Rokita Report - Standing Up for Hoosiers

Statement

Dear Friend,

Thank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 114th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well, as we work together to bring Hoosier common sense to Washington.

I would like to wish everyone a safe and joyful Independence Day! As we spend time with our families and enjoy fireworks, we must remember the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom and cherish how fortunate we are to be citizens in this great nation.

Farm Visits to Assess Flood Damage

On Wednesday, along with Governor Pence, I had the opportunity to tour two local farms and survey the damage caused by June's heavy rains and flooding. I spoke with farmers of Culp Farm in Jasper County and Plank Farm in Cass County, to see the crop damage and discuss ways to minimize the adverse economic impact to Hoosier farmers.

In trying times like these, I have no doubt we will see the kindness and generosity of Hoosiers in communities across the state. While the flood damage I saw on Wednesday is a temporary setback, I know our farmers will bounce back thanks to their strong work ethic and resiliency.

My office is very proactive and we are trained for this type of situation. We are prepared to act in Washington and in the District should the damages require federal intervention.

Auto-Safety Technology: Empowering Consumers Without Mandates

Last month, I introduced a commonsense bill with Representative Earl Blumenauer of Oregon that will arm new car buyers with potentially life-saving information. The Safety Through Informed Consumers (STICRS) Act requires the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) to integrate active safety technology into its crashworthiness rating system, but does not mandate automakers to adopt such technologies. This ensures consumers are informed about innovative safety features integrated in their vehicle before they purchase it.

The bill showcases new safety technologies that American innovators, such as Delphi Automotive, an auto-parts supplier with a facility in Kokomo, IN, are developing to improve automobile safety. New technologies such as, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, blind spot detection, and assisted braking can save lives by preventing accidents all together.

In a joint release, Jeff Owens, Delphi's Chief Technology Officer, stated:

Delphi Automotive applauds Rep. Rokita for championing common sense legislation to increase the use of life-saving active safety vehicle technology. When fully utilized, this technology can save over 10,000 lives per year and reduce vehicle collisions by nearly one-third. By expediting active safety technology into the marketplace, this legislation promotes continued development in the US of market-relevant safety solutions, with the Kokomo facility playing a leadership role.

This is a win for consumers and manufacturers because it increases transparency without mandating it. The bill promotes innovation and the integration of safety technologies in new vehicles without forcing automakers to comply with heavy-handed federal regulations. Ultimately, this empowers consumers with more information about cars they are looking to buy, which will further foster competition in our free market economy.

Going Behind the Counter at Casey's General Store in Brownsburg

Earlier this week, I experienced first-hand what it is like to work as a clerk at Casey's General Store in Brownsburg. This gave me the opportunity to listen to customers passing through and better understand the jobs that keep Indiana running.

As I travel across Indiana, I am reminded of the hard work Hoosiers put in every day to make a better life for themselves and their families. In order to build a better life, one must start somewhere. I am grateful for businesses like Casey's which provide work opportunities for those new to the workforce and for those who are just trying to make ends meet.

Hoosiers are known for their strong work ethic, which I have experienced time and time again. I look forward to more opportunities to step into the shoes of Indiana's workers. These experiences not only grow my appreciation for hard work, but also inform and motivate my fight for commonsense solutions I can take back to Washington.

Obama's Regulation that will Hurt Businesses

This week, President Obama announced a proposed Department of Labor regulation that would require overtime be paid to salaried workers who make up to $50,400 a year. I have received input from a number of Hoosier small businesses that indicate a regulation such as this would hurt their ability to grow and would hurt their business.

The President has disguised this regulation as a tool to help workers. In reality, it hinders business' ability to expand and promote their employees. Ultimately, this will not be good for Hoosiers.

Once again the Obama Administration has shown complete disregard for a free market economy driven by supply and demand. Instead of wedging the federal government further into the employer-employee relationship, I am focused on growing the economy and creating more jobs.

The Joint Economic Committee issued a full report on the proposed rule.

Thank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts to bring Hoosier common sense to Washington. Take care.

Sincerely,

Todd Rokita

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