STAUNTON — Sixth District Rep. Bob Goodlatte’s specific rejection of the approved $789 billion stimulus package is because it grows the size of government and does not promote new jobs or economic development.
“The package increases the size of government in a whole host of ways that are not sustainable,’’ said Goodlatte, who spent most of Tuesday in the area making visits.
Goodlatte favors middle class tax relief and helping small businesses hire new employees.
Some of the congressman’s specific objections include funding for a high speed rail project from Los Angeles to Las Vegas so more people will gamble and spend time in Vegas.
“That is not my idea of a good economic stimulus,’’ Goodlatte said.
He also objects to funding for protection of the habitat for a species of mouse in the San Francisco area, the home district of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“The real solution is helping people who are hurting the most,’’ said Goodlatte, who said new jobs and less taxes are priorities.
The congressman said all the federal borrowing could adversely affect interest rates.
Goodlatte believes President Barack Obama is attempting to achieve a bipartisan approach to solving problems, but said the Democratic leadership in Congress has failed to make a similar attempt.
The congressman spent the morning touring the Valley Children’s Center, a Staunton non-profit agency that works with sexually abused children on their victim witness testimony. Goodlatte donated $1,000 of a recent congressional pay raise to the center.
Later in the day, Goodlatte visited the Staunton National Guard Armory to pin several medals on Korean War veteran Tom LaBerge of Augusta County.
LaBerge was seriously wounded in Korea in 1951 and received the Purple Heart, but did not receive all of his decorations until Tuesday.
Those belated decorations included a Korean War Service Medal and U.S. National Defense Medal.
LaBerge was also presented letters of appreciation from the Korean government, Augusta County Board of Supervisors Chairman Larry Howdyshell, Gov. Tim Kaine and his hometown of Grafton, N.D.
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates also offered a certificate of recognition.
“This blows me away. I was not expecting this,’’ LaBerge said.
“This is one of the things I enjoy the most, recognizing someone who has served the country with great distinction,’’ Goodlatte said.
Goodlatte concluded his day with a visit to the Augusta Regional Dental Clinic in Fishersville.
