[StBernard] Washington Report from Rep. Richard H. Baker

[Westley Annis]

January 5, 2007

Thank you for signing up for Congressman Baker’s newsletter. Below are issue updates that you may find interesting. As always, please visit his website at http://www.baker.house.gov <http://www.baker.house.gov/>  for the most up-to-date news and information on what Congressman Baker is working on in the Sixth Congressional District of Louisiana.

Rep. Baker Announces Over $104,000 in Grants for Louisiana Fire Departments

Congressman Baker joined the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in announcing $47,943 for the Baker Volunteer Fire Department, $9,500 for the Pride Volunteer Fire Department and $46,575 for the Central Fire Protection District #4 through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. These grants are used by the nation’s firefighters to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, emergency medical service programs, and fire prevention and safety programs.

Visit Congressman Baker’s homepage at www.baker.house.gov <http://baker.house.gov/index.cfm>  to learn more about these important projects.

Congressman Baker Announces $103,150 Grant for French Settlement Safety

Rep. Baker is pleased to report that the USDA office of rural development has awarded a federal grant of $103,150 to the Village of French Settlement in Livingston Parish to enhance law enforcement capabilities and community safety. The grant will enable the French Settlement to patrol the community and provide for the safety of police officers. Click here <http://baker.house.gov/html/news_item.cfm?id=612>  for the complete press release.

Recent Flooding Concerns Highlight the Need for Baker’s Flood Control Strategy

The recent, persistent rainfall in the greater Baton Rouge area has caused many to fear a repeat of devastating floods. Congressman Baker has developed a strategy to combat repetitive flooding in the Baton Rouge area, and he’s made considerable progress. Click here to learn more <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/content.cfm?id=351> .

Job Creation Continues – More Than 7.2 Million Jobs Created Since August 2003

Today, the Government released new jobs figures – 167,000 jobs created in December. In addition, employment estimates for October and November were revised up, adding 29,000 jobs. Since August 2003, more than 7.2 million jobs have been created more jobs than the European Union and Japan combined. Our economy has now added jobs for 40 straight months.

American Workers Are Finding Jobs And Taking Home More Pay

*	Real wages rose 2.3 percent over the past 12 months ending in November. This means an extra $1,420 for the typical family of four with two wage earners.
*	Real after-tax income per person has risen by 9.6 percent – $2,840 – since 2001.
*	Employment increased in all but one state over the past 12 months ending in November.
*	The national unemployment rate remains low at 4.5 percent. This is well below the 5.1 percent average rate for 2005, and below the average of each of the past four decades.

Congressman Baker Vows to Remain Tough on Immigration in the 110th Congress

Congressman Baker looks forward to working with his colleagues in the 110th Congress to continue the progress made on immigration reform by backing initiatives that protect our nation's borders and drastically reduce the number of illegal immigrants in our country. Specific issues pertaining to immigration that Representative Baker supports include:

*	Full funding of the 700 mile border fence authorized in the 109th Congress;
*	Adding more U.S. Border Patrol agents to help monitor and protect our borders;
*	Stronger enforcement of laws that penalize employers that hire illegal aliens;
*	Ending the practice of "chain migration," in which distant relatives of immigrants are granted visas to live in the U.S.;
*	Ceasing the practice of granting citizenship of "anchor babies," or babies born to illegal immigrants on U.S. soil;
*	Recognizing English as the official language of the United States;
*	Additional support for immigration courts in order to expedite the removal of illegal aliens; and,
*	Enacting a zero-tolerance policy for illegal aliens who commit crimes.

New Poll on Congressman Baker’s Website

The Iraq Study Group released a report with its recommendations for changing U.S. policy in Iraq. They suggested sending more U.S. troops to Iraq on a temporary basis. What do you think about this? Click here to register your opinion <http://baker.house.gov/index.cfm> .

Community Safety Project: CitizenObserver

When it comes to protecting communities, one of the best resources is the community itself. Learn more about the Baton Rouge Police Department’s involvement in an online community safety project called the CitizenOberver <http://www.citizenobserver.com/cpg.jsp?id=504598&pageType=cpg.jsp> . Stay connected and informed on ways to help keep your community safer.