Steve Kagen for U.S. Congress Congress - Wisconsin's 8th District

Washington, DC — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. is creating opportunity for small businesses.  Today, Kagen voted for the Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act which will facilitate small business expansion, thus creating new jobs during these hard economic times. To accomplish this, the act will renovate the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) entrepreneurial development programs.

“I am working hard to help small businesses grow our economy,” said Kagen.  “Small businesses are the economic engines of America and I encourage them to take advantage of the many programs out there to help them secure capital and create jobs.”

Small businesses generate 50% of our nation’s gross domestic product and provide nearly 80% of new jobs.   By supplying small businesses with new tools and resources to accommodate their changing needs, this critical legislation will stimulate job creation and economic growth.  It also includes provisions to help women and minorities create new businesses and grant programs to help new small businesses with green and sustainable energy practices.

The bill proposes a grant program specifically intended for Small Business Development Centers to assist small firms in acquiring capital, such as the new small business lending created under the Recovery Act.  The Recovery Act contains a number of provisions to generate new small business lending, such as increasing the maximum amount of an SBA-backed, government-guaranteed loan from 85% to 90%.

Congressman Kagen has hosted a number of Small Business Resource Events, which hundreds of small business owners in Northeast Wisconsin have attended. The events attracted representatives from the Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center, American National Bank, Associated Bank, The Venture Center, The Business Bank, and local chambers of commerce.

The bill also authorizes $22 million for the SBA to expand entrepreneurial assistance to veterans. Under this Veterans Business Center Program, specialized assistance programs will be established and outreach facilities will be added across the country.

“We must make certain that those who sacrifice for our nation have a chance to participate in the opportunities they fought so hard to protect,” Kagen said.

Kagen also voted today for the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights to protect working families from predatory credit card companies.  The Senate’s version of this legislation contains a condition which allows individuals possessing a gun into any national park or national wildlife refuge if state law already allows it. The House passed the legislation.

Washington, DC — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. is working hard to bring accountability and common sense back to our financial system.  Kagen voted in favor of two crucial measures that would end fraud and abuse and create an economy that rewards responsibility and diligence – the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act and the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act.

“I am working hard for the families in Northeast Wisconsin who are just trying to keep their heads above water,” said Kagen.  “Our economy was driven into the ditch by laws that favored Wall Street over Main Street.  Now, we are putting our nation on the road to recovery by ending this practice and restoring common sense to our financial system.”

To provide the Justice Department with more tools to fight fraud, the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act would allow the use of funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and Recovery Act as well as increasing accountability for corporate and mortgage frauds that have been a factor in the economic downturn.

Last fall, Congressman Kagen voted against the Troubled Asset Relief Program, stating that the legislation did not include the necessary oversight.  Kagen has since repeatedly voted for efforts to enforce accountability and transparency for the use of these funds. These efforts included the TARP Reform and Accountability Act in January and Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act today.

“We must put an end to the system that looked the other way while high-flying finance schemes, overheated housing markets and maxed-out credit cards crippled our nation. People who work hard and play by the rules should be able to keep a roof over their heads, put food on the table, maybe send their children to college and have enough left over to retire.  We need an economy that works for everyone,” said Kagen.

Predatory and reckless mortgage loan practices played a major part in the current financial and economic meltdown.  The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act would stop these practices. Borrowers would no longer be able to intentionally misrepresent their income to qualify for a loan.  This bipartisan bill will ensure that the mortgage industry abides by fundamental principles of sound lending, responsibility, and consumer protection. By assuring that borrowers can repay the loans they are sold, mortgage lenders make loans that are to the consumer’s advantage, and lenders are prohibited from leading borrowers into higher cost loans, the integrity of the mortgage lending industry will be restored and the consumer will be protected.  A similar measure passed the House in 2007.

Washington, DC — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. is working hard to guarantee access to affordable health care for all of us including those with asthma or any pre-existing medical condition. Kagen spoke this morning at Asthma Awareness Day on Capitol Hill.at Asthma Awareness Day.

“If you have any pre-existing condition, whether its asthma, emphysema or sinus disease, you should not be denied access to the medical treatment you need,” said Kagen.

Congressman Kagen is acknowledged as having discovered many new causes of allergy and asthma. He was named by Wisconsin physicians as one of the “Best Doctors in America” and has been triple Board Certified in Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Internal Medicine and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology.

Asthma affects over 22 million people in the U.S and more than 70% of people with asthma also have allergies, according to Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics.  Every day, ten people die of asthma, and nearly all of these deaths are preventable.  The annual costs associated with treatment of asthma range from $20 billion to $37 billion, but uncontrolled symptoms cost more to treat than getting and keeping patients healthy.

Dr. Kagen has introduced the No Discrimination in Health Insurance Act. This would bring an end to the discriminatory practice of permitting insurance companies to deny life-saving medical coverage to citizens because of any pre-existing medical conditions.

Appleton, WI — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. is working tirelessly to ensure that our soldiers receive the benefits they have earned - before, during and after they serve. Kagen is proud to announce that eligible veterans can start applying for benefits under the 21st Century GI Bill on Friday, May 1, 2009.

“Our brave soldiers covered our backs, and now it is our turn to cover theirs,” said Kagen.  “I was proud to be a part of legislation to make a first-class education available to our men and women in uniform and now they can take advantage of this opportunity.”

The 21st Century GI Bill increases the education benefits veterans receive under the GI Bill to re-establish the promise of a full four years of college and, much like World War II veterans a generation ago, to make the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan part of an American economic revival. Kagen voted for the bill, which passed as part of the FY 2008 Supplemental Appropriations Act on Thursday, June 19, 2008.

Veterans eligible for education benefits under the 21st Century GI Bill can apply through the Department of Veterans Affairs online beginning Friday, May 1.

Applicants can apply through an online form at:  http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-22-1990-ARE.pdf

You can find more information at the GI Bill web site www.gibill.va.gov or by calling the GI Bill Hotline: 1-888-GI-BILL-1

Members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including activated reservists and members of the National Guard, receive up to four academic years of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books.  Veterans will have up to 15 years after they leave active duty to use their education benefits.  Payments will be processed beginning August 1.

“I urge veterans in Northeast Wisconsin to contact their County Veterans Services Officers or my office to learn about taking advantage of this opportunity,” said Kagen.

Washington, DC — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. is encouraging fiscal responsibility as we start to restore our economy.  Kagen voted for a plan that will cut taxes for 95% of working Americans, reduce the deficit by two-thirds by 2013 and cut non-defense discretionary spending.

“This budget plan is fiscally responsible and will enable us to work our way out of today’s recession,” said Kagen.  “I am working hard to invest our hard earned tax dollars in creating jobs and building an economy that works for all of us, while cutting our deficit over the long-term.”

The plan passed today focuses on rebuilding our economy over the longer term through strategic investments – including investments in education, energy independence and health care reform – and leads federal spending back to a path to fiscal sustainability.  It takes steps to decrease the costs of health care, one of the largest contributors to the deficit, and contains key initiatives to protect taxpayer money by eradicating waste, fraud and abuse. This will save taxpayers nearly $50 billion.  This plan also accurately and openly represents costs like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, thus marking the beginning of a new era of honesty in budgeting. Previous Presidential budgets masked these costs to make the deficit appear smaller.

“We are taking the necessary steps for short-term and long-term economic prosperity.  Everyday the Recovery Act makes critical investments in our communities.  Today, we passed a plan for sustainable economic security by reducing spending and making targeted investments in areas that will grow our economy and create jobs like health care, energy, and education,” Kagen said.

By providing $53.4 billion in funding for veterans’ health care and services - $5.6 billion more than the 2009 level – this economic plan reaffirms our commitment to our veterans.

“Everyone must understand that this will take time.  The President inherited a record deficit of $5.8 trillion.  We are now moving in the right direction.  This plan in an honest and transparent outline for building a better future for all of us,” said the Congressman.

A new report from HHS says the high cost of health care is hurting small businesses
April 24, 2009
Appleton, WI — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. says a report released today is further proof that reforming the nation’s health care system is crucial to rebuilding our economy.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a new report this morning – entitled “The Bottom Line: Health Reform and Small Business” – that revealed how the high cost of health care is causing small businesses to discontinue insurance coverage for their employees.  The report claims that small employers who do offer insurance suffer rising health costs that hinder their ability to hire more workers and develop their business.

“This report confirms what every small business owner and every family farm owner has been saying for years: the costs for health care are impossible,” said Dr. Kagen.  “I am working hard to do what is necessary to get our economy on the right track which includes guaranteeing access to affordable health care for all of us and creating an atmosphere where small businesses can thrive.”

Congressman Kagen, along with representatives from the Small Business Administration, has been touring Northeast Wisconsin to inform citizens of the opportunities available through the Recovery Act including 7 (a) program which enables small business owners to obtain loans of up to $2 million dollars with a sizeable government guarantee and the 504 program which is designed to offer a guarantee on up to $4 million in financing for large-scale economic development projects that can be essential for job growth and community development.

Of the many concerns brought up by small business owners, one of the most major, in addition to access to credit, is the cost of health care. As both a physician and small business owner, Kagen is familiar with this issue.

The report states, “Small business is at the epicenter of America’s health insurance crisis. Across the country, hard-working small business owners are struggling to pay the skyrocketing cost of health insurance for their employees and many are finding that they just cannot do it.”

Kagen agrees, “Small businesses are the economic engines of America. They provide nearly 80% of new jobs and generate 50% of our gross domestic product.  I believe that helping small businesses is a key step to building a better future.”

You can read the report by visiting www.HealthReform.gov

Washington, DC — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. applauds Governor Jim Doyle for endorsing the transit project proposals for Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin.  The projects total close to $34.5 million, and the Governor’s approval is a significant step in obtaining the portion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding that has been allocated for the state.

“I am working hard to bring our tax dollars back home to Wisconsin where they belong,” Congressman Steve Kagen said. “The Recovery Act is doing exactly what we intended it to do – investing in our communities now.  What we need in Wisconsin are jobs, jobs and more jobs and these investments in Green Bay’s transit will help strengthen our local economy.  I want to applaud Governor Doyle for approving these funds.”

“Investments that make travel safer, easier and more affordable will not only improve our quality of life, they will help get our economy back on track,” Governor Doyle said. “Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we have the opportunity to make strategic improvements to our infrastructure that will help get people to work and will add lasting value to our economy.”

The Green Bay projects are worth $2.9 million. They include the following:

•    Four clean diesel buses ($1,440,000) that will run more efficiently and decrease emissions.
•    A new smart-card system ($720,000), to make bus fares simpler and more convenient.
•    A security system ($500,000) that will put passenger safety first.
•    Enhancements in maintenance, radio and support equipment ($240,000).

Other areas in the 8th Congressional District to receive this funding include:

Appleton                     $1,477,900
Clintonville                  $34,500
Menominee Nation      $4,308,000
Waupaca                    $118,000
Oneida Nation            $372,600

Cities with populations between 50,000 and 200,000 – and therefore small urban transit systems – will have to take the next step with the Federal Transit Administration and submit their applications in order to have their projects certified by the U.S. DOT.  Funding for these projects totals $23,154,677.

The state legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance, which is scheduled to take action on Tuesday, April 21, will have to approve the projects for the non-urbanized transit systems. Then, the state Department of Transportation will submit funding applications to the federal government on their behalf.  These projects will total $11,299,461 if fully funded.

The transit formula funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act must be used for capital projects, such as buses and bus facilities, preventive maintenance, security, para-transit services and other public transit projects that enhance economic development. Funds were allotted to states as well as large urban areas, including Milwaukee and Madison, based on existing FTA formulas.

Washington, DC — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. is taking our country and our economy back to the basics.  Kagen supported the President’s economic initiative designed to put our economy back on track and lead us to long-term, sustainable prosperity.

“We need to get back to the basics in this country,” said Kagen.  “That means investing in health care, education and energy independence. We are taking steps now to build a better future for all of us and this initiative makes those critical investments.”

Kagen voted for a package that will cut taxes for 95% of American workers; build our economy and create new jobs in the private sector through targeted investments and improvements in health care, clean energy, and education; cut expenditure in discretionary non-defense areas over 10 years; cut the deficit in half over four years; and end an era of fiscal recklessness by putting the costs for all programs and wars in the budget.

“President Obama has developed an economic initiative for our nation’s long-term growth and economic prosperity.  His proposal is a fair and honest statement of where we are, where we need to go, and how to get there.  It focuses on people – not profits, and it offers all of us a clear strategy as to how we will begin to rebuild our economy and restore confidence in our ability to work our way out of today’s economic downturn.  Following a decade of false promises and misguided policies, President Obama offers all of us an opportunity to begin to heal our economy and put ourselves on a path to prosperity,” said Kagen.

By providing tax relief to middle-income families, generating jobs through investments in infrastructure and other crucial areas and increasing unemployment benefits for millions of Americans, this long term economic plan builds upon the groundwork established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  It takes steps to decrease health care costs, enhance quality, and expand coverage to help the 47 million Americans who currently do not have health insurance. To move us towards energy independence, the initiative also increases our investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency by some 18 percent for 2010 and encourages energy independence over the long term.

“We cannot balance our budgets at home or in government until we establish meaningful reforms in health care.  When we reduce costs for health care, we keep more money in your pockets, reduce taxes, and allow small businesses to create jobs.  President Obama is rising to the challenge of addressing this important economic and social concern and I stand ready to help him in anyway I can,” said Dr. Kagen.

Washington, DC — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. said today that many people will begin to see bigger paychecks soon.  Starting April 1st, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will provide 95% of American workers with a tax cut.

“I am working hard to get our economy back on track by putting more money in the pockets of my constituents and by investing our tax dollars in Northeast Wisconsin,” said Kagen.  “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is transformational legislation because it includes a wide variety of ways we can help stimulate the economy and create jobs including this tax cut.”

This is the most rapid tax cut in American history and is guaranteed for at least 2 years. In the 8th Congressional District, 181,000 households will receive a refundable tax credit of up to $400 per worker ($800 per couple filing jointly), phasing out entirely at $200,000 for couples filing jointly and $100,000 for individual filers. 

Congressman Kagen has announced American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Wisconsin Veterans Home at King will receive $2,278,600.  Austin Straubel International Airport will receive $1,500,000 to restore their runway.  Our area will be given over $800,000 through the U.S. Department of Justice.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is responsible for $6.5 million from the Recovery Act. Three community health centers in our area will receive a total of almost $500,000 thanks to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“We are creating jobs while providing affordable health care, services for veterans and making needed improvements to our infrastructure.  This will take time, but I am confident that we are taking the steps necessary to stimulate our economic recovery,” said Kagen.

Kagen has also organized several events for small businesses to educate them on how to make the most of the provisions in the Recovery Act that are designed to unlock frozen credit markets through the Small Business Administration major programs – the 7 (a) program and the 504 program.

In April, the Congressman will begin a Listening Tour in his district.  He will listen to the concerns of his constituents in six cities and discuss the many benefits in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and how they can take advantage of these opportunities.  Banking experts and representatives from the Small Business Administration and Chamber of Commerce will join the Congressman.

Waupaca, WI — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. is looking out for our veterans as we take action to rebuild our nation’s economy.  The Wisconsin Veterans Home at King will receive $2,278,600 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Kagen announced.

“I am working hard to support our veterans before, during and after they serve in harm’s way,” said Kagen. “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is transformational legislation because it invests in so many critical areas including our brave veterans.  Your tax dollars belong right here, boosting our economy in Waupaca, not overseas.  I am proud to be bringing these funds home for our brave veterans.”

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides funding for the National and State Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities and National Veterans Cemeteries. It also offers grants to help states in acquiring or building state nursing homes and domiciliaries, and to help remodel, modify or alter existing facilities to care for Veterans.

“We could not have taken this forward without Congressman Kagen,” Wisconsin Veterans Administration Secretary Ken Black said.  “This center is important because it’s a large, family-rooted system.”

Wisconsin State Veterans Home at King will undertake three projects with these funds: A security monitoring system, the remodeling of laundry facilities, and a residential lift system.

“The Congressman has always made veterans a priority,” said Veterans Center Commandant Bill Crowley. “I’m here to tell you he dedicates himself to us, both in Washington and here in Wisconsin. This exemplifies what he’s done for us.  This is significant.”

The Veterans Administration (VA) will also make a one-time payment of $250 to eligible disabled Veterans and survivors to help alleviate the effects of the current economy.  The VA estimates that starting in June 2009, $700 million in payments will be made.

Congressman Kagen, in his enduring loyalty to our men and women in uniform, recently enlisted in a bi-partisan effort in Congress to defeat a provision in the upcoming budget that would force veterans to use their private insurance to pay for the treatment of service-related ailments.