[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 27, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING AND ANSWERING THE FOURTH DISTRICT OF COLORADO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 1999

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about Colorado's 
Fourth Congressional District and the opinions of my constituents 
concerning the direction their country is taking. Recently, I surveyed 
thousands of citizens about issues important to them. I would like to 
report to you the results of that opinion survey.
  The survey asked, ``What is the single most important issue facing 
our country today?'' Respondents came back with a whole host of answers 
including tax relief, preserving social security, need for an effective 
missile defense system, the failing farm economy, too much government, 
high taxes, improving our children's education, etc. But the prevailing 
concern is a ``lack of moral leadership,'' ``honesty,'' ``corrupt 
administration,'' ``moral deterioration,'' ``decline in ethics and 
morals,'' and `` moral decay.'' This message was repeated over and over 
again. The people of Colorado understand the qualities our Founding 
Fathers identified in order to continue the stability of our Republic, 
requiring the cultivation of personal morality and responsibility, and 
courage to stand up for those values.
  The number concerned for our country's moral leadership was followed 
closely by their outrage over President Clinton's decision to involve 
the U.S. military in Kosovo. Folks support a strong military but they 
urged our troops' return from the civil dispute in Kosovo. To date, I 
have heard from no one supporting this recent military venture of the 
President's.
  The second question asked, ``What is the single most important issue 
to you or your family?'' The answers to this question mirrored those 
they believe are important to the country. They are demanding honorable 
and moral leadership of this country, believing it will cause a renewal 
of responsibility, morality and liberty in our society.
  The survey continued, asking what people think is the biggest 
challenge for our schools. Responses included funds not reaching the 
classrooms; class sizes too big; worries over drugs and violence; 
Federal Government involvement in our local schools; lack of discipline 
and parental involvement; curriculum not teaching the basics; ridding 
the classrooms of the teachers union; need for school choice; and 
demand for more local control. While the concerns are varied, it is 
unanimous that people are concerned about the quality of education 
their children are receiving.
  Fourth District Coloradans, more than two-to-one, oppose partial 
birth abortions and overwhelmingly oppose second amendment gun rights 
being restricted. But, perhaps the most compelling and almost unanimous 
response comes in support of requiring Congress to balance the budget 
and reform taxes.
  The 105th Congress provided Americans with the first balanced Federal 
budget and the first budget surplus since 1969. Since the Republican 
Congress proved we can balance the budget, people want us to ensure we 
will balance the budget permanently. It is for this reason I am proud 
to sponsor H.J. Res. 1, the Balanced Budget Amendment Resolution of 
1999. With a permanently balanced budget, the Federal Government will 
be forced to prioritize money for programs important to Coloradans.
  Respondents differ on whether a flat tax or consumption tax would be 
best, but folks are almost unanimous in believing the IRS tax code 
should be abolished and Americans given much-needed tax relief. Without 
exception, no one asked for new taxes or new government programs.
  Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the response I received to the opinion 
survey. I shall consider this valuable input and share it with 
colleagues. Americans should keep in close touch with their elected 
officials. This way, we as public servants know our every move is being 
watched, and the measurement of our achievement depends upon the 
betterment of their life, and that of their families.

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