Congressman Tom Reed Visits Rotary Club of Jamestown

 

The Rotary Club of Jamestown hosted Congressman Tom Reed during its April 4 meeting. Congressman Reed was introduced by Lisa Goodell — and then received a surprise endorsement by Ken Lawton, complete with photos from his past. As it turned out, the congressman and Ken were fraternity brothers at Alfred University. 

 

First elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014, Congressman Reed represents the 11 counties that make up the 23rd District of New York. He sits on the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees important areas including tax policy, trade, human resources, and oversight. Reed told Rotarians that he loves the district because it feels small-town friendly and familiar wherever he goes. He emphasized that he does travel back and forth every week, enabling him to maintain his schedule of town hall meetings, to hear what people want. 

 

In spite of popular opinion, Reed said he feels 2015 was a very productive year in congress. Highlights include: 

Tax code simplification, clarification and fairness is a top priority, Reed said, but he emphasized that it will only happen if the presidential candidates make it a top priority for their first 100 days in office. The congressman said another major effort is needed to address the issue of poverty in America. He feels it should be based on rewarding the American work ethic. One example he gave was to get rid of the so-called “welfare cliff” so that workers aren’t penalized, immediately losing benefits which cut deeply into their earnings from employment. 

 

Congressman Reed said he is still optimistic. He senses a growing number in Congress who are saying, “enough is enough. Time to get things done.”  He is chair of a “No Labels” group.

 

In a lively question-and-answer session following his presentation, the congressman stated that he is a proponent of reforms that give taxpayers the right to say where their tax dollars go. Tax incentives and investment credits are two ways to do this, and have the added benefit that 100 percent of the funds go directly to the program. He supports term limits for congress and believes 12 years is appropriate. 

 

And the question everyone wanted to hear the answer to: Why are you endorsing Donald Trump? Congressman Reed said he still believes Jeb Bush would have been the best person for the country. However, he began to hear arguments that Republicans should “find a way” to ensure that Trump did not receive the nomination. Congressman Reed believes it is paramount that we follow the rules, and he wants everyone to know that he supports the system that has been democratically developed and that the voice of the people is heard and honored.