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

[Westley Annis]

May 4, 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.

Congressman Baker Votes Against Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act  

On May 3, 2007, Congress approved H.R. 1592, the “Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act,” by a vote of 237 to 180.  H.R. 1592 broadens the federal definition of hate crimes to include crimes based on victims' perceived gender and sexual orientation, and provides local law enforcement agencies with technical, forensic and prosecutorial assistance in the criminal investigation or prosecution of hate crimes.  

While Congressman Baker is extremely supportive of efforts to fight crime and punish those who perpetrate crimes against others, he generally does not support “hate crimes” legislation.   Under such legislation, the perpetrators of two identical crimes could receive different sentences depending upon some characteristic of the victim. Congressman Baker believes federal resources should be used to combat all the crimes a community may face.  Furthermore, designating different “classes” of victims violates of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution, which states, “nor shall any State...deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”  It is for these reasons that Congressman Baker voted against H.R. 1592. 

I-12 Improvements on Transportation Agenda 

During recent meetings with Livingston Parish officials, Rep. Baker reiterated his commitment to work with federal officials to secure funding in upcoming legislation for several improvements to I-12.  For more information click here <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/coverage.cfm?id=262> . 

Representative Baker Secures Funding for Veteran’s Memorial, Recognizes Local Troops           

On Saturday, Congressman Baker will join other leaders, friends, and veterans in honoring Louisiana men and women who have served in the armed forces during a ceremony at Albany High School .  The Livingston Parish Veterans’ Memorial Plaza will serve not only as an educational tool to the students of the high school but also as a reminder of the sacrifice given by our nation’s bravest.  As a senior Member on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and as a staunch supporter of our men and women in uniform, Congressman Baker will continue to keep our nation’s service members and veterans at the forefront of his legislative priorities.   Rep. Baker was honored to help with the effort to create the memorial by securing $99,000 in federal funds to get the project started. Join him and local officials at the official check presentation at 10:00 am on May 5, 2007, at Albany High School ( 29700 One Hornet Lane in Albany , LA 70711 ). 

The proposed memorial will include the names of Livingston Parish men and women who have served in all branches of the military, flags from each service branch and a statue overlooking the plaza. Upon completion, which is expected this fall, Congressman Baker will seek to designate this site as a National Memorial and will fly a flag over the U.S. Capitol and present it for display at the memorial.  Please click here <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/content.cfm?id=647> for more information. 

Congressman Baker Introduces Bill to Make Rail Industry More Competitive

Rep. Richard Baker and Rep. James L. Oberstar (Minn.) along with ten other House Members, introduced the Railroad Competition and Service Improvement Act of 2007 (H.R. 2125). This legislation will preserve existing rail-to-rail competition in areas of the country where competition is working and reduce impediments to competition that adversely affect rail customers. To read more click here <http://transportation.house.gov/News/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=186> .

The President’s Commission on the Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors 

Earlier this year, President Bush established the Commission on the Care for America ’s Returning Wounded Warriors to review the care, benefits and services provided to the wounded men and women of America ’s armed services returning from the Global War on Terror.  The Commission was also charged with making recommendations to the president regarding the care of our service men and women, and the group is seeking public comment to help inform their recommendations.  Visit the Commission’s website at http://www.pccww.gov <http://www.pccww.gov/>  or call 1-877-588-2035 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM) to share stories, concerns, or suggestions you have for improving the system of care provided to our nation’s wounded warriors. 

Congressman Baker Discusses Health Care Issues with Constituents 

Representative Baker recently met with constituent groups to discuss a variety of health care topics that are important to Louisiana .  Congressman Baker focused on funding for breast cancer research in his meetings with members of the Louisiana chapter of the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation on April 25, and with Sandra Dave of the Louisiana Breast Cancer Task Force on May 2.  Congressman Baker continues to be a strong advocate for funding for breast cancer research and treatment. In addition to bringing the Susan Komen “Race for the Cure” race to Baton Rouge in 2001, he also has secured federal funding for the Mary Bird Perkins Center , which was able to provide nearly 100 free community cancer screenings to the medically underserved public in 2006.  The "Early Bird," Mary Bird Perkins' mobile medical clinic, has expanded into poorer, more remote locations of Louisiana where people are less likely to have access to these vital screenings. 

Congressman Baker also recognized the outstanding efforts of the Pointe Coupee Better Access Community Health (BACH) program, which was one of ten Community Health Centers in the U.S. to receive the prestigious Johnson and Johnson Community Healthcare Leadership Award.  BACH provides extensive diabetic services to improve the effectiveness and coordination of care for residents of Pointe Coupee Parish. Lynn David, Executive Director of the Pointe Coupee BACH program, traveled to Washington D.C. to receive the award and met with Congressman Baker on May 2 to discuss these and other issues that are pertinent to our state’s community health centers.