|
Hood River News Editorial
January 27, 2007
It’s not quite filibustering, but the
speech series Greg Walden has planned for the floor of the U.S. House
might be even more effective.
Walden is raising what he calls “a bit of a ruckus” on the House floor
in hopes of jump-starting a federal funding program for rural
counties.
For a minute each day for 18 days, he is making a protracted plea for
reauthorizing the Secure Rural Roads and Community Self-Determination
Act. Walden plans to name one of the 18 affected counties in his
Second Congressional District — and what that area stands to lose.
In the case of Hood River — up on Feb. 6 — the revenue is $2.9 million
that is essential to maintain roads and operate schools. (Jackson
County tops Walden’s list with a potential loss of $24.3 million.)
Congressional funding packages tend to get just that — packaged — and
specific losses and gains can get lost in the long, dense wording of
complex legislation.
So for his colleagues to hear what will happen, county by county, in
Walden’s Second District if the funding, known as “county payments” is
lost, is a refreshing way to make the case for reauthorization. The
funds are truly vital to this and other counties, and we encourage
Rep. Walden in his efforts. It is the kind of innovative advocacy that
earned the Hood River native his re-election in November. |
