Woodbury Waite Park
Bachmann Votes to Protect American Business From Job-Killing Bills
Last Friday, the House passed the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act at the urging of the Democrat leadership. The truth of the matter is that there are effective and sufficient payment discrimination laws already on the books. These bills simply make it easier to file lawsuits – whether they’re frivolous or well-founded. And, they make it harder for employers to defend themselves.
The Ledbetter Fair Pay Act eliminates the statute of limitations on pay-discrimination claims currently set in place by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. As a result, the number of frivolous pay-discrimination claims in future years is likely to skyrocket since older claims are more subject to faded memories, missing documents, unfound witnesses, and businesses that have changed hands or no longer exist.
The Paycheck Fairness Act expands the Equal Pay Act to provide for unlimited punitive and compensatory damages to a successful plaintiff. Worst of all, it moves the burden of proof to the employer. Instead of the employee having to prove they were discriminated against, they simply will be able to make the allegation and the employer has to prove that they acted out of “business necessity.” Furthermore, the employer defense would be negated if an employee could show that another employment practice could have yielded a non-pay-differential result. This removes key business decisions from employers and gives them to a judge and jury. Finally, the bill expands class action lawsuits
The only Republican amendment allowed to be offered was a commonsense amendment that would have capped attorney’s fees at $2000 an hour in cases brought under the Paycheck Fairness Act. Unfortunately, it was rejected on a nearly party-line vote.
Rest assured that I will continue to support legislation that will help to American business to create jobs and grow the economy.
In Case You Missed It: Bachmann Calls for the U.S. to Back Its Key Middle East Ally, Israel
On January 13th, the Stillwater Gazette published my column on the current situation in Israel. And this Sunday, I appeared at an event with the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and several of my colleagues to speak out about this tragic situation. Here’s a reprint of my column:
Bachmann on the Israel - Gaza Conflict
The Stillwater Gazette
January 13th, 2009
The current conflict in Gaza has drawn worldwide attention and concern. No one likes to see the destruction, the loss of life, the grief. But, Israel was pushed into a corner with no other option than to defend and protect its people. Now, it is time that Congress - and the soon to be Obama Administration - put its words into action and stand strong behind Israel.
Israel is the United States’ most valuable ally in the Middle East. Israel’s interests and America’s interests intersect in the realm of our national security. Supporting Israel is not only good for America; it’s the right thing to do.
The extremist views that support terrorism and violence are the biggest threat to both our nations. Terrorist organizations like Hamas and the Islamic Jihad actively foster violence and hinder the peace process in the Mideast. These acts endanger the entire global community, most of all the peace-loving people who live in the Middle East. These are not only Israelis, but also Palestinians. They deserve a chance for a peaceful life and a future for their children. Terrorists work to block such chances.
The people of Israel have been victims of violence and hatred for far too long. American leaders must do everything in their power to foster an environment with the Middle East that promotes peace and understanding.
Unfortunately, President-Elect Obama’s position on Israel during the campaign was wishy-washy at best. Like many, I was disturbed by his remarks that he would be open to negotiating -without preconditions- with dangerous dictators. These comments revealed a real lack of comprehension of the threat such a policy shift could create. A lack of U.S. leadership in the Middle East peace process is something that we cannot afford and a weakened alliance with our ally, Israel, is something we simply must not tolerate.
This horrific situation is an opportunity for the Obama Administration to clarify its position on Israel. It is my hope that the Obama Administration and Congress will work to protect the strong alliance between our nations and secure peace in the Middle East without jeopardizing the security of the Israeli people.
It is imperative, that during this most critical time, President-Elect Obama shows that he truly does support Israel and its people. He must both speak and act in their interest for long-term stability in this region. The future of America and Israel depend on it.
Bachmann Office Coming to a Town
Near You
My staff regularly hold Mobile Office Hours at locations all across the district. These are opportunities for you to come meet one on one with someone from my office who is trained to be your liaison with federal agencies. Please bring copies of any paperwork that you might have with you when you visit. Particularly, if you are having a problem with a federal benefit or program and have letters or documents that might help my staff get answers for you quickly.
Should you have any questions or concerns, however, you can always stop by one of my district offices between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm to talk to my staff as well.
6043 Hudson Road 110 2nd Street South
Suite 330 Suite 232
Woodbury, MN 55125 Waite Park, MN 56387
651-731-5400 320-253-5931
I’m happy to announce a new location for our Mobile Office Hours at the Stillwater Public Library. My staff will be in there on the third Thursday of each month from 10:00 am to noon. Please come by and visit if you’re in the area on Thursday, January 15th.
This week, my staff will be in the following locations:
Tuesday, January 13th
10:00 am to noon
Washington County Library: Hardwood Creek Branch
19955 Forest Road N, Forest Lake
Tuesday, January 13th
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Andover City Hall
1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW
Thursday, January 15th
10:00 am to noon
Stillwater Public Library
224 Third Street North
Thursday, January 15th
10:00 am to noon
Ramsey City Hall
7550 Sunwood Drive NW
Thursday, January 15th
10:00 am to noon
Richmond City Maintenance Building
710 Main Street E
Thursday, January 15th
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm:
Lino Lakes City Hall
600 Town Center Parkway
Thursday, January 15th
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm:
Rice City Hall
205 Main Street E
Click here for the full schedule of Mobile Office Hours.
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