Paulsen Post: 9/11, School Bill and Medical Device Tax

by Congressman Erik Paulsen

Students are back in school, and Congress is back in session. I will refrain from making any wise-cracks about who is smarter. Speaking of school, a bipartisan schools bill passed this week and the details are below with additional updates from our nation's Capitol. Let me know whenever I can be of assistance and keep in touch.

Remembering 9/11

All of us remember exactly where we were on that fall morning in 2001. And after a decade the wave of emotion and support continues to sustain those affected by the senseless acts of violence in New York City, The Pentagon and in Western Pennsylvania. I spent the 10th anniversary of 9/11 remembering the loved and lost at a memorial service in Mound.

Although the world has changed a great deal in the last ten years, we will never forget what happened on that Tuesday morning, no matter how much time passes. Let us all reflect on the decade that followed the attacks, and rededicate ourselves to do all the good we can, with all the faith and energy and devotion we can muster.

My Amendment Included in Bipartisan School Bill

Our future as a country is directly tied to the success of our youngest generations. Therefore, it’s imperative to give students every opportunity to learn and grow regardless of where they live or their financial situation.

On Tuesday, the House passed the Empowering Parents Through Charter Schools Act with strong bipartisan support. It streamlines charter school programs, reduces administrative burdens and improves funding opportunities to replicate successful charter school models. I authored and passed an amendment to this bill that helps charter schools expand faster by giving them the ability to receive grant money after three years rather than the current five years. Minnesota was a pioneer in charter schools, and this bipartisan bill follows in that legacy.

Read my statement on the legislation.

Medical Device Tax

I've long said the new $20 billion tax on medical devices that was included in the new healthcare law would jeopardize jobs and innovation. This was confirmed by a study just released last week that shows 10 percent of the work force could be let go if this tax on innovation goes into effect. I will work to stop the medical innovation tax from going into effect before it causes more job losses in our already fragile economy.

Read a local article about the study's findings.

Read my statement on the study's findings.

View my floor speech on the innovation tax.