Candidate speak on steps By: Roycelyn Bastian 06/27/2006Standing on the county courthouse steps, David Van Os, Democratic candidate for Texas Attorney General and Gary Binderim, Democratic candidate for Congressional District 2, spoke to the citizens of Liberty County on why they are running and what they will accomplish once they are voted into office. "I have a message for the oil and insurance companies and the political power grabbers. They better spend every penny they have to defeat me in my quest to run for Texas Attorney General, because once I am sworn into office in January, I am coming after them," said Van Os. Van Os decided to make it his personal mission to try and change the way things are being done on the state and federal level. "I decided to run for attorney general because I am fed up with how my state and country are being run. I felt that I was personally responsible to do everything in my power to make it happen," he said. This is not Van Os's first time running for office. He ran for the Texas Supreme Court in 1998 and 2004. "Between now and November, I will be speaking on my platform at the county courthouses in all of 254 counties in the state. So far, I have spoke at over 60 counties since March," he said. Van Os is originally from Kilgore, but now lives in San Antonio. He is married to his wife Rachael, and together they have four children. "Once I am elected, I am going to take legal action against the oil companies over the high gas prices; insurance companies over high insurance premiums and other monopolist practices." For more information on Van Os, visit www.vanosfortexasag.com. Binderim spoke on the courthouse steps about those who were affected by the hurricanes have not been taken care of. "My only special interest as your congressman will be to listen to you on what you want not from the corporate lobbyists. There are so many people who have sustained damages from hurricanes Rita and Katrina and they are still not being helped by the federal government," said Binderim. This candidate has worked hard as a community activist, serving as a precinct chair and activist, deputy voter registrar, and as a volunteer for various campaigns for office. Now, he wants to represent the people of District 2 in Congress; providing effective representation and fighting for the hard-working people that makes District 2. For more information on Binderim, visit www.GaryBinderim.com. ©Houston Community Newspapers Online 2006

Talk about a full-day!Gary Binderim, the Democrat taking on Ted Poe in CD-02, joined the David Van Os Whistlestop Tour on Tuesday, June 20. Both candidates spoke to supporters and voters at the Liberty and Jefferson County Courthouses. The following is a diary of the day:The first stop was at the Liberty County Courthouse in Liberty. As soon as we got there, we ran into PDiddie himself, Perry Dorrell, who was working the Van Os campaign. There, we met with David, as well as several Democratic lawyers and elected officials. We were more than welcomed by Liberty County Clerk Delia Sellers, as well as Liberty County Democratic Chair Nancy Archer, along with a great group of Democrats. Van Os spoke first, taking on the special interests that currently own Texas and national politics. Then he introduced Binderim who complimented DVO's speech by hitting on disaster relief and the boondoggle that is the insurance industry, which has left many Rita survivors high and not-so-dry after not covering much of the damage.Both were well-received and both took the time for some one-to-one with voters. With members of the media in attendance (The Cleveland Advocate and the Dayton News), both answered their questions, as well as those from voters. After spending a little bit of time at the County Clerk's office, we took off to the next town--Beaumont. David Van Os headed out to a radio interview before taking off to Hardin County, his next stop.When Binderim arrived at the County Courthouse, the Progressive Democrats were there with signs, stickers, and more in support of DVO. As always, they welcomed Binderim with open arms and Gary was able to do some visiting while we all waited for David to arrive from his trip. After the Progressive Dems rolled out their "Celebrate Democracy" banner, David gave a slightly longer, just as firey and motivating, stump speech, smacking big oil and the "robber barons" that have a hold on our Democracy. Binderim then took the stage, and once again complimented DVO's speech--they're both coming after the mouthpieces of the special interests--Greg Abbott and Ted Poe! David took off to another radio interview and Gary received a major treat.After spending a lot of time talking to some of Gary's supporters outside of the courthouse, he was given a short tour of the courthouse, and the guide took him up to the 7th floor--the County Auditor's office, to catch a view of the the Port of Beaumont. The port is home to the military's transportation depot--lots of military equipment leaves from here to all points, especially Iraq. A very nice view; although, the thought that all that equipment was probably bound for Iraq, or any other war the Republicans are aiming for, made the view a bit surreal.The dinner with the Progressive Democrats at Acapulco grill was great, starting with the pre-meeting visiting. There, we met this young guy, a hard-working waiter. He struck up a conversation with us after seeing all of our buttons. We found out that not only had he been born in Mexico, but he had gone through the citizenship process, became a citizen, registered to vote, and is a DEMOCRAT! The negative tones of the immigration debate--which seems to be Ted Poe's sole issue, have energized this young man, and he was excited to meet Gary. Gary took a photo with him for posterity and I'm pretty sure he got his vote too (and hopefully a volunteer!).A good crowd of Progressive Democrats welcomed us to the meeting. After orders were taken and delivered, Gary took the floor and gave another good presentation, which provided a segue into DVO's presentation. This time, DVO took his time and gave a very good talk. He advised those in attendance to not look at the people who did not vote as "non-voters" but as voters abstaining. We must take our campaigns to them, we must include them because they want to hear from us. And we must speak to all voters--Democrats, Independents and Republicans that are fed up with special interests-as-usual. The people deserve representation and Van Os and Binderim will fight for the people.Afterwards, Binderim spent the evening doing some one-to-one visits, passed out lots of stickers to people who will actually put them on their cars, and made lots of important contacts. This Progressive Democrats group from Beaumont means business and they are at the forefront of organizing the County toward victory in 2006 and beyond.A special thanks to John and Suzanne Stafford for organizing the Beaumont aspect of the trip, and to David and Rachel Van Os for being great Democrats.Post-Script: On the way home, right outside of Dayton, TX on 1960, the car began to feel funny--a tire had gone flat. Well, Gary proved to be the NASCAR candidate in this race when he changed the tire with Pit Stop speed! It was too dark for a photo op, but we got back on the road within minutes! All in a days' work--for the people!

For Immediate ReleaseContact:Stace Medellin, vote4gary@gmail.com832-868-9931Binderim Responds to Bush Immigration Speech, Poe Gary Binderim, candidate for Congressional District 2, responded to President Bush’s speech on Immigration. Binderim responded to specific lines in the President's speech (in bold), as well as to his opponent's response:“We will fix the problems created by illegal immigration, and we will deliver a system that is secure, orderly and fair. So I support comprehensive immigration reform...”“I am glad that the President, much like the majority of Americans, supports comprehensive immigration reform. While we may not agree with every aspect of his five point plan, there is an opportunity to continuing the discussion toward a working solution that addresses border security, our need for hard-working people, and the identification of 12 million undocumented people that currently live in the underground economy. Only a comprehensive plan will make us safer and make our economy stronger.”“We honor the heritage of all who come here, no matter where they are from...”Binderim stated: “President Bush has acknowledged once again how most Americans feel. Unfortunately, many in his Republican Party, including Ted Poe, Tom Tancredo, and others in the fringes are spouting hateful rhetoric that has gone unchecked by their leaders. We have an opportunity to bring some sanity to the debate after the President’s speech, while my opponent will certainly continue his divisive wedge politics. America is demanding unity and leadership and I’m the only candidate in this race that supports that direction.”Binderim also responded further to Poe’s support of reactionary and divisive policies created by a small minority of Republicans on the fringes:“First of all, Ted Poe continues to prove that he does not want to work well with others, and that is not what District 2 needs. Ted Poe's insane ideas do not make us safer, if anything, they make us more vulnerable than ever.""Secondly, Ted Poe continues to avoid the real problems that are affecting the vast majority of District 2: Our cost of living is increasing, while Ted Poe provides millionaires whatever they demand of him; college tuition continues to increase, while financial aid for middle class families becomes harder to obtain because of Ted Poe; gas prices continue to be a burden on most District 2 families, while Ted Poe enjoys big checks from Big Oil; health care for the children and elderly continues to be a challenge, while Ted Poe enjoys rubbing elbows with the insurance lobby." "Simply put, Ted Poe is out of touch with the people of District 2 and he is scapegoating a group of people for his own benefit, while doing nothing to improve the livelihood of the people of District 2. We can do better; and I will do better.”

Contact:Stace Medellin, vote4gary@gmail.com, 832-868-9931Continuing to disregard the vast majority of families in District 2, District 2 Congressman Ted Poe voted with his party to continue to increase deficit spending to pay for tax cuts exclusively for the wealthy and other special interests.Gary Binderim, candidate for House of Representatives District 2, stated, "Poe has chosen to irresponsibly place working Americans deeper in debt," adding, "our government is on track to amassing a 9 trillion dollar deficit, and one-third of it has been added by Republicans since 2001. It is the children and grandchildren of middle and working class Americans that will be left with a huge debt--all for the purpose of funding corporate welfare."Critics, including most Democrats, attacked the tax rate reductions on dividends and capital gains as being skewed in favor of the rich. They noted that it was the second half of a GOP budget package that began with $39 billion in benefit cuts over five years, many of which came from programs for the poor such as Medicaid. (Houston Chronicle)Democrats also cited a joint study by the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution that shows taxpayers with incomes greater than $1 million per year winning tax cuts of $42,000 under the bill while families with incomes of $50,000 a year would average a $46 tax cut. (Houston Chronicle)Ted Poe and the Republicans have chosen to cut into health care benefits available to over 40 million uninsured Americans. According to Binderim, "By attacking children and other uninsured individuals, as well as the vast majority of families that make below $50,000 a year, it seems like the Republicans have declared a class war on America. It's time for working people to respond at the ballot box."According to the Census Bureau (2004), 53% of households in District 2 made below $50,000 per year. Only 2.9% of households in District 2 made above $200,000. No indication was given as to how many millionaires reside in District 2, but they are included in the 2.9% figure.According to Binderim, "Obviously, there aren't many millionaires in District 2, but there is an overabundance of middle class households that will gain little to nothing from these tax cuts, while working class families will pick up the tab and see no relief whatsoever." He added, "The majority of families in District 2 want to be represented by someone who will work to create solutions to pay for increasing college tuition, increasing gas prices, and the ever-increasing cost of living, and that is not Ted Poe."

We had a productive day in Beaumont and Port Arthur today with the Binderim campaign. Gary Binderim spoke today to the National Association of Letter Carriers--District 1 at the Holiday Inn in Port Arthur. Although he was given a warm reception in the first minute after his arrival, his fan base grew exponentially as soon as it was announced that he is the guy taking on Ted Poe.Gary spoke from the heart today about his issues, his decision to take on a corporate-funded republican, and about his family's union background. He gained individual supporters and campaign volunteers after announcing that he is not a fan of Postal Service privatization and that he is not about to mess with the livelihood of hard-working people that provide an essential service to America. And he is not about to compromise the quality of work that they do in favor of corporate contracts that effect little quality of service.After having lunch with the group and speaking personally to several individuals--many of them still going through the FEMA failures (administrative and otherwise) after Rita--we headed off on a tour of Port Arthur and Beaumont.It is amazing that this area is still a sea of blue-tarped roofs. Even sadder is driving by a construction contracting business whose first commitment is to rebuilding their own infrastructure before getting back to business. And eight months later, not only is rebuilding barely starting, there are still piles of debris at every corner in certain (and poorer) areas of the district. Where's Ted Poe?After the tour, we ended up at Riverfront Park in downtown Beaumont for the Cinco de Mayo festival. Unfortunately, the crowd was a bit thin after the same showers that hit us in Kingwood this morning, hit them later in the morning. But we met many good Latinos--Democrats! Some had not voted, others had been voters but were hungry to become activists, but they were not afraid to talk to Gary about their feelings toward Ted Poe and the Republican Congress. The vast majority felt that McCain-Kennedy was a good start, but more than anything, their demands are for simple respect--something the Republicans (and a few area Democrats) are yet to provide the community, according to them. So, it is safe to say that Gary gained some fans in the Latino community of B/PA today.We were overjoyed in meeting this young lady--a 16 year-old citizen, daughter of immigrants. She's active in the community, she marched with thousands of others in Beaumont and Port Arthur on Monday in support of human and civil rights, and she's ready to help elect good people. The shocker? She picks whom she supports based on key issues and not rhetoric! A very intelligent young woman that is sure to be on the ballot one day soon.All in all, a great day.

Contact: Stace Medellin, 281-361-5808, vote4gary@gmail.comFor Immediate ReleasePoe Sides With Price GougersIn bipartisan fashion, the House of Representatives voted 389-34 to penalize price gougers at all levels of the oil and gas industry. Among those voting against protecting consumers was District 2 Congressmember Ted Poe (Roll Call #115, 5/2/06).The Federal Energy Price Protection Act was also supported by President George W. Bush who stated: "The price of gasoline should serve as a wakeup call ... that we've got an energy security problem," Bush said after the meeting."Ted Poe had the opportunity to side with the hard-working consumers in District 2, and instead voted on the side of those that fund his campaign and his indifference toward the people." said Gary Binderim, Democratic candidate for District 2. Binderim added, "Obviously, Ted Poe has his priorities; I guess the people of District 2 are not a priority in Ted Poe's agenda."For more information on the Binderim Campaign for Congress, visit www.GaryBinderim.com.

For Immediate ReleaseContact:Gary Binderim, 281-770-0413Stace Medellin, 281-361-5808Email: vote4gary@gmail.comSENATE VOTES AGAINST OUR TROOPS, BINDERIM SAYSAfter the United States Senate voted to divert funding for the war in Iraq to so-called “border security” expenses, Gary Binderim, candidate for Congress District 2 called the measure “a vote against our troops.”The Senate voted against needed equipment needed by our soldiers in Iraq, including body armor and training to defeat improvised explosive devices, according to Binderim. “The Senate Republicans voted to place our troops further in danger where they are currently deployed in order to play wedge politics with the immigration issue,” said Binderim.“There is no doubt that we must increase border security, but there is a big difference between the danger our troops face in a war zone and a border that attracts unarmed people coming to the U.S. to work,” said Binderim, adding, “There’s a big difference between IED’s exploding beneath our troop vehicles in Iraq and unarmed people that want to work and contribute to our country—I will always vote for our troops.”He added: “If you want to bring our troops home quickly and intact, send them the equipment they need—what should have been done in the first place. If you want immigration reform, then do it humanely and comprehensively.”

For Immediate ReleaseContact:Gary Binderim, 281-770-0413Stace Medellin, 281-361-5808Email: vote4gary@gmail.comPoe Chooses Oil Buddies Over the PeopleKINGWOOD, TX—Gas prices continue their climb in Congressional District 2, affecting middle and working class families from one end of the district to the other. Do you know where your congressman is?According to candidate for Congressional District 2, Gary Binderim, one-term incumbent Ted Poe has been missing in action. “As gas prices and the overall cost of living increase, everything we work for seems to be worth less,” said Binderim, adding, “Where’s our congressman?”According to Federal Election Commission documents, Poe has already taken in thousands of dollars from oil and energy companies, while voting against a measure to crack down on price gouging. “Ted Poe voted to protect the special interests that have funded his campaign and his indifference toward the people of District 2,” said Binderim.Binderim blasted Poe’s idea that the solution to high gas prices is more drilling. “Instead of cracking down on oil companies like Exxon Mobil, whose quarterly profits amounted to eight billion dollars during a time when the vast majority of families in District 2 struggle to make ends meet, my opponent is busy raking in PAC money from the oil industry and allowing these companies to profit off the backs of hard-working people like you and me.”Binderim stated that it is time to eliminate the loopholes that allow oil companies to profit in the billions, while providing no relief to consumers. “We can no longer sit idle and allow oil companies and their Congressional lackeys to hold the American people hostage. It is time for them to pay up, or transfer their savings to us. They sure aren't investing much.”According to Binderim, it is time for representation from someone that will fight for families first, and not someone beholden to wealthy interests that benefit few people in District 2. “Enough is enough. My only special interest is the people of District 2.”For more information on Gary Binderim, visit www.GaryBinderim.com.

GARY BINDERIM for CONGRESSContact: Stace Medellin, 281-361-5808Email: vote4gary@gmail.comWeb: www.GaryBinderim.comBinderim Announces for District 2Will Challenge Ted Poe in NovemberKINGWOOD, TX- Gary Binderim, a 23-year resident of Kingwood, has announced that he is a candidate for U.S. Congress, District 2. Binderim will challenge one-term incumbent Ted Poe in November.“America is faced with serious problems, including a growing Republican-created deficit; a lack of priorities that have failed to effectively secure our nation; that have failed to build an effective and productive workforce through the improvement of our education system; and that have failed all Americans who want access to the benefits of a productive economy: job security, health care, educational and training opportunities, and every ingredient that helps build a better America” said Binderim.Binderim also cited the current “culture of corruption” which Ted Poe supported by voting to weaken House ethics rules in a move that many say served only to protect Tom DeLay (H Res. 5, Roll Call #6, 1/4/05). “Bad behavior should not be rewarded or swept under the rugs at the Capitol, and using your Congressional buddies to protect you shows how far some are willing to go,” said Binderim, adding, “we must assure that our government is honest and open if we are to re-gain the trust of the people.” Strengthening House Ethics rules is the key to gaining that trust, according to Binderim.Binderim states he will run a campaign on issues of importance to the majority of District 2 voters. “The hard-working families of District 2 deserve a representative that will provide solutions to those problems we are all concerned with: assuring our military men and women are trained and equipped prior to sending them on missions in order to assure effectiveness and a quick return home; ensuring affordable health care access, especially to our small businesses and struggling families; strengthening Social Security; strengthening our workforce through a real commitment to public education; and tax reform that benefits the vast majority of families.”The Republican Congress is also to blame for an out-of-control deficit, according to Binderim. “After gutting programs that provide a ladder for prosperity to most Americans in order to give the wealthy and special interests huge tax cuts, that same Congress voted to further increase our debt to nine trillion dollars—that’s a nine with 12 zeroes and will be left to those generations after us to pay.” Binderim further remarked that Ted Poe and the Republican priorities in no way mirror the needs of the middle and working class people of District 2, adding, “As gas prices and the overall cost of living increase, everything we work for seems to be worth less. This won’t stop without a change in our leadership and our priorities.”In regards to immigration, Binderim said that Poe’s support of wedge-making policies will further divide the country and do little to protect it from terrorists and drug smugglers. “If we truly want to address the issue of immigration, we need to do it comprehensively in order to assure that our borders and ports are secure from terrorist threats, our economy is strengthened by a viable workforce, and assure that the 12 million immigrants already in the United States are humanely identified and made a part of our tax rolls.” Binderim supports legislation that allows undocumented individuals the opportunity to “pay to stay” by paying fines and back taxes, assuring that there is no amnesty. “In an amnesty, the undocumented would simply be forgiven without fines; the plan that Democrats supports is not an amnesty, yet is humane and keeps families intact.”Of importance to Binderim are the critical needs of first responders. “The FEMA failures after Katrina, the communications problems after Hurricane Rita in Houston, are all signs that Congress has failed to assure a prompt and effective response to natural disasters.” First responders must be more than adequately prepared for any situation, and assuring support in the form of equipment and training is of the essence, said Binderim, adding, “This, along with an effective First Response Communication System, will assure that all levels of government are effectively serving the needs of disaster survivors, instead of placing political careers first.”Binderim has worked for his present company as a water utility manager for 23 years. He was the company’s Area Manager for Kingwood, Texas and surrounding areas from December 1982 to February 1991. Since that time he has performed environmental compliance work on the corporate level, especially in regards to the safety and security of the area’s drinking water.Binderim’s proudest and most important accomplishment has been the privilege of raising his four daughters, each of which graduated from Kingwood High School. He has two grandsons and two of his son-in-laws are proudly serving in our nations military.For more information on the Gary Binderim Campaign for Congress, visit http://www.garybinderim.com/.###

GARY BINDERIMDemocrat for Congresswww.GaryBinderim.comContact:Gary Binderim at 281-770-0413Email: vote4gary@gmail.comBINDERIM REACTS TO TOM DELAY RESIGNATIONKingwood, TX- Gary Binderim, candidate for Texas Congressional District 2, releases this statement in reaction to the resignation of Tom DeLay from Congress: According to the Beaumont Enterprise, Poe expressed surprise: "I was surprised by the news of his withdraw from the race and decision to leave Congress. " said Poe."Who's going to tell Ted Poe how to vote now? He voted with Tom DeLay 92% of the time and even voted to protect DeLay from House Ethics Rules. Ted Poe is a part of DeLay's 'culture of corruption' and we need corruption-free representation in District 2"“But this also goes beyond the corruption of Tom DeLay and his buddies,” said Binderim, “voters must question the Poe-DeLay agenda of ‘government for the wealthy’ and ask if District 2 is truly being represented effectively. I’m running to give the voters of District 2 a choice between responsible, ethical government and the members-only politics of Poe and DeLay.”

Gary BinderimDemocrat for CongressCampaign UpdateCampaign Support Continues to GrowGary has been traveling the district and continues to gain new supporters. Since the last update, he has visited with the National Letter Carriers Asssociation in Port Arthur, he visited the home of a Beaumont survivor of Hurricane Rita whose home was demolished by a falling tree, yet was still found to be livable by FEMA, several Democratic and progressive organizations, and he has been trekking through the western part of the district picking up support. Among the greatest assets of this campaign are the campaigns of fellow Democrats in the area, particularly those of Chad Khan for Texas House District 126 and Dot Nelson-Turnier for Texas House District 150. These campaigns will be integral in getting out the vote in the Spring and Champions portions of District 2 where our Democratic base is growing. Several activities with those campaigns are in the works, including block-walking and meet-and-greet events throughout those areas. We will keep you posted or you can also visit www.GaryBinderim.com for more information.Phone-Banking Set to StartAs expansive as District 2 is, it will be quite a challenge to walk every block and meet every voter. Part of the plan to introduce Gary to voters around the District will be conducted through volunteer phone banking. We are asking for volunteers to sign-up to call voters in the area to introduce the campaign, inform voters of volunteer opportunities, and provide other campaign information, as needed. If you're interested, e-mail us at Vote4Gary@gmail.com. We will provide you the phone list and the script and you can make the calls from the comfort of your own home. Your help is greatly appreciated.Your $upport is Also NeededRunning a Congressional campaign is no easy feat and it also takes money. Along with the usual printing of signs, push cards, buttons, and other paraphernalia, there is also the cost of gas and volunteer expenses (water, snacks, etc.) to get out the vote. As we get closer to November, we'll need even more support to double our efforts throughout the District. We need you to step up and commit to help the campaign any way you can. $35 will pay for 1,600 push cards. $50 will pay for printing 100 buttons to give to supporters. $100 will pay our long distance bill. You get the picture? It really does add up. Every dollar helps us get in touch with the people that Ted Poe continually votes against.It is the support of working people committed to making change happen that will not only make the Binderim Campaign competitive, but also victorious.Ted Poe is giving us every opportunity to win:He voted to continue the tax cuts for the wealthy--a cut that benefits millionaires (less than 3% of District 2 households).He voted to protect price gouging oil companies--he was one of 36 that voted against protecting consumers.He continues to be bankrolled by BIG OIL, drug companies and other special interests--he is not representing you.He continues to hide behind the politics of division and intolerance, while voting against the best interests of District 2 every chance he gets.Simply put, it is time for Poe to go!And you can help send him home by supporting the Gary Binderim Campaign today."This campaign is not just about exposing the indifference Ted Poe has toward the majority of District 2, it is also about offering the voters our solutions to the challenges facing our country. This campaign is also about the entire Democratic ticket. In the last decade Democrats have not had this big of an opportunity to be victorious up and down the ballot. Republican officeholders at every level are giving us every opportunity to take advantage of their votes and practices against the people. Ted Poe simply does not represent the values of the majority of people in District 2 and he proves it everyday. But it is up to all of us to make a statement, not only by voting, but by working to inform every voter we can, engaging them in the electoral and political process, and getting them to the polls. That is what my campaign is about, and I need your help to get me and Democrats in our area elected." Gary BinderimContributions or gifts to the Campaign to Elect Gary Binderim are not tax deductible. Federal law requires us to use best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 per election cycle.Mail to: Gary Binderim Campaign, Jenni Strader-Treasurer, 3011 Brook Shore Court, Kingwood, TX 77339Political Advertisement paid for by the Gary Binderim Campaign

Gary Binderim was out at Good Oil Days in Humble today, where he met hundreds of voters and passed out campaign literature. According to Gary, he received a very good reception and made a lot of good contacts.Throughout the following few weeks, the media campaign begins. We expect numerous newspapers throughout District 2 to become balanced in their coverage of the District 2 race.

GARY BINDERIMDEMOCRAT FOR CONGRESSFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Gary Binderim at 281-770-0413Email: vote4gary@gmail.comBINDERIM RESPONDS TO SENATE IMMIGRATION PLANKINGWOOD, TX- Gary Binderim, candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, District 2, responded to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s vote on legislation to address immigration comprehensively.On the Committee’s Bipartisan Vote:“It is because of the leadership exhibited by Senator Kennedy on the Committee, along with Senator McCain as a co-sponsor, that a responsible and reasonable plan was created,” said Binderim, adding, “And I commend Republican Senators Brownback, Graham, and DeWine for having the courage to go against the ultra-restrictive ideas passed by Ted Poe and the House of Representatives.”On the Guest Worker Program“I think the guest worker proposal lays a good foundation for continued discussion, and it is more than Ted Poe and the House Republicans offered.” said Binderim, “But we must also ensure that the program will only benefit occupations where there is a critical staffing need, and assure that the jobs of skilled American workers are protected. A guest worker plan should not serve profiteering corporations that want to fill skilled positions with cheap labor.”On the Committee’s plan:“The plan contains exactly what I have supported: it strengthens border security, it creates an opportunity to ensure critical staffing needs are met, it calls for retroactive tax payments and fines for immigrants already in the country, and it contains language that will begin a process for identifying immigrants humanely and effectively.”“This plan puts our country on track to securing our borders from the real threats, terrorists and drug lords, while acting humanely in assuring that those that contribute to our nation are given the respect they have earned.”“There are no freebies in this plan. Immigrants will have to pay to stay, in the form of retroactive payment of taxes and penalties for crossing illegally in the first place. I believe all sides of this issue are addressed positively and humanely, as it should have been addressed by Ted Poe.”On the SJC’s Removal of Criminal Charges for Humanitarians“I am proud of the Committee for removing policies that Ted Poe and the House proposed that would have criminalized churches, nonprofit groups, hospitals, and individuals that help immigrant families in need,” said Binderim, “The criminalization of compassionate people that see beyond legal status is just plain wrong.”###