Stefanik Misleads with “Results for the North Country” Speech

Rep. Elise Stefanik’s office released the transcript of a speech she delivered on the floor of the House of Representatives earlier this week. This speech highlighted what she characterized as “real results” achieved by Congress on behalf of North Country families in 2017.

Stefanik’s list of “results” may seem impressive at first glance, but when examined closely it does not add up to a substantial benefit for the North Country. First, let’s look at the numbers: Stefanik points to 470 bills and resolutions passed by the House. Remember that passing the House is only one step for a bill. Of the 470 bills that passed the House, under one quarter — just 96 bills — were signed into law in 2017. Here’s what they do:

• 2 take action required every year — appropriations and defense
• 3 enact new policy — Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act and An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 (the GOP tax bill)
• 12 are laws honoring or commemorating people and naming buildings
• 7 are funding or procedural laws that must be passed every year to keep the government running and include temporary funding and disaster relief
• 6 relate to personnel in government employ — naming staff or boards, insurance, etc.
• 13 encourage an agency or the president to try something new, such as the Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act and the U.S. Wants to Compete for a World Expo Act
• 37 modify or reauthorize existing law
• 16 repeal rules and regulations under the Congressional Review Act

While some of the above legislation may indeed qualify as good law, very little of what was voted on has much, if any, positive impact on the residents of the North Country. Congress doing its fundamental job of funding and keeping government operating is hardly something to pat one’s self on the back about.

In fact, much of the legislation passed by the 115th Congress has negative consequences for Americans, including for North Country residents. For example, the rules and regulations repealed under the Congressional Review Act mentioned above include:

• HJRes 38: Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of the Interior known as the Stream Protection Rule
• HJRes 67: Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to savings arrangements established by qualified State political subdivisions for non-governmental employees
• HJRes 83: Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to “Clarification of Employer’s Continuing Obligation to Make and Maintain an Accurate Record of Each Recordable Injury and Illness”

These protections for our environment, our retirement savings, and our safety in the workplace are now gone.

I’d also like to address some of the specific legislation Stefanik takes credit for, or avoids mentioning altogether:

Local Economy

This Congress forced into legislation a very unpopular tax bill at the end of 2017 that will hurt many in the North Country. The financial uncertainty it causes will make it harder for all of us to make the major decisions that will affect the rest of our lives. The bill:

• Caps the state and local tax (SALT) deduction at just $10,000
• Eliminates the home equity deduction. Those who have taken home equity loans to make renovations, pay off debts, buy a car or recreational vehicle, or pay for medical expenses or tuition, will no longer be able to deduct the interest on this loan
• Any relief in the form of individual tax cuts are only temporary and will disappear after 2025

At the same time, it offers a massive tax cut for corporations and a permanent tax break for millionaires. This is simply wrong.

While Stefanik strategically recorded a no vote on this particular bill, it is notable that she failed to strongly oppose the bill in the House or publicly encourage her colleagues to also vote no. It’s well known that in her role as a member of the Whip Committee in the House, it is part of Stefanik’s responsibilities to get votes lined up to pass legislation put on the calendar by House Speaker Paul Ryan. Her vote, coupled with her failure to appeal to her colleagues on our behalf, make it appear that she was trying to play both sides of this issue.

Education

The Pell Grant measure Stefanik touts does not address the rising costs of higher education, nor does it make it more accessible. It’s merely an option for expending the grant — now made uncertain by the Trump administration’s new rules redefining credit hour calculations. The larger question is whether the Pell program will continue to be funded at all as the impact of the corporate tax breaks is felt. More than likely it will be considered just another “entitlement” that House Speaker Paul Ryan — with Stefanik’s support — will seek to eliminate.

We must not push affordable education out of the reach of most Americans. I taught government and American history for 25 years and I serve as the Chair of the Community College Committee for the Washington County Board of Supervisors. I know that education is the key to making us better citizens and better providers for our families. We must ensure that students have the resources to keep up with the rising cost of higher education and give them flexibility to have access to the vocational and skills training that NY-21 residents need.

Healthcare

There is little that needs to be said of Stefanik’s disastrous vote for the “American Health Care Act” (AHCA) which she conspicuously failed to mention. It must be noted that by voting for Trumpcare, she voted to kick 60,000 to 80,000 NY-21 residents off their health coverage. This would have led to additional sickness and death, and made it more difficult for our local hospitals and health centers to balance already strained budgets. It also showed that she stands with the interests of her party over the needs of her constituents.

As a member of the Washington County Board of Supervisors, I have fought to keep good paying healthcare jobs in the district, and against the privatization schemes that threatened coverage for our oldest and most vulnerable neighbors. I know how significantly this issue impacts our daily lives.

Rep Stefanik concludes her remarks with a sentiment she often uses, “I’m honored every day to serve New York’s 21st District.” Let’s be honest: Our Representative’s well known resistance to engaging with her constituents in any but the most tightly scripted and controlled settings, makes it disingenuous for her to claim she is serving us.

It is equally disingenuous for her to claim that 2017 has been a year of results. North Country families are struggling daily with healthcare, education, and financial uncertainties created by the 115th Congress. I believe we can do more to achieve real results for North Country families. 2018 is the year to make a change.