Bill Huizenga RSS Articles

Huizenga Introduces Bipartisan Legislation To Boost Small Business, Reform Government Run Amok

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) announced the introduction of H.R. 2098, The Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2013, the first step in a new approach to reforming Federal Prison Industries/UNICOR:

"Millions of Americans remain out of work, many through no fault of their own," said Huizenga. "As small businesses continue to struggle in the current economic environment, one thing they shouldn't have to worry about is their own government using prison labor to drive them out of business. The Federal Prison Industries Act of 2013 levels the playing field for private sector job creators by eliminating UNICOR's 'no-bid' contract status and forcing this government-owned behemoth to compete and operate in the same manner as private industry. Additionally, this legislation forces UNICOR to meet federal health and safety standards and pay a market rate for the production of goods and services provided. If UNICOR is going to act like a business, it must play by the same set of rules as a business. The status quo affords UNICOR a unique competitive advantage that simply should not exist. It's time to get the government working for people, not taking their jobs."

Lead Democrat cosponsor Carolyn Maloney (NY-12) released the following statement in support of H.R. 2098: "This bill we are introducing—versions of which I have sponsored or co-sponsored over the last dozen years— will require the Federal Prison Industries’ brands to compete with private-sector businesses on a level playing field," Rep. Maloney said. "It should improve the ability of private companies to win contracts for government work and it will improve the working conditions of FPI employees. It's a win-win for everyone involved."

Background:

UNICOR, or Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), is a government-owned corporation that employs offenders incarcerated in correctional facilities under the Federal Bureau of Prisons. UNICOR manufactures products and provides services that are sold to executive agencies in the federal government as well as the military. Examples of these products and services include clothing and textiles, office furniture, electronics, fleet and industrial products, recycling, and services such as call center and help desk support. UNICOR operates 81 factories located at 63 prison facilities across the country.

The Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2013 requires FPI to compete for government contracts by minimizing unfair competition with the private sector firms and driving fair and reasonable prices. The bill will also substantially enhance the opportunity for public participation in the process by which UNICOR is authorized to produce a new product or expand production by requiring a detailed independent analysis of the impact on the private sector a UNICOR expansion would have.

The bill also makes reforms to FPI by imposing federal occupational, health, and safety standards on FPI with respect to its industrial operations; allowing inmates within FPI to work for a tax-exempt charity, religious organization, or local governmental unit or school district that has an agreement with FPI; requiring the Department of Labor to raise the hourly minimum wage rate for inmates to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1939; and establishing an enhanced in-prison educational and vocational assessment and training program to help with release readiness preparation.

The original co-sponsors on this bipartisan reform legislation aimed at boosting private sector job creation are: Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY), Rep. Dan Benishek (MI), Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN), Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC), Rep. Trent Franks (AZ), Rep. Walter Jones (NC), Rep. Frank LoBiondo (NJ), Rep. Candice Miller (MI), Rep. Mick Mulvaney (SC), Rep. Edward Royce (CA), Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (WI), Rep. Fred Upton (MI), and Rep. Tim Walberg (MI).

Huizenga Congratulates Muskegon Reeths-Puffer Students On Financial Literacy Performance

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement congratulating students from Reeths-Puffer High School for their incredible performance and understanding of savings, investment, and the global marketplace.

"The importance of understanding the global marketplace, learning the value of long-term savings, and the significance of sound financial investment cannot be understated. These core principles are something I teach my own children and use on a daily basis serving on the House Financial Services Committee. By not only learning but employing these principles, students at Reeths-Puffer have started down the path of fiscal understanding that will prove to be a considerable advantage later in life. Congratulations to the students at Reeths-Puffer for an incredibly impressive performance. I also want to congratulate and thank Rich Corbin for fostering the spark in his students. I encourage other schools around West Michigan to get involved in the Capitol Hill Challenge in order to help teach our children the importance of financial literacy, investment, and savings."

The Reeths-Puffer Team finished 6th out of 4,600 teams in the Capitol Hill Challenge, a nationwide competition created by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, more commonly known as SIFMA.

Members of the Team Include:

• Sydni Healy
• Morgan Jones
• Joshua Stinger
• Gates Green
• Luke Bogner

The students and Jennifer Anderson, the school's assistant principal, will be meeting with Congressman Huizenga to discuss the importance of financial literacy in Washington, DC the week of June 17th.

About The Capitol Hill Challenge: The Capitol Hill Challenge (CHC) is a special edition of The Stock Market Game™ (SMG) program that matches Members of Congress with students, teachers, and schools benefiting from SMG in their respective district or state. Since its inception in 2004, CHC has engaged Representatives and Senators with more than 45,000 students across the country. The program takes place every spring with student teams managing a hypothetical online portfolio and investing in real stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The classroom learning focuses on the dynamics of the global marketplace and the importance of long-term saving and investing. The CHC acknowledges the accomplishments of the top ten student teams and their teachers with a trip to Washington D.C. to meet their Members of Congress and tour financial landmarks and national monuments.

About SIFMA: The SIFMA Foundation is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to fostering knowledge and understanding of the financial markets for individuals of all backgrounds. Drawing on the support and expertise of SIFMA member firms and the financial industry, the SIFMA Foundation provides financial education programs and tools that strengthen economic opportunity across communities and increase individuals’ access to the benefits of the global marketplace. SIFMA Foundation programs are supported by the generous contributions of SIFMA member firms and SIFMA Foundation partners who care deeply about providing financial education to people of all backgrounds. To learn more about SIFMA Foundation programs, please visit www.sifma.org/foundation.

Huizenga Blasts The Obama Administration's "Don't Tell Dad" Policy, Culture of Shading The Truth

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today on Michigan's Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) excoriated the culture of shading the truth the Obama Administration has established in Washington.

Click here to view the full interview

• On the Senior Staff of the White House Knowing About The IRS Scandal But Apparently Not Telling President Obama: I set the culture in my own office. I can tell you, if my Chief of Staff, my Legislative Director, or my District Director knew some major details like this and I had to find about it in the news like everyone else, I would be looking for a new Chief of Staff and a new District Director. … What they are calling it in Washington is the "Don't Tell Dad" mentality that the Administration has. Either they (The White House Senior Staff) are all incompetent or it is definitely a questioning of their character.

• On The Culture Being Created and Put Forward By The Obama Administration: It's the pattern of behavior. There are a lot of us that had these concerns and tried to talk about it this past election. That, I think, is the frustration so many of us have. It is just a pattern of not quite coming out with the truth and shading details. It's all these things: Fast and Furious, whether it's Benghazi, certainly as we are seeing with the IRS scandal here - This Administration never wants to fess up.

Holland Sentinel: West Ottawa student wins 2013 Congressional Art Competition

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The Holland Sentinel - May 18, 2013

West Ottawa senior Kylee Panse won the Second Congressional District Art Competition on May 11.

Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland, had a reception celebrating the 2013 Congressional Art Competition finalists.

Panse’s piece, "Vanity," will join winners from across the nation and be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year.

Theresa Wierenga, of Fremont High School, took second place for her work, titled "Fremont Lake" and Jaydon Lindeman of Tri-Unity Christian High School with his work "American Eagle" took third place.

The Congressional Art Competition started in 1982 as a way to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of young constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition.

"This is an event I look forward to every year, and this year we received more entries from more schools than ever before,” Huizenga said in a prepared statement. “I am encouraged by the competition's continued growth and look forward to see what the imagination and creativity of Second District students come up with in the future."

Other finalists from the area:

West Ottawa High School

Dana Bauer "Hand Directions"

Saray Ortiz-Tapia "Gator"

Michael Pierce "Home"

Blake Kata-Carlson "A Tolerant Tomorrow"

Danielle Shurlow "Still Life Study in Color"

Littlenor You Thach "Standardized Resting"

WWMT: Local Group Claims IRS Abuse

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

(NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Ottawa County Patriots president Jim Chiodo was on Capitol Hill Thursday meeting with other tea party members and congressional representatives. He was invited to the event to share his story about what he calls harassment by the IRS. He says he applied with the IRS for 501-c3 status in 2011 to qualify as a non-profit organization. But it still hasn't gone through and he says the IRS has only put up roadblocks. "90 days went by, another 90 days went by, we began calling again, we called, we didn't get an answer, didn't get through no one returned our calls," says Chiodo. Officials have said conservative tea party groups across the country were targeted by the IRS for heightened scrutiny when applying for non-profit status. Thursday some congress members met with those groups and held a news conference offering their support. Chiodo says some chapters are considering suing the IRS. President Obama has said he was unaware of what the IRS was doing but Chiodo says he's not convinced. "I believe the message President Obama has given to every agency is win at whatever cost, attack, do whatever you have to do to fight these bad tea party and conservative groups," says Chiodo. Representative Bill Huizenga was also there at the meeting and news conference Thursday, he says this is an example of government run amok and called for a full investigation. Chiodo says he is going to work with Huizenga to try to finally get his non-profit status.

Huizenga Grills SEC Chair Over Regulatory Red Tape, Roadblocks To Small Business Job Creation, & Budgetary Expenditures

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, during a Financial Services Committee hearing, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) questioned the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairwoman Mary Jo White. During the exchange, Huizenga peppered the new agency head over the regulatory hurdles put in place by the SEC that make it more difficult for employers large and small to grow, expand, and create jobs. At the end of his questioning, Congressman Huizenga also asked the SEC Chair to evaluate her agencies budgetary expenditures by raising the point that over 85% of her employees make $100,000 or more annually.

Huizenga Discusses H.R. 1135, His Legislation To Reform Dodd-Frank and Remove Burdensome Regulations That Serve No Benefit To Investors and Cost Employers Both Time and Capital:

• Huizenga: Neither one of us were around this institution when Dodd-Frank came into effect, but we're both dealing with the echo effects of it and I want to explore that a little bit. I've got to tell you I was thrilled earlier, I think in one of your responses to my colleague, Mr. Neugebauer from Texas. You said, I believe the quote was, it's one of your highest priorities to simplify reporting requirements. Well, we've got one of those solutions for you, all right? It's called HR-1135. Myself and my colleague Mr. Garrett from New Jersey. It's dealing with the pay ratio, and section 953 of Dodd-Frank has been labeled by some a logistical nightmare because of all the different factors that are having to be put in place to consider calculating total compensation. And I'm curious, there's a lot of questions out there, you know, would transit benefits or employee-paid health care cost be a component of compensation. Should domestic and multinational employees be a part of the calculation? What about part-time employees or independent contractors? It seems to me it's a vague statue. If you would agree or disagree with that. And what factors do you believe must be considered to issue and determining this calculation. Have you looked at that at all?

• White: I have looked at that, and again, there are, you know, others who feel very strongly that that needs to be done as quickly as possible. The complication with that is in the definition of total compensation, under specific definition of that which applies when you're disclosing your top executives' compensation. That is the statutory definition leads to all the others issues you've just, you know, keyed up in terms of some of those complexities.

• Huizenga: I guess ultimately my question is, to what end? To what good? And that, you know, when Center on Executive Compensation did a survey, they believe that's an estimate of three months, in some cases longer, to calculate and gather all these pay ratios. I'd love to know whether the commission staff has taken any effort to identify the cost to business for this when there is, in my view of it, absolutely no benefit to the health and well-being and safety and soundness of either a corporation or the investors of it. It seems to me it's trying to turn it into a political football, And I'm curious and we can -- would love to submit these as well, get maybe a further, more full answer from you. But it seems to me we need to find out from you whether you believe that it's worthwhile, the significant amounts of time and money that are going to be spent on developing it.

• White: Very quickly. I mean, it's a mandated rule-making for us, so as a regulator --

• Huizenga: Well, 1135 will take care of that, and we'll alleviate you of that burden.

Huizenga Previews New Legislation To Reform The Merger and Acquisitions Regulatory Process In Order To Boost Small Business Growth, Expansion and Job Creation:

• Huizenga: We're working on some draft legislation regarding mergers and acquisitions, and earlier you were talking about small businesses and trying to focus and concentrate on that. Our proposal is to right-size federal regulation of MNA intermediaries and business brokers, and it's been one of the top recommendations for the government-industry forum on small business capital formation which the SEC annually holds. It's been a recommendation in 2005, '06, '07, '08, '09, '10 and '11. Do you see that this is an important small business capital formation concern, and under your leadership what priority are you going to be giving to these small business issues?

• White: You know, I certainly appreciate the concerns of that issue and I will give a very high priority to small business issues during my tenure.

• Huizenga: OK, just to clarify right now, presently broker-dealer registration is a one-size-fits-all approach and 90 percent of the requirements are totally irrelevant to a broker-dealer engaging in a limited capital-raising activities. And this could be something as small as selling an LLC because it has membership shares and those kinds of things.

• White: I will commit to reviewing that specifically.

Huizenga Questions SEC Fiscal Responsibility, Points Out That Over 85% Of SEC Employees Make Over $100,000:

Huizenga: We're talking budgets. According to my calculations, about $550 million of your budget goes to folks that make a hundred thousand dollars or more on your staff. And I understand a hundred thousand dollars in Washington, D.C., isn't it same as in Zeeland, Michigan. But you've got 85.75% of your employees making a hundred thousand dollars or more. I'd like you to review that as well.

Huizenga Joins West Michigan Conservatives, Elected Officials From Across the Nation To Demand Answers on IRS Targeting

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) joined Jim Chiodo of the Ottawa County Patriots, targeted conservative groups and legislators from around the country to demand answers on the IRS abusing its authority and discriminating against conservative organizations across Ottawa County, the Second Congressional District of Michigan and the United States.

"The fact that the IRS has been selectively stone-walling, slow-walking and essentially denying conservative applications for the past two years because their beliefs run counter to the Administration's agenda is beyond unacceptable. No one should be intimated into silence by the government as part of our political process," said Huizenga. "Steven Miller's resignation as acting head of the IRS does not come close to actually solving problem. A full investigation of the IRS, with cooperation from the Obama Administration, is both necessary and required. West Michigan is witnessing 'Big Government' run amok. Government should work for the people, not against them and I hope President Obama will join the bipartisan call for action."

Pictures from today's event can be found HERE on Congressman Huizenga's website.

MLive: West Ottawa senior's triptych illustration wins spot at U.S. Capitol

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

West Ottawa senior's triptych illustration wins spot at U.S. Capitol
MLive - Kyle Moroney - May 15, 2013

HOLLAND, MI -- A West Ottawa High School senior’s triptych graphic illustration will join a Rockford student’s painting on the walls of the U.S. Capitol this year.

Kylee Panse’s art piece, “Vanity,” won the 2013 Congressional Art Competition for Michigan’s second district.

Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, awarded Panse with the honor during a reception on Saturday, May 11.

"I want to congratulate Kylee and all of the students who entered this year's Congressional Art Competition,” Huizenga said. “I also want to thank all of the teachers and parents who continue to encourage these young artists to stay involved and develop their talents. This is an event I look forward to every year, and this year we received more entries from more schools than ever before. I am encouraged by the competition's continued growth and look forward to see what the imagination and creativity of Second District students come up with in the future."

Panse will join other winners from the country, including Rockford High School senior Elise Shierbeek, in having their art on display for a year at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.

“It’s a really big honor and I’m really excited because I worked really hard on it,” Panse said. “I was so surprised because all the pieces were really good. I loved all the pieces that were there.”

The 17-year-old’s triptych illustration – a three-part piece viewed as one – was an assignment in her digital art and design class earlier this year. For inspiration, she took photos of nearby lakes, her backyard and finally, three different pictures of the vanity in her bedroom.

“I came to realize how vain a vanity really is,” Panse said.

While Panse describes herself as not being “artsy,” she enjoys creativity. Over the course of a month, Panse used Adobe Illustrator to transform the vanity pictures into graphic works of art.

“Something that I’ve always liked about the piece is the double meaning behind the title,” said Brian Kelly, Panse’s art teacher at West Ottawa High School. “The piece has such depth to it and how each mirror plays off each other.
“I’m really excited for Kylee,” he added.

Panse will fly to the U.S. Capitol to see her displayed piece in mid-June, she said. The Holland teen plans to attend Michigan State University in the fall.

“It’s really cool that people can see them and I hope they like it,” she said of the high school art that will be on display at the U.S. Capitol.

Grand Haven Tribune: Huizenga Announces Congressional Art Competition Winner

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, Congressman Bill Huizenga announced the 2013 Congressional Art Competition Finalists at a gallery in Grand Haven.
Grand Haven Tribune - 5/14/13

Kylee Panse, a senior from West Ottawa High School, was the winner of the competition. Kylee's piece "Vanity" will join winners from across the nation and be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year.

Theresa Wierenga of Fremont High School took second place for her work titled "Fremont Lake." Jaydon Lindeman of Tri-Unity Christian High School with his work "American Eagle" took third place.

"I want to congratulate Kylee and all of the students who entered this year's Congressional Art Competition,” said Huizenga, R-Zeeland. “I also want to thank all of the teachers and parents who continue to encourage these young artists to stay involved and develop their talents.”

Muskegon Chronicle: Veterans Jobs Fair Friday in Muskegon!

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Veterans job fair, Armed Forces remembrance service set for May 17, 18
Muskegon Chronicle - Stephen Kloosterman - May 12, 2013

MUSKEGON, MI – It’s a good time to be a veteran. The Veterans Job Fair will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 17, and Armed Forces Day will be observed starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18 in Muskegon. Both events will be held at the USS LST 393, docked at 560 Mart St.

New last year, the job fair was a success, with about 1,200 people showing up to the fair on the deck of a retired tank carrier. About 120 people -- or one in 10 -- left the job fair hired, said Jesse Mikaelsen, a Muskegon-based veterans’ employment representative with Michigan’s Workforce Development Agency. Another 178 people left the event with interviews lined up, he said.

The success of last year’s fair has drawn a lot of attention this year from companies.

“We had employers calling us up,” Mikaelsen said. “We’re drawing employees and organizations from about a 10-county area.”

More than 60 companies and veteran’s groups have committed to attend the event. Norris Ellis, also a veterans’ employment representative with the state, said that veteran’s are attractive hires for many businesses.

“There are multiple reasons,” he said. “Veterans are accustomed to taking instructions -- working as a team. They’re disciplined.”

The free job fair is geared toward veterans, but anyone can attend, said Dave Eling, executive director of the Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs.

“We don’t want the title to dissuade anyone from coming,” he said.

Armed Forces Day will be observed the next day.

Events will start at 10 a.m. There will be free tours of the LST and entrance to the ship’s museum will be free all day. The Grand Rapids Accordion Ensemble will perform from 11 a.m. to noon.

The formal program beginning at noon will include music from the U.S. Army 146th Field Band Brass Quintet and the Leffring Sisters. State Sen. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart will speak. The program will end with a 21-gun salute, taps, and a fly-over of rare World War II-era aircraft.

“The music portion of it is just phenomenal,” said Dan Weikel, curator of the LST museum.

The ceremony this year will have a special focus on World War II veterans. Veterans are asked call to contact organizers at (231) 288-4012 prior to Saturday so they can receive a certificate of appreciation at the event.