Hal Rogers RSS Articles

Rogers to Keynote National Energy Summit at The Center for Rural Development

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) will join leaders from across the nation next week in Somerset, Kentucky for the 2012 Tennessee Valley Corridor (TVC) National Technology Summit, May 23-24, at The Center for Rural Development. Rogers will keynote the event focused on "Promoting America's Energy Security."

"Southern and Eastern Kentucky, the heart of America's coalfields, is a prime location for the Tennessee Valley Corridor to highlight energy security this year," said Rogers. "The Summit will bring together leaders from across the nation to collaborate on energy issues, as well as workforce development and job creation in rural America."

Rogers will be joined by some of his Congressional colleagues, as well as leaders in energy, education and economic development, including: Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03); Director of the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Lab, Dr. Anthony Cugini; Kentucky's Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Len Peters; Oak Ridge National Laboratory Director, Dr. Thom Mason; Senior Vice President of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Anda Ray; the President of the University of Tennessee, Dr. Joe DiPietro; the President of Morehead State University, Dr. Wayne Andrews, and many more.

Kentucky hosted the fall TVC Summit for the first time in November 2004 at The Center for Rural Development. Congressman Rogers and the former U.S Secretary of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge delivered the keynote address on "Technology: Linking Homeland Security and Hometown Prosperity."

The registration deadline for the 2012 Summit is Thursday, May 17th. The public is invited to attend. For more information, visit www.tennvalleycorridor.org/summits/detail.html.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit www.halrogers.house.gov.

####

Rogers' Long-time District Director Announces His Retirement

Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers' (KY-05) long-time District Director, Bob Mitchell announced his plans to retire on June 1, 2012.

“Bob Mitchell is one of the greatest political advisors in the history of our Commonwealth,” said Rogers. “He has been by my side from the beginning, starting as a volunteer in my race for Kentucky's Lieutenant Governor seat in 1979 and my first Congressional race in 1980, following me through 32 years representing southern and eastern Kentucky, until today. Together, we have worked on every major project across the region from flood prevention projects to road projects and the formation of successful non-profit organizations like The Center for Rural Development, PRIDE, Operation UNITE, the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation, Forward in the Fifth and TOUR Southern and Eastern Kentucky (TOUR SEKY). I can say with the upmost confidence that Bob Mitchell is one of the greatest ambassadors of southern and eastern Kentucky, dedicating tireless efforts to projects that would most benefit the people of our rural region and our great Commonwealth. He has not only been one of my closest friends and confidants, but worked diligently to gain the trust and partnerships of thousands of families and community leaders across Kentucky. Regardless of his absence in the office, we will continue brainstorming ideas to transform this region that we both call home."

Although Mitchell is retiring from his official congressional duties, he will continue to serve as Congressman Rogers' campaign manager. Bob and his wife Nancy, who is also retiring from her accounting business in Corbin, Kentucky plan to travel and enjoy their well-deserved time together.

###

District Director, Bob Mitchell and Congressman Hal Rogers

Rogers Announces Winners of 2012 Congressional Art Competition

Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced the winners of the 2012 Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District.

The first place artwork, entitled “Entranced,” was drawn by Jeffery Couch, a junior at Knott Central High School. Jeffery utilized colored pencils to capture his younger sister reading one of her favorite books while seated under a tree near their home. His art teacher is Carolyn Slone Gibson. Jeffery is the son of Jeffery and Robin Couch of Kite, Kentucky.

“Our region is known for incredible talents, from musicians to crafters and artists and the Congressional Art Competition is a great way to highlight the newest talent from the mountains of southern and eastern Kentucky,” said Rogers. “Jeffery's artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for thousands of visitors from across the world to see and I am proud that everyone will know that it came from eastern Kentucky.”

The second place artwork, was an acrylic painting of flowers in a glass vase by Monica Withers, a sophomore at Monticello High School. Her art teacher is Tonya Marcum. Monica is the daughter of Tim Withers and Angela Denney of Monticello, Kentucky.

The third place artwork, was entitled "A Dandelion Wish" by Rebecca Ann Trosper, a sophomore at North Laurel High School. Rebecca used black and white photography to capture the details of a dandelion. Her art teacher is Tony Johnson. She is the daughter of Tom and Mary Trosper of Annville, Kentucky.

The winning artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol Building where it will hang alongside artwork from congressional districts across the nation. First place artists are invited to a Congressional Art Competition reception on June 20th in Washington, D.C. and will receive two complimentary airline tickets to attend. Jeffery Couch is also eligible for a college art scholarship as the first place district winner.

The second and third place winners will receive a Congressional certificate of recognition for their award-winning artwork.

The Congressional Art Competition, sponsored by the Congressional Institute, was initiated by Congress in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of young people living in their districts. More than 650,000 students have participated in the competition over the last 29 years.

To see the top three winning pieces of artwork and the artists from Southern and Eastern Kentucky, visit www.halrogers.house.gov/photos.

Photo Cutline: Rogers with Jeffery Couch of Knott Central High School,
1st Place Winning Artwork "Entranced"

2nd Place Winning Artwork "Flowers in Glass Vase" by Monica Withers of Monticello High School

3rd Place Winning Artwork, "A Dandelion Wish" by Rebecca Ann Trosper fNorth Laurel High School

Hollywood Stars Join Rogers to Kick-off The Dionysus Project and Discuss Drug Abuse

Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, May 3rd, Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) joined Operation UNITE, The Partnership at Drugfree.org, the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, and Outside the Wire in Manchester, Kentucky for the kick-off of The Dionysus Project, an innovative nation-wide public health initiative aimed at the drug abuse epidemic.

More than 275 people filled Eastern Kentucky University's Robert Stiver's Building on the Manchester Campus to watch Hollywood celebrities like Jesse Eisenberg from The Social Network and Adam Driver from HBO's Girls, and Broadway stars like Kathleen Chalfant and Peter Frances James perform scenes from Euripides' Bacchae, an ancient Greek play about the destructive power of intoxication.

"It shows that human nature has not changed in 2,500 years," said Rogers. "People are still enticed by intoxicants and lose their way in life, and that is a modern story. Thanks to UNITE, we have been diligent in our grassroots battle against the drug epidemic, but it's great to have celebrities from Hollywood and Broadway who can draw the attention of young people to the dangers of drug abuse, especially the prescription drugs that are available in our medicine cabinets."

Following the presentation, Rogers joined panelists State Senator Robert Stivers (R-25), Melanda Adams of Clay Countians UNITED, and Debra Anderson from the Baptist Regional Medical Center for a town hall discussion about the impact of substance abuse and addiction in southern and eastern Kentucky. Several community members shared their stories of recovery and the desire to be more proactive in community anti-drug efforts.

During the discussion, Rogers presented Senator Robert Stivers with an award of appreciation for championing Kentucky legislation on substance abuse this year.

"Senator Stivers is a true champion in the war on drugs," said Rogers. "He revived key legislation to strengthen our laws against pill mills and to further limit the availability of the main ingredient in meth, pseudoephedrine."

The celebrities also took The Dionysus Project to the Perry County Public Library in Hazard, Kentucky where nearly 200 people were in attendance.

Click here to view photos from the Manchester presentation of the The Dionysus Project.
Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov or join Rogers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers.

####

Rogers Votes To Extend Current Student Loan Low Interest Rates

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) voted in support of H.R. 4628, the Interest Rate Reduction Act, which prevents a scheduled 3.4% increase in interest rates on new federally subsidized student loans. H.R. 4628 extends the current 3.4% interest rate, which was scheduled to increase to 6.8% on July 1, 2012, for an additional year. The House of Representatives passed this measure 215 - 195 and H.R. 4628 now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate.

“As parents and students are working to line up college funding for next school year, this is welcome news,” said Rogers. “This legislation locks in lower interest rates on federal student loans through the Spring of 2013 and makes college loans more affordable in the long-term for students who receive these loans. During a time of economic uncertainty, we should be developing policies for students to expand their skills, receive quality higher education, and make our nation and our region more competitive without saddling tomorrow’s leaders with burdensome debt. H.R. 4628 helps accomplish just that. This is a common-sense plan and I am hopeful that the Senate will pass this measure and send it to the President to be signed into law.”

To pay for the cost of the rate extension, the measure repeals unspent funding from Obamacare’s 2010 Prevention and Public Health Fund, and also contributes $6 billion in deficit reduction. Neglecting to extend the current interest rate would result in approximately 7.4 million undergraduate students with an additional $1,000 in higher interest rate costs over the life of an average loan.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov or Rogers’ Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers. To receive Twitter updates go to: https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers

####

Rogers Launches Twitter Effort to Connect with Kentuckians

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Last week, Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced the launch of his new Twitter account to connect with citizens by sharing legislative information, providing updates, and receiving feedback from constituents and interested parties. Rogers’ Twitter account will provide followers with instant communication and web-links to the happenings of southern and eastern Kentucky and Washington D.C. These efforts are designed to help Kentuckians and all Americans stay up-to-date and well informed on the workings of Congress and Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District.

“A couple of years ago, I joined the world of Facebook and started putting videos on YouTube. Now, I am happy to announce the launch of my new Twitter account,” stated Rogers. “Through social media, Americans can more readily keep up with my efforts to improve southern and eastern Kentucky, create jobs and opportunities in our region, hold federal agencies accountable, and be the first to read up on upcoming events, legislative information, and spotlights on local organizations and residents.”

To follow Rogers on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or through his monthly e-newsletter, follow the links below.

Click the logo to follow me on Twitter or log on to: https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers

Click the logo to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CongressmanHalRogers

With the help of Rogers’ YouTube channel, the Congressman is able to share video clips of congressional hearings, floor statements, and personal video messages. To follow Rogers’ YouTube channel click on the link below:

Through free subscription to Rogers’ e-mail newsletter, subscribers are informed with once a month, in-depth updates from the Congressman. To subscribe to the e-newsletter click here: http://halrogers.house.gov/

####

Rogers Supports National Pill Take-Back Day

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) encourages southern and eastern Kentuckians to participate in the "National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day" on Saturday, April 28, 2012, hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). On Saturday, several law enforcement agencies across the state will serve as collection locations between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for individuals to dispose of old or unwanted medications.

"Studies show that young people are getting their first high from prescription drugs in medicine cabinets at home or at a friend's home, so it is vital that we keep our medicine cabinets cleaned out and our prescriptions locked up,” stated Rogers. “In Kentucky, we're losing an average of 80 people a month to drug overdoses, that's more than we lose in car crashes. Our medicine cabinets are more dangerous than our cars. We can be proactive by making sure our own prescriptions don't fall into the wrong hands.”

Last October during a similar event, Americans turned in 188.5 tons of prescription drugs at over 5,300 sites operated by the DEA and nearly 4,000 state and local law enforcement partners. In its three previous Take-Back events, DEA and its partners have collected nearly a million pounds of pills that could otherwise be diverted for abuse or misuse.

DEA Approved Take-Back Locations in Southern and Eastern Kentucky include:

* Kentucky State Police Posts in Harlan, Hazard, London, Morehead, and Pikeville

* Kentucky Attorney General's Office in Prestonsburg

* Lee County Sheriff's Department

* Morehead Police Department at the Carl Perkins Community Center

* Monticello Police Department

* Mt. Vernon Police Department

* Pineville Police Department

Operation UNITE continuously offers the "Pill Dragon" to communities in Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District to conduct "Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day" events. So far, the "Pill Dragon" has destroyed more than 760,000 pills in our region, keeping them out of the hands of potential abusers. For more information call 1-866-678-6483 or visit operationunite.org.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov or join Rogers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers.

####

Rogers Receives Leadership Award in the Fight to End Polio

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Last evening, on April 24, 2012, Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) received the “Champion of Polio Eradication Award” from Rotary International. Rogers was joined by Congressman Denny Rehberg (MT), Congressman Tom Price (GA), Congressman Norm Dicks (WA), Congressman Steve Austria (OH), Senator Richard Shelby (AL) and Senator Lindsay Graham (SC) in accepting this award.

“Rotary International and the Gates Foundation have shown tremendous, steadfast leadership in working to end polio,” stated Rogers. “I am honored to receive this award and stand with Rotary, one of our world’s premier civic volunteer groups, in fighting this dreadful disease and giving children everywhere a healthy future. We are very close to defeating polio once and for all.”

Rotary International established the Polio Eradication Champion Award in 1995 to honor heads of state and others who have made a significant global contribution to ending polio. Since 1985, polio eradication has been a top priority for Rotary International and members have donated countless hours and over $1 billion to help immunize more than 2 billion children in 122 countries. While there is not cure for polio, a child can be protected against the disease for life for as little as 60 cents. Mass immunization campaigns have reduced the number of polio cases from 350,000 annually in the mid-1980s, to fewer than 700 cases in 2011.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov or join Rogers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers.

Photo Cutline: Rogers receives Champion of Polio Eradication Award. Pictured with Rogers is Jim Lacy, Chair of Rotary’s Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Force for the United States, and Rogers' wife Cynthia.

####

Rogers Supports Legislation to Help Small Businesses and Spur Job Growth

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) voted in support of the Small Business Tax Cut Act of 2012, H.R. 9, which gives small businesses with fewer than 500 employees a 20% tax cut. This legislation will help foster economic growth by reducing the small business federal tax burden while allowing investors and entrepreneurs to retain capital, more aggressively reinvest income, and create more jobs. H.R. 9 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 235-173 and now awaits consideration by the Senate.

“I am pleased to join a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in passing needed legislation that will boost our economy, help spur job creation, and give small businesses a chance to grow. Small businesses in Kentucky are the backbone and blood of our communities and our local economy,” stated Rogers. “This tax-cutting legislation will help Kentucky companies retain dollars to invest in wage increases, order additional equipment and supplies or add new hires. I am hopeful the Senate will join us and pass this legislation so that we can start getting Kentucky and the rest of America back to work.”

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, small business owner confidence in the economy has risen 7% since January of this year, but hiring has remained at a standstill. In fact, in Kentucky alone, 40,849 small business jobs were lost from 2008 to 2009; overregulation and high taxes remain the chief concerns among small businesses owners. Currently, small businesses face federal tax rates as high as 35%, draining resources, capital, and time. Furthermore, small businesses spend three times more per employee on tax compliance than larger businesses, and under President Obama’s FY13 Budget Proposal, individual tax rates that apply to small businesses are scheduled to increase significantly.

The Small Business Tax Cut Act seeks to remove these excessive tax burdens on small businesses by allowing business owners to deduct 20% of their income from taxes regardless of how they are organized. In order to avoid any forms of abuse, safeguards have been created that put a 50% limit on wage income for the 20% tax cut. A wide range of small businesses will benefit from this tax deduction, from businesses that are classified as organized corporations to those whose owners pay at their individual income tax rate. The non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation has estimated that H.R. 9 will benefit over 22 million small businesses employers across the United States and save taxpayers almost $46 billion. This legislation has the support of 49 various groups and associations that can be found here.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov or Rogers’ Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers. To receive Twitter updates go to: https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers

####

Rogers Extends Deadline for Students to Submit Artwork for the 2012 Congressional Art Competition

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced an extended deadline for all high school students in the Fifth Congressional District to submit their artwork for the 2012 Congressional Art Competition. Students now have until Wednesday, April 25^th, 2012, to submit their artwork and compete for two free airline tickets to Washington, DC as well as a chance to display their artwork in the United States Capitol for one year.

Thousands of high school students from across the nation participate in the annual Congressional Art Competition. One winner from each Congressional District is chosen to have their artwork displayed at the Capitol for one year, where more than three million visitors pass through every year.

"The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity to display the talent in southern and eastern Kentucky on a national stage," said Rogers. "Our region of the country is known for incredible artistry and I enjoy seeing a piece of home hanging in the hallway of the Capitol, representing our small part of the nation."

Last year, Emily Tackett submitted the winning artwork from Breathitt County High School. She submitted a charcoal drawing entitled "Brother Returns from War," a recreation of her grandmother's reunion with her brother during World War II. Emily and her family attended the annual Awards Ceremony in Washington, DC and viewed her artwork on display in the Capitol.

Competition guidelines and information for the Fifth Congressional District are available at http://www.halrogers.house.gov. Artwork must be two-dimensional, and each framed piece must be no larger than 28” x 28” x 4”. All artwork is due at Congressional District Offices by April 25, 2012.

The top three regional winners will be chosen from the Somerset, Prestonsburg and Hazard District Offices. The winning artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol and the winner will receive two free airline tickets to Washington, DC for an annual Awards Ceremony. Winners may also be eligible to receive an artistic college scholarship.

For more information, contact Chelsea Whalen in Rogers' Washington, DC office at 202-225-4601 or chelsea.whalen@mail.house.gov.

Artwork should be submitted to the following district offices as indicated by county.

Prestonsburg District Office (Bath, Floyd, Johnson, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Morgan, Pike and Rowan counties)
110 Resource Court
Suite A
Prestonsburg, KY 41653

Hazard District Office (Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Menifee, Owsley, Perry and Wolfe counties)
601 Main Street
Hazard, KY 41701

Somerset District Office (Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne and Whitley counties)
551 Clifty Street
Somerset, KY 42503

Click here for the Artwork Student Guidelines document

PHOTO CUTLINE: Congressman Rogers congratulated the 5th District
2011 Congressional Art Competition Winner, Emily Tackett of Jackson, KY

####