McHenry County Blog

With a child in college, Congressman Peter Roskam has introduced a bill to let students and parents know what the cost of college might be.  His and Congressman Matt Cartwright’s press release follows:

Roskam, Cartwright Introduce Truth-In-Tuition Act To Take Guesswork Out of College Education Costs

WASHINGTON— Today, Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA) introduced H.R. 2020, the bipartisan Truth-In-Tuition Act, which requires universities and colleges to provide a four-year price model for students and parents so they can plan for the ever-increasing costs of higher education:

“The staggering and unpredictable costs of a college education makes it difficult for many Americans to realize the dream of a higher education.

“Too many students end up dropping out of a four-year institution because the financial burden becomes too great.

“For those that graduate with college loans, many enter the workforce with massive debt that can take decades to pay off,” said Roskam.

“We must take the mystery out of the cost of higher education. For the colleges and universities that rely on federal dollars, it is only reasonable that Congress demand these institutions provide transparency for the students and families that pay tuition.”

“Skyrocketing tuition is inhibiting college access and placing families and students in heavy debt. While the increases alone are daunting, the unpredictability of the rate hikes creates an added strain on families,” said Cartwright.

“Without having the full picture of college costs, students and their families are forced to take on more student loan debt than they originally anticipated.

“The total outstanding student loan debt in the United States has surpassed the $1 trillion mark. It has outpaced credit card debt, auto debt, and is second only to mortgage debt.”

The Truth-In-Tuition Act will require private and public universities and colleges to give every student a clear picture of what their degree will cost by using a pricing model, taking the guesswork out of how much and when payments are due throughout their education.

There are many successful examples of this bill being implemented in states across the country.

In Illinois, public universities and colleges are required to provide a financial roadmap – a bill Congressman Roskam supported as a State Senator in 2003.

Ultimately, this bill will help create a clear path forward for students so that unforeseen costs don’t inhibit their ability to achieve their higher education goals.

The escalating cost of higher education has been a serious deterrent to students’ ability to afford college.

In just a decade, from 2002-2012, tuition at public four-year universities and colleges have increased by 66 percent beyond the rate of inflation.

In that same time period, tuition at private universities and colleges have increased by 27 percent beyond the rate of inflation.

A press release from Congressman Peter Roskam:

Roskam, Ways and Means GOP Raise Questions on HHS Soliciting Donations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) along with Ways and Means Republicans sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on her solicitation of outside groups to promote and support the Affordable Care Act.

Congressman Roskam released this statement:

“On October 1, 2013, the health care law’s exchanges are due to open, forcing millions of Americans into a new government-run insurance market.

“However, the closer we get to October 1, it is clear that the exchanges were not properly funded in the health care law and to make up the difference, HHS has been siphoning funds from other parts of the law without proper authorization.

“To make matters worse, apparently Secretary Sebelius is now fundraising for the exchanges from the very groups she will be regulating and while implementing Obamacare.

“This is just another example of the HHS Secretary’s willingness to cut corners and skirt the law while implementing the unpopular health care law.”

The letter to Secretary Sebelius states:

“You have publically cited your authority and willingness to force rate reductions on the same companies that the Washington Post reports you have requested contribute to your favored ObamaCare promotional groups….

“Your fundraising from groups that may apply to receive federal grants as ‘navigators’ and ’non-navigator assistors’ creates the appearance that giving money to meet ObamaCare’s funding needs will result in more favorable consideration of a grant application.”

Read the full letter here.

Read the Washington Post article here.

Former Congressman Donald A. Manzullo was honored for his twenty years of service to McHenry County at a reception at Crystal Lake’s d’Andrea’s Monday night.

Sixty-some people, including the two Congressman who replaced him, gathered to offer laudatory comments.

A who’s-who of elected local elected officials were in attendance.

McHenry County Clerk Kathie Schultz, Sheriff Keith Nygren, Auditor Pam Palmer, Coroner Anne Majewski, County Board Chairwoman Tina Hill, Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager and surely others whom I’m forgetting.

Both Congressman Randy Hultgren and Congressman Peter Roskam thanked Manzullo for being their role model.

Although neither was there when the other spoke, their comments about how Manzullo had managed to balance family life, keeping his ideals and public service could have been interchangeable.

A third legislator, State Rep. Mike Tryon had a letter read which also pointed to the Egan Republican as a role model.  (I’ll try to get a copy so I can share it with you.  It really was quite insightful.)

The man Manzullo beat in the 1992 Republican Primary, former State Senator Jack Schaffer, mentioned that he watched Manzullo’s career closely and was not disappointed.

Former McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler credited Manzullo with bringing $30 million in highway money to the area, including the Western Bypass in Algonquin, which he said would be finished next year.

He told of how the Postal System was convinced to yield a slice of its parking lot.  Manzullo was a good friend of the man who ran the Post Office and had him out for a hearing on closing a regional postal facility in Rockford.  As Koehler related the story, Manzullo said that he would find a way to get the Post Office honcho to Algonquin to show him the problem.

Roskam, coming late after a 5:30 event in Elk Grove Village, brought forth something Manzullo constituents probably had never heard.

He revealed that Don Manzullo’s nickname in the U.S. House was “Mad Dog.”

Manzullo took the podium after that revelation and explained that only two Members of Congress had nicknames.

“There was a Congressman nicknamed ‘Doc’–and he wasn’t even a physician–and me,” Manzullo explained.

It was because of the intensity with which Manzullo pursued the issues about which he cared, for example, manufacturing in America.

A press release from Congressman Peter Roskam:

Reps. Roskam, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Partner with Korea Act

Bill creates up to 15,000 EB-4 professional work visas

Washington, DC – Today, Congressmen Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Jim Moran (D-VA) introduced the “Partner with Korea Act” to facilitate increased business opportunities following the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) through creation of up to 15,000 EB-4 highly-skilled work visas for Korean nationals.

The bill brings the number of work visas for Korean nationals in line with those provided for other FTA partner countries.

“One year after the Korea Free Trade Agreement went into effect, the creation of this new class of visas will help realize the full potential of the FTA,” said Rep. Roskam.

“The U.S.-Korea partnership has many facets—cultural, defense and economic.

“By ensuring more high-skilled visas are available here in the U.S., both countries will benefit, and the ties between the U.S. and Korea will only become stronger.”

Specifically, the “Partner with Korea Act” would allow for up to 15,000 professional EB-4 visas each year for qualified applicants with specialized education and guaranteed employment requiring specialized skills. The legislation also includes protections to ensure the visa holders do not take jobs that could be filled by U.S. workers.

“The U.S. – Korea Free Trade Agreement will provide a boost to the U.S. economy – estimated to increase U.S. exports by as much as $10 billion,” said Rep. Moran. “To fully tap into this market and create jobs here at home, U.S. companies must have the ability to hire individuals with the necessary language and technical skills and regional expertise.”

Congress has complemented recent FTAs, including Australia, Canada, and Singapore, with an allotment of highly skilled visas for the partner country. The 15,000 EB-4 visas created under the Korea Free Trade Agreement Visa Act reflect the size of the US-Korea economic relationship and expected demand for these visas.

“Our countries have enjoyed a solid and enduring strategic alliance for 60 years, as well as a robust economic relationship. A visa for highly-skilled Korean professionals will further the goals of the landmark Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) and will directly benefit both the U.S. and Korean economies,” said H.E. Choi Young-jin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea. “Freer and increased trade in services is an essential component of the KORUS FTA, and a professional visa for Korea will facilitate trade and investment between our two countries. We welcome this proposal in the House, thank Reps. Roskam and Moran for their strong leadership, and look forward to working with Congress to complete this important initiative.”

The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement passed Congress in 2011 and implementation began in March 2012. The FTA will increase access to the Korean market, providing job opportunities for highly-skilled workers in both countries.

A press release from Congressman Peter Roskam:

Roskam: Obama’s Budget Locks in the New Normal

WASHINGTON— Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) released the following statement on the release of President Obama’s budget today:

Peter Roskam

“In March, half a million Americans gave up on finding work, and those who have a job haven’t seen a comparable wage increase to the cost of living in years.

“It’s getting more expensive to buy groceries and harder to save for retirement.

“Our debt has swelled to $16.8 trillion and the downward pressure on our economy will only result in tougher times for American families.

“This is a sounding alarm for a new direction, but today President Obama chose do to more of the same.

“His budget recycles the same stale plan of the last four years – one of more taxing and more spending.

“Even though he has gotten $1.6 trillion in new taxes from his healthcare law and from increased tax rates at the beginning of this year, he still wants more.

“House Republicans have a different vision for our future with a budget that balances in 10 years.

“Lifting the burden of debt will strengthen a frail labor market and give the economy a chance to recover.

“While the president is proposing incremental reforms to Social Security, I believe the solvency of vital safety net programs should not be contingent on getting more tax revenue.

“It is a standalone priority and that’s why the House budget offers reforms that will preserve these programs for our nation’s seniors for generations to come.

“The new normal under President Obama of high unemployment and a stagnant economy doesn’t have to be our future.”

A press release from Peter Roskam:

Roskam on CR Passage, GOP’s Commitment to a ‘Balanced Fiscal Future’

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) released the following statement on the passage of the Continuing Resolution that funds the government through this fiscal yea

“Today, the House acted to keep the government open and funded through the end of the fiscal year. We also provided the Department of Defense with the flexibility to implement the sequester in a way that makes more sense for our national security and ensures the well-being of our veterans and servicemen and women.

“While the certainty that this Continuing Resolution brings for the fiscal year is a good thing, the next step must be a lasting strategy to get our country on strong financial footing.

“The House GOP is committed to a balanced fiscal future, where spending cuts and reforms are matched with economic growth and opportunity.

“In the coming weeks, our focus is on producing a budget that tackles our out of control spending, creates jobs and boosts confidence in the middle class.

“House Republicans will continue to work on a long-term approach that averts the coming debt crisis, without going back to the taxpayers to do it.

“We owe it to the American people to work towards balancing our budget, and getting our country out from under a cloud of economic uncertainty.”

As you can see below, Congressman Peter Roskam has used his office to pressure the Russian government on adoption:

Roskam, Bipartisan Group meets with Russian Ambassador to Push for End to Ban on Russian Adoptions

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) and a group of bipartisan members met with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak to press the Russian government on its recent ban of all adoptions of Russian children by American families.  The ban went into effect on January 1, 2013, preventing hundreds of families in various stages of adoption from completing the process.

“This adoption ban has been heartbreaking for so many American families, including families in my District who were on the verge of opening up their homes to Russian children just before the ban,” said Roskam.  “I and my colleagues pushed the Russian Ambassador to at least let current adoption cases go through where the families have met and bonded with the child.  In the absence of rejecting the ban entirely, the Russian government should at least allow these children’s adoptions to be completed.”

The Russian Adoption ban was enacted shortly after the U.S. passed the Magnitsky Act, which imposes U.S. travel and financial restrictions on human rights abusers in Russia.  Roskam has signed letters to both President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the adoption ban and is a cosponsor of H.Res 24, expressing House of Representatives’ deep disappointment in the Russian decision.

“It is unfortunate that in making a political statement against the United States, the Russian government is essentially abandoning thousands of Russian orphans that have little hope of adoption in their home country,” said Roskam.  “I will continue to fight for the families, and work with our Department of State to resolve the issue so that families can bring the children they have met and bonded with home.”

Click here to read the bipartisan letter to President Obama on the adoption ban, and here to read the bipartisan letter sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A press release from Congressman Peter Roskam:

Roskam Selected as 113th Congress Co-Chair of Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL) released a statement on the announcement of his selection as the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus of India and Indian Americans for the 113th Congress:

Peter Roskam

“It’s an honor to play a leading role in the advancement of U.S.-India relations along with my friend Joe Crowley.

“This caucus has grown to become the largest caucus dedicated to one country in the House, showing the importance of nurturing our ties with one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world.

“Our countries are linked through our common interest in the democratic process, global security and international prosperity.

“In my meetings back home with the large Indian-American community in my district, there’s always a natural connection between their entrepreneurial spirit and our shared values. This caucus has the opportunity to further these priorities and I’m proud to be part of that effort.”

Upon today’s announcement, former co-chairman, Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA), now Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said:

“It has been a great pleasure to watch the India Caucus grow to become one of the largest in the House. The Caucus is in good hands with Reps. Roskam and Crowley, long-time advocates of close U.S.-India ties. As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I will continue to work to strengthen relations between the United States and India.”

Royce will remain an active Caucus member.

Elizabeth Roskam’s “Celebration Dome” graces the cover of the New Year’s card just mailed out by the Roskam for Congress Committee.

The message in Congressman Peter Roskam’s greeting is from 2nd Timothy 1:7.

More of Elizabeth Roskam’s art work can be found at www.ElizabethRoskam.com.

A press release from McHenry County’s newly-elected Congressman Peter Roskam:

Roskam on Kudlow: Where are the Spending Cuts?

Washington, DC— Yesterday, Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) appeared on CNBC’s “The Kudlow Report” to discuss the White House refusal to put cuts on the table and avoid the coming fiscal cliff.

Where are the Cuts? Where are the Savings?

The White House is acting with impunity right now. Essentially, the House GOP came to the table with an offer that is substantive, and the White House has so far said, “Look, we want to continue talking about one quarter of the president’s own architecture.” The president said there was a three-to-one ratio between savings or cuts and revenue. But for the past thirty days they have focused exclusively on the revenue side, and they have been silent–I mean silent–absolutely nothing, on how they propose to achieve savings.

Is the President Running the Federal Government Like Illinois?

If you have a White House that is committed to going from $16 trillion in debt to $22 trillion in debt, which is where the Obama Administration would lead us over the next four years, then what do you do with that knowledge? What if you come to certainty that the president’s world view has been created in the state of Illinois, which is fiscal a basket case today? The state of Illinois, similar to the federal government, has a structural deficit, and its remedy was to raise taxes. And what happened? Revenues didn’t come in as predicted—no surprise. $7 to $8 billion in current unpaid bills that the state has, more per capita debt than almost any state in the union, and a higher than average unemployment rate.

White House is Over Selling Revenues as a Solution

What sales people end up staying in their positions for very long if they over sell a product? It doesn’t work. President Obama and his administration is overselling what the revenues will do. They’re basically saying if you go tax somebody else, then the fiscal problems will go away.

GOP Has Put Revenue on the Table

We’re willing to put new revenues on the table, that is coming from a party that doesn’t believe that we have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem. So the willingness to move toward that remedy, I wouldn’t characterize it as heroism, but it is a very significant move. And so far we’ve seen nothing on the part of the White House to engage substantively on the real cost-driver.