• Sonny Long •
• Originally published January 5, 2009 at 2:03 a.m., updated January 5, 2009 at 2:03 a.m.

As Americans welcome a new president and a new Congress, I'd like to ask you to share with me your opinions on the most important issues facing our nation and state at this critical juncture.

We often learn the most when we listen. Hearing first-hand what is important to you helps me better represent Texas.

Like you, I am passionate about the issues that most affect our state, and I know how important they are to you and your families. I encourage you to respond online at the survey page on my Web site or mail in your responses. The mailing address and survey Web site address are listed at the end of this form.

I appreciate your participation and look forward to reading your responses.

I. Economy - The current financial crisis threatens the economic security of every American family and business. Unemployment has reached a 15-year high, and our economy is in a recession.

My goal is for American workers to earn a living wage and for their companies to be competitive, resulting in long-term success for businesses and their employees.

As we work to find solutions to overcome the recession, what role do you think the federal government should play in stimulating economic growth in this time of uncertainty? Please rank in order of importance with No. 1 being the most important and three the least important:

 

____ Increase government spending on infrastructure.

____ Cut taxes.

____ Pay down the national debt

Additional Comments: Please add comments on the written form you intend to mail.

II. Health Care: There is a growing disparity in access to health care because of soaring medical costs and rising insurance premiums. We must find ways to make health care more accessible without sacrificing the quality of care that Americans enjoy.

In your opinion, what are the greatest barriers in our healthcare system? Please rank in order of importance from 1 to 5.

 

____ High cost of insurance and health care services

____ Limited or no access to health insurance

____ Quality of care provided (please explain below)

____ Limitations on choice of health care practitioners

____ Difficulty understanding health insurance plan coverage and payments

Additional Comments: Please add comments on the written form you intend to mail.

III. Education: Education is key to America's success, and it will be critical to our leadership in the 21st century. Strengthening our schools, colleges, and universities is a goal all levels of government share.

First, we must dramatically reduce the high school dropout rate. Second, we must emphasize science, technology, engineering, and math in our schools. These are the disciplines that spur creativity and new discoveries, which are essential to economic growth.

What do you think Congress should do to strengthen public education? Please rank in order of importance from 1 to 5.

 

____ Expand choice for alternatives to public schools (private, parochial, or magnet options)

____ Help attract more qualified teachers

____ Raise teachers' salaries

____ Expand technical and vocational training in community colleges

____ Expand access to colleges with student aid and scholarships

Additional Comments: Please add comments on the written form you intend to mail.

IV. Transportation: Transportation is a vital part of our daily lives. Yet, every day at rush hour, we are reminded of the strain that Texas' growing population puts on our infrastructure.

If we fail to meet our transportation needs, businesses and employers may relocate to areas with more suitable infrastructure.

In your opinion, what should the federal government do to enhance the capabilities of our current transportation system? Please rank in order of importance from most important to least, 1 to 5.

 

____ Increase use of rail as an alternative to automobiles

____ Replace aging infrastructure

____ Increase toll roads

____ Develop more options for mass transit such as buses

____ Develop more options for use of lanes dedicated to multi-passenger cars (HOV)

Additional Comments: Please add comments on the written form you intend to mail.

V. Legislative Priority: What should Congress' legislative priority be this year? List what you think the priority should be.

Contact Information:

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Survey Responses, 961 Federal Building, 300 East 8th Street, Austin, Texas 78701

Web site: www.hutchison.senate.gov/survey.html

 

U.S. Rep. Kay Bailey Hutchison represents Texas in Congress.

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