Listening Post

Stop, look and listen. Those simple directions we often give to our children provide an important life lesson for all of us. It’s in the listening where we often learn the most. Each August, I distribute my annual “Listening Post” to survey Texans on a variety of issues facing our nation. Hearing firsthand what is important to you helps me better represent Texans in Washington, D.C. In this, the first of a three-part series of surveys, I will focus on key domestic agenda items. Later surveys will concentrate on international affairs and homeland security. This year, in addition to mail-in comments, participants will be able to respond online. The web address is listed at the end of this column. Later this year, I will distribute the results of the survey in Capitol Comment columns. I appreciate your participation and look forward to your insightful responses. Survey Part I – Domestic Agenda 1. In July, the Senate finally passed a comprehensive national energy policy. The bill is a major step for energy self-reliance, conservation, and job production in our country at a time when we need it most. Now that the House and Senate have passed similar bills, we will be working to iron out the differences and get a final bill to the president. In your opinion, what should be our top energy priorities? (Choose all that apply.) ____ Increase domestic oil and gas production ____ Encourage nuclear power generation ____ Increase standards for fuel efficiency in cars, trucks and SUVs ____ Promote clean-burning coal initiatives ____ Provide tax incentives for renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power Additional comments:__________________________________________________________________ 2. In January 2002, the president signed into law historic education reform, the “No Child Left Behind Act.” The legislation encourages innovation, teaches students based on what works and makes schools accountable for achievement. As we continue to implement the reforms, it is important to ensure they continue to enhance our system of public education and meet the needs of our nation’s children. In your opinion, what should we be doing to improve our public schools? (Choose all that apply.) ____ Pay teachers more ____ Require teacher testing for competency in their field ____ Add creativity in curriculum, teaching methods and school structure ____ Give performance bonuses to teachers and schools ____ Increase student testing ____ Decrease student testing Additional comments:__________________________________________________________________ 3. In May, Congress passed the 2003 Jobs and Growth package to return $350 billion in tax cuts to the American people, building on the 2001 tax relief. The legislation accelerates many of the reductions that were being phased in over several years. Of the temporary tax relief provided, which would you like to see made permanent? (Choose all that apply.) ____ Marriage penalty relief ____ Lower marginal rates for all brackets ____ Increase in the child tax credit ____ Lower taxation of dividends and capital gains Additional comments:__________________________________________________________________ 4. Though we have accomplished a great deal in the 108th Congress, there are a number of important domestic issues that Congress must still address. Which of the following items are most important to you? (Choose all that apply.) ____ Confirmation of federal judges ____ Reauthorization of highway funding legislation to build better roads ____ Medical liability reform to reduce insurance costs and the number of uninsured Americans ____ Inclusion of a prescription drug benefit in the final Medicare bill Additional comments:__________________________________________________________________ Please visit my website and submit your answers online at: www.hutchison.senate.gov/survey1.htm If you prefer to mail your responses, please send them to: Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison SURVEY 961 Federal Building 300 East Eighth Street Austin, Texas 78701