[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 134 (Thursday, September 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                E X T E N S I O N   O F   R E M A R K S


 CURRENT LEGISLATIVE TRENDS OUT OF TOUCH WITH PEOPLE OF WESTERN NORTH 
                                CAROLINA

                                 ______


                         HON. CHARLES H. TAYLOR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 1994

  Mr. TAYLOR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, results of the biannual 
issues questionnaire sent to households in western North Carolina's 
11th Congressional District underscore the traditional attitudes of WNC 
residents, and demonstrate how out of touch Washington is with WNC 
citizens and their needs.
  The 15,000 completed surveys offer a good portrait of western North 
Carolina's attitudes towards many issues currently being debated in 
Congress. As the elected representative of WNC, these surveys are 
invaluable, especially as the fall session of Congress convenes.


                          highlights of survey

  Although the proposal has been languishing for years in Washington, 
65.8 percent support a line-item Presidential veto as a means to trim 
the fat in Washington.
  The region's strong work ethic and attitude of self-reliance is 
demonstrated in the finding that 84.2 percent support at 2-year limit 
on welfare benefits.
  Traditional values are highly esteemed in western North Carolina. 
Abortion coverage in any national health care system is opposed by 69.9 
percent of survey respondents.
  WNC citizens do not believe crime will be reduced by taking guns from 
law-abiding citizens--69.8 percent say that gun control will not reduce 
crime.
  Reducing the tax burden for families and the middle class receives 
high marks, 61.5 percent favor a tax cut for the middle class.
  Western North Carolina is deeply divided over the proposed 75-cent-
per-pack tax to fund health care reform. Support for and opposition to 
a cigarette tax was split nearly 50/50.
  In region that has often suffered severe economic downturns, 65.4 
percent favor a reduction in the capital gains tax, thus offering 
incentives for business investment and jobs creation.
  Individualism and the desire for personal choice are demonstrated in 
the overwhelming opposition to Government-controlled health care, 91.0 
percent oppose a national health plan that restricts their choice of 
physicians.
  Social Security is a vital program that should not be used by the 
Federal Government to solve budgetary problems elsewhere, 87.7 percent 
oppose additional Social Security taxes and COLA cuts.
  These survey results, coupled with direct citizen input I received at 
town hall meetings in 16 counties, send clear messages.
  Being a Member of Congress is about representation, which isn't 
possible without listening. The people of Western North Carolina have 
spoken regarding these issues and it is my responsibility to bring 
their opinions to Washington.

                          ____________________