Masonry Magazine June 2006 Page. 20
LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
Concerning immigration reform, Blackburn said, "I know you all want to see a comprehensive immigration bill, and we are mindful of that." She also stated that she firmly believes the only way to address all concerns would be to secure the border, improve employee verification, and then introduce a temporary worker visa program.
Senator Richard Burr (R-NC)
Referring to gasoline prices, immigration reform, energy issues and more, Burr began by saying, "Over the short term, we've got some difficulties that we will need to deal with."
Burr said he understood the importance of a strong immigration reform bill that protects the nation, while also not interrupting small business.
"If amnesty is part of the plan, you will never get it through," he said. But, he also believes that illegal immigrants who have been with an employer should receive preferential treatment.
He went on further to say that after the border has been secured and immigration reform has been completed, that the U.S. government may not be the best suited organization to handle the categorizing and security checks for the millions of illegal residents currently in the country.
"We need to turn this over to the private sector, rather than the government," he said, suggesting that a business, such as a credit card company, is already set up to turn-around 14 million background checks quickly, unlike the slow moving federal government.
In closing, he remarked, "you can't drive down the street, see a construction site, and not be aware of the situation. However, it is very crucial for everyone that we construct sound legislation, that we do it right, and that it goes through."
Senator David Vitter (R-LA)
"One crucial issue for every small business is health costs," Vitter said. "As it stands, small business is at a disadvantage." He said he felt that there is an urgent need to make health insurance affordable for small businesses, employees and their families. He also wanted participants to keep in mind that Association Health Plans "aren't the only answer, but it's a big piece of the puzzle."
Coming from Louisiana, one of the states hard hit by Hurricane Katrina, Vitter also discussed that it was "distressing and frustrating" how the government put out large contracts that were unattainable for the local small businesses. "Subcontract after subcontract, by the time small business gets in the act, they're only getting a small piece of the contract," he said.
He went on to discuss legislation that he recently introduced that requires the project manager on federal projects, such as hurricane reconstruction projects, to hire local small business directly, without layer after layer of subcontracts.
Senator Trent Lott (R-MS)
Having his own home in Mississippi annihilated by Katrina, Lott also focused some of his discussion on the rebuilding of these coastal areas.
"We're not necessarily going to build things back to the way they were, but ask some serious questions," Lott said. In a nod toward masonry building systems, he stated, "It's not necessarily how high you build it, but how you build it."
In turning toward the immigration reform issue, Lott said he favored a temporary worker system that requires workers to return home every year for a certain amount of time. "I feel strongly about it," he said. "They're here illegally and they came here illegally." He suggested that there needs to be a controlled way to deal with those illegal residents who are here, and those who are allowed to stay must earn the right to do so.
In closing, he said, "We're not perfect. We're going to deal with the situation as best as we can."
TROW & HOLDEN MASONRY SET
CARBIDE MASONRY SET
$199
A great value and includes a Trow & Holden t-shirt!
Our new Carbide Masonry Set includes three of our most versatile stoneworking tools.
• The carbide-tipped Stone Buster, our newest hammer, gives you a splitting tool and a striking hammer in one tool. Comes with a 16" wood handle or substitute a fiberglass handle for an additional $12.
The 2" carbide-tipped blade Mason's Chipper is perfect for light trimming or squaring stone. The steeply angled blade and beveled carbide tip make it easier to see your work.
• The 1" stock carbide-tipped Hand Point will be the workhorse of your tool set. Use it to rough out and remove high spots, which will help extend the life of your wider-blade carbide tools.
MADE TO LAST IN BARRE, VERMONT
TROW & HOLDEN COMPANY
FINE STONEWORKING TOOLS
45 South Main Street Bame Vermont 05641
Toll-Free 1-800-451-4349 In Vermont call 476-7221
Call for a free catalog or visit: www.trowandholden.com