[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING CONSTITUENT SURVEY RESULTS FROM COLORADO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2001

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, today I speak about Colorado's Fourth 
Congressional District and the opinions of my constituents concerning 
the direction their country is taking. The Fourth Congressional 
District covers the 21 counties of Colorado's eastern plains, and 
approximately half of the State. I would like to share with you the 
thoughts of thousands of citizens from Eastern Colorado by reporting 
the results of an opinion survey I sent to Fourth District 
constituents. On December 29, 2000 I asked each registered household in 
my district to respond to a mail-return 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 preserving social security, the need for an effective missile 
defense system, our country's moral deterioration and the lack of 
immigration law enforcement.
  An overwhelming majority of Colorado's Fourth District constituents 
believe taxes and education are the two most important issues facing 
American families today. In separate questions, they voiced their 
opinions citing problems and solutions to these tough issues.
  Responses concerning education included the need for parental 
involvement; smaller classroom sizes; school funds not reaching the 
classroom; worries over drugs and violence in schools and the demand 
for more local control. While the answers are varied, the message is 
the same: Parents expect quality public education and deserve to get 
the most for their tax dollar.
  Colorado constituents are also concerned with a number of different 
tax issues. Last year I fought to repeal the death tax and marriage 
penalty taxes. Despite bipartisan support, Bill Clinton vetoed both 
these bills. Recently, I signed the National Taxpayer Protection Pledge 
promising to oppose all tax increases and continue opposing any efforts 
to spend Social Security funds on other government programs. Tax 
increases of any shape, size or form are wrong at a time when we have a 
budget surplus. My constituents expect me to balance the federal 
budget, provide needed tax relief, eliminate government waste, and save 
Social Security. I believe Coloradans should keep more of their hard-
earned money for themselves and their children's futures, and I will 
continue to fight for this just cause.
  Fourth District Coloradans, more than two-to-one, oppose partial 
birth abortions and overwhelmingly oppose second amendment gun rights 
being restricted. They also are concerned about our elderly and our 
veterans. I am proud to fight for the soldiers, sailors and airmen who 
valiantly defended our country, and I will continue to ensure our 
nation keeps its promise to our veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opinion survey responses I 
received. I shall consider this valuable input and share it with 
colleagues. As one of my constituents said, ``P.S.--Thanks for 
asking.'' The voice of the people is the cornerstone of our political 
system and I encourage constituents throughout the country to share 
their thoughts with their elected officials. As a public servant, I 
asked, and as always will listen and work for the betterment of 
Colorado and this great nation.

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