Lyle Larson's Priorities for America:
Holding Washington Accountable:
I have cut property tax rates, frozen taxes for senior citizens and turned down all pay raises while in office. As your congressman, I will hold government accountable and bring fiscal discipline to Washington, D.C.
Securing the Border:
This district includes more than 600 miles of the United States / Mexico border, yet the nation’s immigration policies are being shaped by people in places far away from the border. As your congressman, I will bring the responsibility for securing the border back where it belongs - to Texas.
Caring For Our Veterans:
Washington has a moral responsibility to provide the best healthcare in the world for our veterans here at home and our wounded warriors returning from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. As your congressman, I will make sure we provide the resources to take care of these young men and women when they come home.
Issue FAQs
What Is Your Position on Energy Policy?
In order to encourage America’s oil independence, Congress must lift the ban on offshore drilling. It is necessary that we pursue exploration of resources off the coast of Florida, California, the gulf coast, and in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). While we remain idle, other countries are benefiting from their own offshore exploration.
(click here for a complete statement on energy policy...)
(click here for a press release on energy policy...)
What Is Your Position On Toll Roads?
Since the inception of the starter toll system in Bexar County, I have been one of its most outspoken opponents. My stance is widely known throughout the community as I was the first elected official to actively oppose and promote an alternative to the toll plan.
My voting record as MPO TPB member and former Chairman reflects that I have consistently voted against every toll related issue that has come before the Board. I have never wavered in my opposition and will continue to fight against the toll project.
In addition to my voting record, I have urged and implored the state legislature to put an end to diversions from the state gas tax fund. I worked to get a bill filed in the state legislature that would end diversions.
For the past 5 years, I have been your voice against toll roads. Before you make a decision, I urge you to check my record.
Where Do You Stand On Abortion?
"I am pro life and I value the sanctity of every human life. Part of my belief arises from the fact that two of my best friends were adopted at a very young age. Their mother made the decision to preserve their lives at critical moment in time. As a County Commissioner, I pushed for funding of two programs Project Swift and Project Push. These programs streamlined and expedited the public adoption process. In just 3 years, Bexar County has increased the number of adoptions by 300% and now lead the nation in adoptions".
Where Do You Stand On Social Security Revamping?
Over the last 16 years, I have had the opportunity to balance City and County budgets while utilizing dedicated funds for their intended purposes. Congress has failed to show any fiscal discipline while cannibalizing the Social Security Trust Fund of over $6 trillion dollars. It is critical that Congress develop a plan to pay back the fund before 2017. Tough decisions must be made and transparency must be given about the level of benefits younger generations will receive from Social Security by the next Congress to ensure it's ability to fund future generations of Americans".
Where Do You Stand On Taxes?
"I have a strong track record of cutting taxes. I insisted that the Commissioners Court cut the County tax rate 7 of the last 12 years saving taxpayers over $500 million dollars. I led the fight to freeze taxes for seniors while increasing the senior homestead exemption. These two programs save seniors over $77 million annually.
I fully support the simplification of the tax code and the Fair Tax seems to address the complex system we are currently operating under. Also, I believe the use of a consumption tax that is paid by every consumer is a good approach to taxation. For the Fair Tax to be effective, it would be necessary to put rules in place to ensure that people don't bypass the system through an "underground" economy using a black market or barter system, causing the government to shut down due to the inability to collect taxes to keep it running.
I am also in favor of eliminating the death tax, extending the tax cuts that are set to expire, and eliminating earmarks entirely in order to balance the budget.
Where Do You Stand On Marriage?
"I believe in traditional marriage; a union between a man and a woman".
Where Do You Stand On Illegal Immigration And The Border?
"I have a multi faceted approach to addressing the issues of border security and illegal immigration. I've been a proponent of expanding Operation Streamline along the entire stretch of the US/Mexican border and ending the practice of catching and releasing OTM's.
I will not support amnesty for anyone who has entered the United States illegally.
As your congressman, I would create a "Border Guard" comprised of all the Congressional representatives with districts along the border and the 8 Senators from the states along the border. They would be joined by their counterparts from the Mexican Federal Governments. No country has ever unilaterally secured its own border and I would strongly encourage the Mexican Government to participate if they want to receive the $1.3 billion of Drug Interdiction money promised by President Bush.
Finally, I would like to see the expansion of the Farm Visa program into other industries such as hospitality, food service and construction. Providing a legal mechanisms for individuals to return to their home country and re-enter the U.S. provided they are sponsoring by a qualified employer is the best way to address our workforce needs".
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