Brady's town hall meeting sparks lively debates
By SHARON KERR Staff Writer

The district courtroom in the Jasper County courthouse wasn't exactly packed, but almost 50 people turned out to talk with U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-Woodlands) at a town hall meeting last Saturday, June 9.

Brady got the meeting off to a relaxed start by announcing he plans to wear a Jasper uniform at the annual Congressional baseball fundraiser. It's Republicans versus Democrats, and usually raises $100,000 for charity.

"I'm second base and lead-off hitter for the Republicans, and I plan to wear the Bulldog uniform, if I can find one that fits," Brady said.

Topics ranged from the war on terror, immigration, the budget and income taxes.

Brady told the audience, "I'm convinced the reason we got fired (lost control of Congress to the Democrats) is that we didn't balance the budget and didn't secure our borders."

To a comment Brady made that Washington squanders money and that "before Washington makes you tighten your belt, Washington should tighten theirs," the audience gave a rousing "Amen."

Brady said that Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison was right not to let Congress rush through an immigration bill when amendments still need to be considered.

"This is an important bill that is going to affect us all," Brady said, and added, "Before we do anything on a guest worker bill, we have to convince you we're serious about securing our borders."

Brady called for an independent group to study the issues. Members of the audience suggested that criminal prosecution of employers who hire illegals might be an answer.

Several other suggestions utilizing either the Texas Workforce or employment agencies in Mexico were brought up.

"It's going to take a while to get that back door shut," Brady told the audience. His priorities are security, fairness, and the future.

"It's not fair to those who came legally and follow the law to hand citizenship to those who didn't," Brady said. As to the future, Brady said there is no doubt that this country needs workers in hospitality, health agriculture, construction and even at the scientific level, "but the emphasis should be on temporary workers with skills."

On other topics, Walter Diggles, executive director of DETCOG, asked about the backlog in obtaining a passport. Even with extra staff now added to passport offices, it can takes months to get a passport.

Brady said he was aware of mission groups that had to cancel trips, or a patient who had to medical treatment, all because of the backlog.

Brady said the good news is that people who are trying travel within the Western Hemisphere now don't have to have the passport, just proof that they've applied.

Bob White raised the issue of a flat tax, which Brady has promoted as a replacement for the current income tax system.

Brady's view is that a sales tax paid by all, rather than payroll deductions, would be a better replacement. It would relieve employers of the burden of being tax collectors, and the boondoggle of tax laws and loopholes.

"Everyone pays the same, no sweetheart deals, and Congress can't adjust it without you knowing about it," Brady said.

But White countered that it penalized older Americans who have saved for retirement, paid income tax when the money was earned, and in the flat tax plan, would pay tax again every time they used their savings to make a purchase.

Brady countered, "You already do." Brady said for every dollar you spend, there is 23 cents concealed tax in the form of payroll taxes and the infrastructure to collect them.

To contact Brady on any issues, his website is www.house.gov/Brady/