Ehrlich on Washington column, August 20, 2001

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 205 1 5 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of August 20, 2001 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. A Report Card for President Bush Like all Marylanders, I have taken great interest in the new policies taking shape under the Bush Administration. This past week, I put together a “Report Card” on President Bush’s performance. My decisions are based not on partisanship, but on President Bush’s ability to deliver for the American people on his four most significant campaign promises; tax relief for all working Americans, landmark education reforms, a faith-based initiative, and a comprehensive energy policy. Tax Relief - “A” : In June, President Bush signed into law a historic, $1.35 trillion tax relief package for all working Americans. It reduces and condenses marginal rates on personal income taxes, doubles the per-child tax credit to $1,000, phases out the marriage penalty, repeals the estate tax, and offers a host of incentives for education and retirement. It is a triumph for the American taxpayer that Congress worked so quickly with President Bush to pass a bill that benefits all Americans. Education Reform - “B+”: In May, the House of Representatives adopted President Bush’s new vision for America's education system, one which dispels Washington’s "one-size-fits-all" policy and returns decision-making authority to parents and local school leaders. H.R. 1 holds states accountable for improving student achievement by implementing annual state tests in reading and math for students in grades 3 through 8. The Bush plan also provides local school districts with unprecedented authority to invest federal education dollars in the manner they see fit, by allowing local school leaders to transfer up to 50 percent of federal funds between an array of federal programs. Currently, both the House and Senate have adopted education bills, and a final compromise is expected after Labor Day. Faith-Based Initiative - “B” : In July, the House adopted H.R. 7, which represents President Bush's faith-based initiative. H.R. 7 improves a current law, known as Charitable Choice, that allows faith-based organizations to compete for a limited number of federal grants. Under H.R. 7 guidelines, organizations could apply for federal grants, previously not available to them, that target after-school support for children, assistance for victims of domestic violence and child abuse, emergency food and shelter to the homeless, housing assistance, and the rehabilitation of ex-offenders.