Masonry Magazine August 2005 Page. 20
Legislative Conference
Allison Ho, Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy
Allison Ho, Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy ALLISON HO TOUCHED ON immigration and workforce issues. She wanted to stress that the Administration understood that it was a touchy subject, but wanted to reassure citizens that American workers came first.
"We didn't get into this shape overnight, so it's going to take time and commitment to reach a solution," she explained. "There is no question that this is an immense task that will go on for years."
While she conceded that taking on immigration issues was a "huge undertaking," she said that the Administration was "hopeful and optimistic" to get positive initiatives started in the next year.
Barry S. Jackson, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff (Karl Rove)
Barry S. Jackson, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Karl Rove BARRY JACKSON BEGAN by congratulating MCAA members for being consistent backers of the President and his agenda. He also spoke highly of Marshall and her work in Washington for the Association.
He then rolled up his sleeves and discussed the Administration's plans for Social Security reform. Jackson stated that Voluntary Personal Accounts (VPAs) are key to the long-term success of this reform.
"It's a nice, easy fix to kick the rich," he joked, but stated that making higher income citizens pay more to support the Social Security system just isn't a sound, moral or fiscal solution for the long-term.
He reassured audience members that the President's plan for Social Security reform was moving ahead. "You've probably seen this initiative declared dead a dozen times, but it's not," he stated. "We're patient people, and we're going to see this through."
At the end of his speech, he reminded participants that people around the world are trying to build governments similar to ours, and told the audience, "thank you for participating in the process."
Conclusion
There is a lot to be said for the Legislative Conference-both this year's, as well as those to be held in the future - but the words of Mackie Bounds, Owner of Brazos Masonry, Inc., and MCAA Treasurer, probably say it the best.
"I believe the Legislative Conference sent a very loud message to the members who took the time to come here," said Bounds. "As we spoke with the different congressmen and senators, all of them had the same message: You all have made a difference.
"I believe the more involvement that we can get from our membership, the more we'll continue to make big differences. We just have to learn to speak our hearts and get our message across."