George Allen

Obama Administration’s Unprecedented Mandate

George Allen — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:22:41 +0000

Speaking from Albemarle County in Jefferson country, the birthplace of religious freedom, my view is that this unprecedented mandate by the Obama administration is an abhorrent overreach that violates the very liberty and religious freedom that our country was founded on. By ruling that Catholic organizations will be mandated to provide services that are contrary to their religious beliefs, this action places practicing Catholics, who have a conflict of conscience, in a position where their job, education or health care will suffer. The government must not diminish the rights of people due to their religion.

ICYMI – Relieve the Burdens (Northern Virginia Daily)

Press Office — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:04:54 +0000

Businesswoman to ex-governor: Regulations crush entrepreneurial spirit

By Sally Voth

WOODSTOCK — U.S. Senate hopeful George Allen was so taken with Nancy Barnett’s impassioned plea for federal tax reform, the former governor said he wanted to make the small business owner his campaign ambassador.

Allen spent several hours in Woodstock on Thursday, meeting with local business leaders and touring French Brothers Dairy on Water Street.

“I mostly want to hear from you because what I see in Washington right now is they’re ignoring the voices of the people of Virginia,” the Republican told the roughly two dozen people gathered at the Hampton Inn. “The reason I’m running for the U.S. Senate is I don’t think we ought to give up on America. We need to reinvigorate the entrepreneurial spirit of our country.”

That spirit is being crushed by federal regulations, according to Barnett, owner of Industrial Maintenance Solutions in Edinburg. She said her company offers alternative repair and maintenance options for private, industrial and military customers.

Barnett said she limits her staff to less than 10 — and all of her contractors do likewise — because once there are 11 workers on board, onerous requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration kick in, including a regulation that a full-time safety worker must be on the payroll.

She also said there is a need for tax reform. Without it, Barnett said she can’t take on more employees because of the unemployment tax rate.

“We could be hiring,” she said. “The work is here, Governor.

George Allen Hears From Shenandoah Valley Small Business Owners

George Allen — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:10:11 +0000

Today I met with and heard directly from dozens of small business owners in the Shenandoah Valley who are bearing the brunt of this Administration’s punishing energy policies and burdensome regulations. In fact, one brave woman came forward to describe just how Washington’s counterproductive policies were discouraging her business, and many others like it, from expanding and hiring more employees. She said with the work that needs to be done, they could hire “three times as many people” as they currently have – but in today’s regulatory environment, she can’t afford the additional taxes and fees from the EPA and Obamacare. She even said that under these economic conditions, it would actually be easier for her to close up shop and move on to something else.

I hear similar stories from hard working men and women all throughout the Commonwealth. The new regulations being imposed by the Obama Administration are destroying jobs and actually providing a disincentive to hiring. That’s not the vision of the American Dream that we have for our children and grandchildren. I envision a better future than what we are enduring today. The federal government should not be impeding job creators – it should get out of the way and allow our entrepreneurs to innovate, invest and succeed. With pro-jobs growth regulatory, tax and energy policies we will reinvigorate small businesses, create the conditions prosperity and make America competitive again!

Statement from George Allen on the Passage of the STOCK Act

Press Office — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:57:44 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 2, 2012

Statement from George Allen on the Passage of the STOCK Act

Henrico, VA – George Allen issued the following statement today supporting the passage of the STOCK Act.

“I commend the United States Senate for their bi-partisan work in passing the STOCK Act. The STOCK ACT represents commonsense legislation that helps ensure that those who have the honor and privilege of representing the American people live under the same laws as those they serve. Americans rightly expect and demand integrity and transparency in their government and this is a step in the right direction. These disclosure provisions should apply to those serving in the executive branch as well as the legislative.”

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Statement from George Allen on Legislation to Open Virginia’s Offshore Energy Resources

Press Office — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:35:55 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 2, 2012

Statement from George Allen on Legislation to Open Virginia’s Offshore Energy Resources

Henrico, VA – George Allen released the following statement today on yesterday’s passage of legislation by the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee that would allow for the exploration and production energy resources off of Virginia’s coast.

“I commend the decision by the House Natural Resources Committee to move forward legislation that will allow for the exploration and production of Virginia’s oil and natural gas reserves. Congress should act quickly to advance this legislation, and consequently jobs and affordable energy for America’s families and businesses.

“From our coalfields to off our coast, Virginians are ready and willing to provide the energy we need to power our Commonwealth and country. Unleashing our plentiful energy resources will create thousands of new, good paying jobs here in Virginia, increase our supply of affordable fuel and electricity, keep our money here in the U.S.A. and generate revenues for the government – without raising taxes. And those royalties ought to be shared with Virginia for roads and transportation.

“It is time for Washington to stop standing in our way. The counterproductive, punishing energy policies imposed by the Obama administration have been a constant impediment to thousands of good-paying American jobs and more affordable energy. Keeping these resources off-limits will only lead to even higher fuel costs and do more damage to families, small businesses and America’s competitiveness.”

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Statement from George Allen on African-American History Month

Press Office — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:29:24 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 1, 2012

Statement from George Allen on African-American History Month

Henrico, VA – George Allen released the following statement celebrating the beginning of African-American History Month today.

“During African-American History Month we will reflect on and celebrate the great accomplishments and contributions of generations of African-Americans who helped positively shape our nation’s identity and purpose. The tremendous contributions of African-Americans have improved America and the world through education, literature, art, inventions, science, music, religion, the military, business, government and every aspect of life.

“We must recognize that the first African-Americans tragically came to this land without the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms and dignity that was the promise of America. And despite oppression, hardship and great adversity, African-Americans advanced the struggle against fear, ignorance and prejudice. America must be the land of opportunity for all.

“It is my hope that we, as a nation, will continue to work in unity for realization of the aspirational spirit of the Declaration of Independence –that ‘all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’”

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ICYMI: It’s Time to Reinvigorate Small Business (From The Fairfax Times)

Press Office — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:09:11 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 1, 2012

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
It’s Time to Reinvigorate Small Business
From The Fairfax Times

By George Allen
January 31, 2012

Traveling throughout Virginia I have had the privilege to listen to many true job creators – the small business owners of Virginia. They are our country’s innovators and the future of our economy and I have deep admiration for their courage and optimistic spirit.

But whether they are from Clarksville or Manassas, Bristol or Chesapeake, or Winchester to Virginia Beach have heard similar concerns that the federal government has become an obstacle to Virginia’s small businesses.

The three years since President Obama took office have not been good to the families and small businessmen and women of Virginia.

Washington’s explosive government spending and borrowing binge has swelled the national debt to a shocking $15.2 trillion. This irresponsible behavior undermines our economy and led to the downgraded creditworthiness of our country for the first time in U.S. history.

The President’s counterproductive energy policies have contributed to the high price of gasoline which has risen from an average of $1.85 in January 2009 to $3.39 today. That translates to an extra $25 to $30 out of the pocket of Virginia families each and every time they fill up their gas tank. And the higher gasoline prices are having a real impact on businesses engaged in tourism, the food industry, shipping, farming, and especially families that live in the suburbs and rural areas.

The Obama Administration has pushed thousands of costly regulations and imposed project labor agreements labor contract requirements that direct federal contracts to unionized companies, of which few are small businesses.

Washington’s most egregious over-reach is the new government-controlled health care law. Obamacare comes up in conversations everywhere I go.

Small business leaders say that the uncertainties and costs associated with Obamacare’s regulations and mandates are hampering or will impede their ability to hire and expand their businesses.

Given this record, it is not surprising that small businesses – which in good times create 70 percent of all jobs in America – has lost 2.5 million jobs under President Obama’s watch. Nor is it surprising that our nation has seen 35 consecutive months of unemployment above 8 percent since Mr. Obama became President. After all, American small business is the best job creation machine but the policies coming out of Washington have thrown up barriers and damaged their ability to create new jobs.

Small business is so crucial to our nation’s strength and prosperity. Therefore, I believe we must and can work together in Washington to get America creating jobs again.

By focusing on the vitality of small business, we can reinvigorate the entrepreneurial spirit of America. Gone will be obstacles, interference, and crippling costs. In their place, we will have positive tax, reasonable regulatory, productive energy, and empowering education policies that will give Americans a competitive advantage for jobs, investment, and prosperity. …

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George Allen Discusses Empowering America’s Job-Creators with Virginia Business Leaders

Press Office — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:37:10 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 31, 2011

George Allen Discusses Empowering America’s Job-Creators with Virginia Business Leaders

Henrico, VA – Today, George Allen addressed the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) “Business Day at the Capital” breakfast to talk about empowering America’s job-creators with the right pro-growth policies that encourage investment, expansion and job creation.

As Governor, he combined personal recruitment, lower taxes on job-creating businesses, and prompt permitting to usher in a period of unparalleled job growth and investment, and which helped to create over 300,000 net new private sector jobs.

In the U.S. Senate, George Allen’s consistent efforts to free America’s job-creating businesses from crushing taxes and regulatory burdens earned a perfect 100-percent rating from the National Federation of Independent Business and the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Below are key excerpts from George Allen’s speech as prepared for delivery:

“It is truly an invigorating pleasure to be here in a room filled with entrepreneurs and innovators – members of NFIB, Virginia Retail Merchants Association, and the Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association. You and businesses like yours are Virginia’s and America’s true job creators – 65 percent of all new businesses are started by small businesses. I admire your courage and your optimistic spirit. It takes a sense of optimism to take the risk to start or expand a business … to open a store, a restaurant or any business.

“The America many of us grew up in was full of that kind of optimism. We looked to the future with a sense of confidence, believing that our ability to achieve the American Dream was limited only by our imagination, ingenuity and hard work. Unfortunately, many people in today’s America have already seen their dreams lowered or diminished, with more than 13 million Americans unable to find work in an economy that has stagnated. …

“My friends, it’s time for America’s comeback! – a comeback that starts with a positive, pro-job-growth agenda. We must reinvigorate the entrepreneurial spirit of America by putting a priority on positive tax, reasonable regulatory, productive energy and empowering education policies that will give Americans a competitive advantage for jobs, investment and prosperity. …

“When I was elected Governor of Virginia on an audacious agenda, the Democrats controlled the State legislature. Working together, we cut taxes by more than $600 million; made neighborhoods safer by abolishing the dishonest, lenient parole system; enacted historic welfare reforms; reduced the size of government and grew the economy — creating more than 300,000 net new private sector jobs in those four years alone.

“Sure, we had disagreements along the way. But ultimately we resolved the differences to produce tangible results for the people of Virginia instead of scoring political points.

“That’s what Virginians and Americans are looking for in Washington today. I truly believe we can work together in Washington to get America creating jobs again. As Governor, we sent the world a message that Virginia is Open for Business! We need to be sending a message to the world that ‘America is Open for Business Again!’ and give our job creators a competitive advantage. …

“We would send that message with a single policy change. As part of my Blueprint for America’s Comeback, I call for reducing the tax on job-creating businesses, including small businesses, from 35 percent – second worst in the world – to a better-than-average, competitive 20 percent.

“That change alone is projected to create more than 500,000 jobs a year – more than 5 million new jobs for Americans in the next 10 years. …

“Many State leaders from both sides of the aisle understand the benefits of allowing Virginia to produce natural gas and oil off our coast and using the royalties that come with it for roads and transportation. Unfortunately, the White House remains the biggest impediment to making this a reality — recently again saying “no” to Virginia’s request to explore for these valuable resources.

“And just this month, President Obama said NO to the Keystone Pipeline and the tens of thousands of good-paying jobs that would have come with it. ….

“In the past three years, the price of gasoline has jumped from $1.85 to $3.44 today. That’s an extra $30 to fill a 20-gallon tank. Think of what a family could do with an extra 25-to-30 dollars. What it means for businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry – and for all businesses. …

“By removing the self-imposed barriers to producing energy, we have the potential to provide more affordable fuel and electricity, create hundreds of thousands of good-paying American jobs, improve competitiveness and national security and generate over a trillion in new revenue without raising taxes. And, rather than being vulnerable to hostile outside interests, we would keep our money in the U.S.A.! …

“Washington’s most egregious over-reach is the new government-controlled health care law. Obamacare comes up everywhere I go. Families are concerned they won’t be able to afford their insurance as rates continue to rise. Seniors are worried that they won’t have access to doctors. And small business leaders all say that the uncertainties and costs associated with Obamacare’s regulations and mandates are hampering or will impede their ability to hire and expand their businesses. …

“Folks, this is just one of many examples of the two very different visions my opponent and I have for America going forward.

“See, he has said that Obamacare is quote, a ‘great achievement’ and that he would vote against repealing it.

“If I have the honor of representing Virginia in the United States Senate, I hope to cast the deciding vote to repeal Obamacare. Then we can replace it with quality affordable, portable health care options like Health Savings Accounts. …

“Ultimately, 2012 will be our generation’s Rendezvous with Destiny – where, together, we can positively change the course of our country. We can spark a genuine comeback for America with empowering tax, regulatory and energy policies that help us recapture the promise of the American Dream for future generations and ourselves. And working together, we will!”

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Ask George Allen – January 27, 2012

Press Office — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:29:50 +0000

Can you believe it is already coming up on the end of January? Only a little over 9 months until election day.

A lot has happened since our last Ask George Allen.

Surprising no one, Chairman Tim Kaine once again stood with President Obama as he blocked the Keystone Pipeline and thousands of good-paying jobs along with it. Just the latest example of Chairman Kaine putting the Obama agenda over the families and small businesses of Virginia.

Check out our web video on his “unabashed” support if you haven’t already seen it.

The President also gave his State of the Union address, which some say sounded more like a “campaign-kickoff” than a sober assessment of the State of our Nation. Click here to see George Allen’s statement and his vision for a better future.

And as always, we continue to receive some great questions from you all, week after week. Click the video below to watch our latest Ask George Allen!

Please keep your questions coming! Remember to follow George and Susan Allen on Facebook to see all our updates from the campaign trail. And for the latest news on the campaign, you can follow us on Twitter at @GeorgeAllenVA and @AllenVA_Press.

Thank you for your energy and enthusiasm for our positive campaign!

A-Team

WMRA News: George Allen Talks About How America Can Regain Our Competitive Advantage

Press Office — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:01:32 +0000

Click below to listen to a great interview with George Allen from WMRA News in the Shenandoah Valley talking about how America can regain our competitive advantage with the right pro job-growth policies and by unleashing our plentiful energy resources.

Click here to listen: http://wmra.org/post/former-governor-and-us-senator-george-allen-running-senate