bills are aimed at curbing excessive energy speculation that is artificially driving up the price of gasoline. » More

Hill Supports Two Important Bills Honoring Veterans

July 30, 2008

Yesterday afternoon the U.S. House of Representatives passed, and Congressman Baron Hill supported, two bills reaffirming this Congress' commitment to addressing issues important to this nation's veterans. Both bills - H.R. 6445, the Veterans' Health Care Policy Enhancement Act of 2008 and H.R. 5892, the Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization Act of 2008 – were passed unanimously. » More

House Passes Bills Aimed at Restoring Highway Trust Fund, Protecting Jobs and Strengthening Bridge Inspection Standards

July 29, 2008

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed, and Congressman Baron Hill supported, two pieces of legislation aimed at restoring the Highway Trust Fund, protecting transportation and construction-related jobs, and strengthening bridge inspection standards and processes. H.R. 6532, the Highway Trust Fund Restoration Act, was passed on July 23, 2008 by a vote of 387-37. And H.R. 3999, the National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act of 2008, was passed on July 24, 2008 with a vote of 367-55. » More

Hill Releases Personal Tax Returns

June 8, 2008

Washington, D.C. - In an effort to run a more transparent campaign, Baron Hill has released his tax returns from 1999 through 2007. "During the last campaign I spoke frequently about the need to strengthen ethics reform, and I have acted upon that promise with my efforts in Washington," Hill said. "Releasing my tax returns is one way I can show people that I am serious about making this campaign more transparent." » More

Hill Cosponsors Servicemember Student Loan Interest Relief Act

April 28, 2008

Bill to be offered as an amendment today to the College Opportunity and Affordability Act

(Washington, DC) - Congressman Baron Hill has added his name as a cosponsor to H.R. 3748, the Servicemember Student Loan Interest Relief Act. The bill would prevent interest from accruing for active duty servicemembers and qualifying National Guard members for the duration of their activation up to 60 months when serving in a combat zone. The bill, authored by Representative Susan Davis (D-CA), will also be offered as an amendment today to H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007. » More

Hill reminds Sodrel about need for debate over gas prices

May 10, 2006

SEYMOUR – One week after challenging Congressman Mike Sodrel to an immediate debate over gas prices, Baron Hill has yet to hear back from Sodrel. On Primary Night, Hill demanded a debate in Southern Indiana on or before Friday, May 12, claiming Hoosiers deserve to hear the two candidates talk about the current gas crisis, America’s energy policy, and the immediate end to large tax breaks that Congress granted last year to big oil companies. » More

Hill receives League of Conservation Voters' endorsement

May 1, 2006

BLOOMINGTON – Baron Hill, running for Congress in Indiana’s 9th District, today received the official endorsement of the League of Conservation Voters. The endorsement is for both tomorrow’s primary and the fall general election, and reflects Hill’s long-standing commitment to championing environmental issues. » More

Proud to be an American: Long wait to become a citizen is over

2008-08-21

Swedish-born Karin Bernstein no longer has to wonder how it feels to be a U.S. citizen. The long journey toward citizenship ended Thursday when she and about 80 other Indiana residents took the oath at the federal courthouse in Indianapolis. A call to U.S. Rep. Baron Hill finally sped up the process, she said. » More

Representative helped woman with problem

2008-04-28

LETTER April 28, 2008 - 9:58AM

To the Editor:

I would also like to comment about Baron Hill. I have several times called on him to his office by phone or mail and he has always been a help to me. I would like to tell you about the last letter I wrote him.

I was in disagreement of the letter that we received from Medicare on the one subject of instead of receiving our monthly summary on what they paid out, the cost of the actual bill and the amount we would owe. This 30-day summary helped me with my budget and could known how to spend my money, as I am on a fixed income.

Then we get a notice that Social Security was going to a 90-day summary, to me it would be a hardship as I would not know just how much I would owe for a 90 period, as we don't know how many times we might have to go to the doctor get help in emergency, prescriptions, so I felt and still do disagree with this method. A few days later after I wrote Baron Hill about my thoughts, I received a call from Social Security. A man spoke to me about a complaint that I made to Baron Hill about the 90-day summary instead of the 30 days from Medicare, I said yes I did complain and I'm very glad that Baron Hill is doing his job. I went on to tell him what I have written above and added this will hurt people that are on low income with a family. The bills can add up and with children they will not know until it might build up and it's not fair.

He said he would pass on my feelings and he himself never thought about what I said I thought. I said why are they doing this after all these years. He said the government was spending too much money on paper. I rest my case. So don't tell me that Baron Hill is not doing his job. He sure is, he is the kind of representative that reads the bills Republicans or Democrats and states what is good for his district. I'm proud that he's a moderate that listens for the people and that's the kind we need today.

It's great that we have a choice. That's what America is all about. But, a lot of countries don't have that privilege.

Shirley Mackey

Seymour, Ind. » More

Congress Democrats pass important legislation

2008-04-23

Columbus Republic

LETTERS

Congress Democrats pass important legislation

From: Sherida Moore

North Vernon

Received: April 23

I would like to remind my esteemed colleague and respected local author that this Democrat(ic) Congress has passed some very important legislation:

1.They raised the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25. From 1997 (when $5.15 was passed) to 2006, the previous Republican Congress passed seven raises for themselves totaling $35,000. After Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., got back in office, he voted against this most recent raise.

2. Rep. John Boehner, ROhio, devastated the student loan program two years ago (Bill 1932), cutting back on the availability of college loans while increasing the interest rate.

What an education friendly administration. College tuition has gone up as much as 40 percent since Bush became president; this staggering combination is putting higher education out of reach for the middle class.

This Congress has passed an education bill lowering the interest rates by 2 and 3 percent and expanding the availability of loans. Moreover, at the behest of political friends to education (a bipartisan group), some Ivy League colleges are reaching into their endowment monies to help more kids afford schooling.

3. The SCHIP Healthcare bill to extend insurance to uninsured children was passed by Congress, vetoed by Bush, but we could not quite muster the extra votes to override the veto.

4. Congress also passed FISA legislation, again Bush vetoed, again we were short a few votes on the override. This security act has given more power to President Bush than any other president has had. President Washington declined this power grab knowing that it would lead to a weaker nation.

5. The Democrats and several green-minded Republicans fought for and passed improved fuel efficiency standards via a bill authored by Baron Hill.

6. This Congress made sure the stimulus package benefi ted everyone as fairly as possible (even if China did have to buy the bonds to fund it).

Yes, we do have a mess but at least now we are moving toward fair wages, education, and improving the environment. Maybe after November the country can move more quickly toward some balance in the economy, national security, energy programs and health care.

Thank you for your support of the Homefront Heroes Tax Relief Package

2008-04-16

The Honorable Baron Hill

United States Congressman

223 Cannon House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congressman Hill:

Thank you so very much for your support of the Homefront Heroes Tax Relief Package. I am so honored that you found my idea worth pursuing and that it has resulted in your introduction of this piece of legislation. And, I am especially honored and grateful that you mentioned me specifically as the inspiration for this legislation. That was very kind and generous of you.

Please do not hesitate to call on me if I can assist you in any way at all as you and your staff marshal this legislation through the approval process. I am truly at your service. Having personally seen the powerful impact of support from home on our deployed military heroes, I can't express my thanks enough.

Kind regards,

Catherine Dalton

David H. Jacobs Chair of Strategic Management,

Editor, Business Horizons, and

Research Director, Insitute for Corporate Governance » More

Man praises representative for his help

2008-04-14

Man praises representative for his help

LETTER

April 14, 2008 - 9:28AM

To the Editor:

In the past in People's Sayso, I have read that we don't have candidates who are worth voting for.

I would like to share what happened in my experience. About four years ago I found out that I have cancer. Off and on I have been very sick. I had to leave my job of 34 years and I just wasn't ready yet.

So I applied for Social Security disability. That process took several years, so I asked then-Rep. Mike Sodrel's office for help. I had to send in paperwork. A few months later I called in and asked if they heard anything yet. They told me no but they were working on it. I called a few other times and nothing. Later they lost my paperwork, so I had to start all over again.

All this time I never got anything from them.

Baron Hill got into office and I asked him for help. I was afraid that my insurance would run out. I was told my paperwork was gone, so I had to start over again.

As soon as Baron took over I got letters from Social Security stating that Hill's office had contacted them. They got me an early hearing with positive results.

I feel that Baron is there to help us the best he can do. I feel that if you have a problem he will be there. I want to thank Baron Hill and want to tell him if he wants to put a sign up in my yard, he is very welcome to do so.

I do think Baron does care about his people because of my true life story.

Kenneth W. Self

Seymour, Ind.

http://www.tribtown.com/opinion/baron_7435___article.html/help_hill.html