Wednesday, September 2, 2009

It’s been a busy few weeks in Michiana and around the State. I have had the privilege of touring the State with several grass roots groups, vigorously fighting a government take-over of our health care system. I have been involved in 5 town hall mtgs locally, 3 rallies from Indianapolis to Bloomington to Columbus, Indiana. I’ve been to DC to lobby Sens. Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar and Rep. Joe Donnelly and ask them to vote “NO” on the public option/government run health care program. And, the good news is that WE, the American people, are winning this issue! We’re NOT winning because big organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the AARP are helping with their powerful organizations and countless dollars. We’re winning this battle because of you!

From coast to coast, Americans are showing up in an absolute “ground swell” of spontaneous opposition to a takeover of our entire health system by big government. I saw it happen in Kansas a few weeks ago when 1,500 people packed an auditorium to express their disdain for their US Senator. I’ve seen it happen all over Indiana. And, while in DC, the Halls of Capitol Hill were packed with Americans who took time and spent their OWN money to fly-in and encourage their Representatives to vote NO.

As President Obama declared this morning that HE will now “engage” on this issue and push even harder…that is a signal to all of us across the State to “re-engage”. Every Congressman that was brave enough to hold town hall meetings when they were back in their districts heard loud and clear that Americans want the US Government to take their hands off of their health care. Now that members of Congress are returning to DC, they have to answer to their other bosses, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Barack Obama. They need to keep hearing from us…by phone, email or written letter. Liberty and freedom reign when the American people stay engaged and let their voices ring!

There is another issue to watch closely at the Federal Level. A Senate bill is quietly moving along that would transfer the power and authority of Internet regulation from Homeland Security to the White House…need I say more? This is being billed as a “cyber safety” issue but it is clear in the bill that the President, at his discretion, can shut down the entire Internet system that every residential, business, private customer uses if there is an “emergency”. It’s a fairly scary concept because the word, “emergency” isn’t defined. I’m keeping my eyes on that one.

I have been named to the Summer Study Committee of the Legislature to study the topic of Alcohol and all issues relating to alcohol bills. We begin next week and are looking at the issue of whether or not to overturn the Sunday sales concept of alcohol in Indiana, selling cold beer in convenience stores/gas stations, liquor permits, etc. It should be an interesting issue and one that will definitely result in legislation in the January session.

I am continuing to work on bills that I will file or co-sponsor in the next session. If there is an issue you want addressed in the upcoming session…now is the time to act. Call or email me and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for staying plugged into the process.

You can also follow me on Twitter: jackiewalorski or connect with me on Facebook!