Hill Backs Plan to Prevent Tax Hike on Middle-Class Families

June 30, 2008

(Washington, DC) - On Wednesday, June 25th Congressman Baron Hill backed legislation to prevent a tax hike on middle-class families. The AMT Relief Act of 2008 will protect more than 25 million Americans nationwide and almost 41,000 in the Ninth Congressional District from paying the Alternative Minimum Tax. The bill was passed by a vote of 233-189. » More

Hill Introduces Commission on Affordable Health Care Act

June 30, 2008

(Washington, DC) - Congressman Baron Hill has introduced H.R. 6319, the Commission on Affordable Health Care Act. The bill establishes the Commission on Affordable Health Care and tasks the group with conducting a comprehensive study of potential models for a health care system to provide affordable and quality health care to all citizens of the United States. » More

Nothing wrong with moderation

April 17, 2008

We disagree with Greenpeace's billboards posted in Indiana's 9th District, challenging U.S. Rep. Baron Hill to become a tougher player in its war on global warming.

A temporary fix of gasoline prices

March 26, 2008

Indiana 9th District Rep. Baron Hill recently sent a letter to President George W. Bush requesting that he suspend purchases of fuel oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and let it flow into the open marketplace, increasing the supply of fuel to consumers with the idea of driving down the prices we all pay at the gasoline pump.

Hill ranked among most moderate by policy magazine

March 14, 2008

Congressman Baron Hill is a centered guy.

So much so that the National Journal has ranked him third among Democratic congressional representatives in terms of their moderate positions.

Hill weighs principles and voter wishes

Feb 29, 2008

Give Baron Hill points for honesty.

The congressman from Indiana's Ninth District offered up two opinions at Saturday's Third House session that don't set well with some folks... A bold move with an election looming.

Hill Visits Columbus; Wants Positive Campaign

Feb 20, 2008

U.S. Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., came to Columbus on Wednesday with a message of change for this year's elections. However, Hill's filing in Bartholomew County to run again for the 9th District seat means the same candidates are on course for a fourth straight showdown. Republican Mike Sodrel, who beat Hill in 2004, but lost in 2002 and 2006, also has announced he's running again. Hill said voters probably don't want another showdown between them. "They are probably tired of he and I getting into it, and are tired of all the negativity," Hill said. "I'm trying in this election to try and raise the level of discourse and not get bogged down in the negativity." He wants voters to understand that subtle changes have occurred in Congress since the last election. Hill cited as signs of positive change passage of a higher minimum wage, bipartisan support of the economic stimulus package, the repeal of tax cuts to oil companies, passage of higher fuel efficiency standards for vehicles and lowering interest rates on college loans. » More

Baron Hill files for re-election

Feb 18, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Baron Hill wants to keep his seat in Congress. Monday morning he filed for re-election. Hill currently serves southern Indiana. He went to the Secretary of State's office on Monday to file the proper paperwork. Hill and former Congressman Mike Sodrel have clashed for the 9th district house seat three times so far and Hill expects another strong challenge. "You know one of the things that I want to do is elevate the level of discourse in this so it's not so nasty as it was the last time. And I'm going to be reaching out to my opponents so that we conduct ourselves in a better fashion," said Rep. Baron Hill. Hill is now heading to Georgia to visit with Indiana national guard members who will head to Iraq soon. » More

HILL TO FILE FOR REELECTION IN EVERY COUNTY IN THE NINTH DISTRICT

Feb 14, 2008

Congressman Baron Hill will file for reelection and travel to all parts of the Ninth Congressional District next week. As legally required, he will first file in Indianapolis on Monday morning, February 18, 2008, before departing to Fort Stewart, Georgia to visit with the soldiers of Indiana's 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He will be traveling with Major General R. Martin Umbarger, Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard. » More

HONORING NATIONAL GUARD DAY CELEBRATIONS AT THE INDIANA STATEHOUSE

Feb 4, 2008

(Washington, DC) - Today, the Indiana National Guard is hosting a National Guard Day at the Indiana Statehouse. This event will highlight our Hoosier citizen soldiers’ capabilities, and provide an update as to their status as they prepare to deploy to Iraq. The event will also show strong support for the families of our Hoosier Guardmembers. » More

Hill Votes to Override President's Veto of SCHIP Again

January 23, 2008

(Washington, DC) - Congressman Baron Hill voted to override the President's veto of H.R. 976, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, for a second time on Wednesday, January 23. Provisions were added to this version of the bill that would strengthen the prohibition of illegal immigrants gaining access to the SCHIP program. » More

Largest Increase in Veterans Health Care in History

January 22, 2008

Congressional funding fulfilling promises to American veterans approved by President (Washington, DC) - Congressman Baron Hill hailed the President's release late last week of the $3.7 billion in additional veterans funding provided by Congress - to provide the largest single funding increase in the 77-year history of the Department of Veterans Affairs. » More

Omnibus Appropriations Bill Passes House with Hill

December 20, 2007

(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House of Representatives passed a comprehensive appropriations bill on Thursday, December 20, 2007, and was signed by the President. Hill supported the Omnibus Appropriations bill as it reverses many of the harmful cuts proposed by the Administration to key government agencies and programs. The House passed all of its various appropriations bills, but most were met with great resistance in the Senate. Therefore, most of the individual appropriations bills are contained within this larger Omnibus Appropriations bill. » More

Energy Package Containing Hill's CAFE and Biodiesel Language Sent to President

December 18, 2007

(Washington, DC) - On Tuesday, December 18, 2007 the U.S. House of Representatives passed an historic energy package that includes the Senate's amendments. Congressman Baron Hill played a pivotal role in the crafting of this legislation, and H.R. 6 includes several key provisions from his Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards legislation, H.R. 2927, and his bill addressing biodiesel production, H.R. 3781. The President has indicated he will sign the energy package into law. » More

Omnibus Appropriations Bill Includes Critical Border Security Funds Requested by Hill

December 18, 2007

Funds restored after Hill sends letter to House leadership urging $3 billion in border emergency funds be appropriated

(Washington, DC) - The Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on December 18, 2007 includes three billion dollars in emergency border security appropriations requested by Congressman Baron Hill. The funding was added to the bill after Hill sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives Democratic and Republican leadership last month requesting that three billion dollars in emergency border funds be added to an appropriations bill as it was stripped from the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. Joined by his colleagues, Representatives Nick Lampson (D-TX) and Christopher Carney (D-PA), Hill urged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer to make sure the critical border funds were secured.

Honoring Indiana's Veterans

November 11, 2007

(Washington, DC) - On this Veterans Day, let us pause to honor those who have served this nation on the front line of freedom and democracy. Let us also thank and praise them, and reflect seriously on the sacrifices our veterans have made for this country and all Americans. As thousands more of our Hoosier soldiers prepare to deploy for Iraq, we must also thank them and their families for making the ultimate commitment to our country.

Hill Lauds Enactment of College Cost Reduction Act

October 2, 2007

Bill Would Boost Scholarships and Reduce Loan Costs at No New Taxpayer Expense

(Washington, DC) - Congressman Baron Hill lauded President Bush's decision to sign the College Cost Reduction and Access Act into law late last week. The College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, H.R. 2669, is the single largest investment in college financial aid since the 1944 GI Bill, at no new cost to taxpayers.

This bill is a critical step toward helping lower college costs for millions of low- and middle-income students, while keeping our promise to taxpayers to maintain responsible spending,� Hill said.

Hill Votes for Enhanced Investment in Homeland Security

July 25, 2007

Congressman Baron Hill voted today to approve sweeping legislation to protect America and strengthen the investment in homeland security. The Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 2638, was passed by a bipartisan vote of 268 to 150. The legislation makes border security a top priority, provides additional border patrol agents for the country, provides first responders with additional training and equipment, improves aviation and port security, and includes strong accountability measures in order to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being well spent. » More

Hill Outlines Support for the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act

July 17, 2007

Friday, July 13, 2007

(Washington, DC) - Today Congress was presented with the Initial Benchmark Assessment Report on Iraq from President Bush and voted on the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act. In response, Congressman Baron Hill issued the following statement:

Hill Votes to Give Veterans the Funding They Need and Deserve

June 22, 2007

This new, Democratic-controlled Congress has made veteran issues one of its top priorities. And, this is definitively reflected in the crafting and passage of the Military Construction and Veterans’ Appropriations bill, which contains the largest single funding increase in the 77-year history of the Veterans Administration. » More

Vote Smart finds pols struck dumb

July 24, 2006

Well, at least we saw some bipartisanship. After weeks of entreaties from political leaders, editorial pages such as this one and other civic-minded sources, only two of Indiana's nine members of the U.S. House deigned to take the National Political Awareness Test for this fall's election. » More

Democrats plan $30 million-plus ad buy in fall

July 21, 2006

Signaling a new phase in the struggle for control of Congress, House Democrats have reserved time for more than $30 million worth of campaign advertising this fall in roughly two dozen congressional districts, with a heavy emphasis on the Northeast and Midwest. » More

Hill renews call for major overhaul of House Ethics Committee

June 24, 2006

SEYMOUR - Today, Baron Hill renewed his call for a complete restructuring of the House Ethics Committee and the way in which ethics complaints are handled. The prevailing culture of corruption in Washington, moreover, has led Hill to demand all sitting members of Congress who have been charged with a crime or otherwise indicted to resign their positions immediately. » More

Hill Announcing Candidacy

November 17, 2005

Baron Hill will announce his candidacy for the 9th District congressional seat during visits Tuesday in Bloomington and Jasper. The Democrat will make similar announcements Wednesday in New Albany and Seymour, his hometown. His Seymour announcement will take place at his home on Kensington Court. » More

Praise for Baron!

2006-10-05

I was so blown away by Baron's stirring response to the ethics in Congress question at the Women's Foundation Candidate's Forum at IUS. » More

Hill Releases Personal Tax Returns

June 8, 2008

Washington, D.C. - In an effort to run a more transparent campaign, Baron Hill has released his tax returns from 1999 through 2007. "During the last campaign I spoke frequently about the need to strengthen ethics reform, and I have acted upon that promise with my efforts in Washington," Hill said. "Releasing my tax returns is one way I can show people that I am serious about making this campaign more transparent." » More

Hill Cosponsors Servicemember Student Loan Interest Relief Act

April 28, 2008

Bill to be offered as an amendment today to the College Opportunity and Affordability Act

(Washington, DC) - Congressman Baron Hill has added his name as a cosponsor to H.R. 3748, the Servicemember Student Loan Interest Relief Act. The bill would prevent interest from accruing for active duty servicemembers and qualifying National Guard members for the duration of their activation up to 60 months when serving in a combat zone. The bill, authored by Representative Susan Davis (D-CA), will also be offered as an amendment today to H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007. » More

House-Passed Energy and Water Appropriations Bill Contains Funding for Two Southern Indiana Projects

July 18, 2007

(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Energy and Water Fiscal Year 2008 Appropriations bill yesterday evening. The bill contained funding for two important projects in Southern Indiana: continued construction on the Ohio River Greenway project and development of advanced technology for National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Nuclear Weapons Complex, Y12 National Security Complex personnel requested by Congressman Baron Hill.

Hill reminds Sodrel about need for debate over gas prices

May 10, 2006

SEYMOUR – One week after challenging Congressman Mike Sodrel to an immediate debate over gas prices, Baron Hill has yet to hear back from Sodrel. On Primary Night, Hill demanded a debate in Southern Indiana on or before Friday, May 12, claiming Hoosiers deserve to hear the two candidates talk about the current gas crisis, America’s energy policy, and the immediate end to large tax breaks that Congress granted last year to big oil companies. » More

Hill receives League of Conservation Voters' endorsement

May 1, 2006

BLOOMINGTON – Baron Hill, running for Congress in Indiana’s 9th District, today received the official endorsement of the League of Conservation Voters. The endorsement is for both tomorrow’s primary and the fall general election, and reflects Hill’s long-standing commitment to championing environmental issues. » More

Representative helped woman with problem

2008-04-28

LETTER April 28, 2008 - 9:58AM

To the Editor:

I would also like to comment about Baron Hill. I have several times called on him to his office by phone or mail and he has always been a help to me. I would like to tell you about the last letter I wrote him.

I was in disagreement of the letter that we received from Medicare on the one subject of instead of receiving our monthly summary on what they paid out, the cost of the actual bill and the amount we would owe. This 30-day summary helped me with my budget and could known how to spend my money, as I am on a fixed income.

Then we get a notice that Social Security was going to a 90-day summary, to me it would be a hardship as I would not know just how much I would owe for a 90 period, as we don't know how many times we might have to go to the doctor get help in emergency, prescriptions, so I felt and still do disagree with this method. A few days later after I wrote Baron Hill about my thoughts, I received a call from Social Security. A man spoke to me about a complaint that I made to Baron Hill about the 90-day summary instead of the 30 days from Medicare, I said yes I did complain and I'm very glad that Baron Hill is doing his job. I went on to tell him what I have written above and added this will hurt people that are on low income with a family. The bills can add up and with children they will not know until it might build up and it's not fair.

He said he would pass on my feelings and he himself never thought about what I said I thought. I said why are they doing this after all these years. He said the government was spending too much money on paper. I rest my case. So don't tell me that Baron Hill is not doing his job. He sure is, he is the kind of representative that reads the bills Republicans or Democrats and states what is good for his district. I'm proud that he's a moderate that listens for the people and that's the kind we need today.

It's great that we have a choice. That's what America is all about. But, a lot of countries don't have that privilege.

Shirley Mackey

Seymour, Ind. » More

Congress Democrats pass important legislation

2008-04-23

Columbus Republic

LETTERS

Congress Democrats pass important legislation

From: Sherida Moore

North Vernon

Received: April 23

I would like to remind my esteemed colleague and respected local author that this Democrat(ic) Congress has passed some very important legislation:

1.They raised the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25. From 1997 (when $5.15 was passed) to 2006, the previous Republican Congress passed seven raises for themselves totaling $35,000. After Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., got back in office, he voted against this most recent raise.

2. Rep. John Boehner, ROhio, devastated the student loan program two years ago (Bill 1932), cutting back on the availability of college loans while increasing the interest rate.

What an education friendly administration. College tuition has gone up as much as 40 percent since Bush became president; this staggering combination is putting higher education out of reach for the middle class.

This Congress has passed an education bill lowering the interest rates by 2 and 3 percent and expanding the availability of loans. Moreover, at the behest of political friends to education (a bipartisan group), some Ivy League colleges are reaching into their endowment monies to help more kids afford schooling.

3. The SCHIP Healthcare bill to extend insurance to uninsured children was passed by Congress, vetoed by Bush, but we could not quite muster the extra votes to override the veto.

4. Congress also passed FISA legislation, again Bush vetoed, again we were short a few votes on the override. This security act has given more power to President Bush than any other president has had. President Washington declined this power grab knowing that it would lead to a weaker nation.

5. The Democrats and several green-minded Republicans fought for and passed improved fuel efficiency standards via a bill authored by Baron Hill.

6. This Congress made sure the stimulus package benefi ted everyone as fairly as possible (even if China did have to buy the bonds to fund it).

Yes, we do have a mess but at least now we are moving toward fair wages, education, and improving the environment. Maybe after November the country can move more quickly toward some balance in the economy, national security, energy programs and health care.

Thank you for your support of the Homefront Heroes Tax Relief Package

2008-04-16

The Honorable Baron Hill

United States Congressman

223 Cannon House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congressman Hill:

Thank you so very much for your support of the Homefront Heroes Tax Relief Package. I am so honored that you found my idea worth pursuing and that it has resulted in your introduction of this piece of legislation. And, I am especially honored and grateful that you mentioned me specifically as the inspiration for this legislation. That was very kind and generous of you.

Please do not hesitate to call on me if I can assist you in any way at all as you and your staff marshal this legislation through the approval process. I am truly at your service. Having personally seen the powerful impact of support from home on our deployed military heroes, I can't express my thanks enough.

Kind regards,

Catherine Dalton

David H. Jacobs Chair of Strategic Management,

Editor, Business Horizons, and

Research Director, Insitute for Corporate Governance » More

Man praises representative for his help

2008-04-14

Man praises representative for his help

LETTER

April 14, 2008 - 9:28AM

To the Editor:

In the past in People's Sayso, I have read that we don't have candidates who are worth voting for.

I would like to share what happened in my experience. About four years ago I found out that I have cancer. Off and on I have been very sick. I had to leave my job of 34 years and I just wasn't ready yet.

So I applied for Social Security disability. That process took several years, so I asked then-Rep. Mike Sodrel's office for help. I had to send in paperwork. A few months later I called in and asked if they heard anything yet. They told me no but they were working on it. I called a few other times and nothing. Later they lost my paperwork, so I had to start all over again.

All this time I never got anything from them.

Baron Hill got into office and I asked him for help. I was afraid that my insurance would run out. I was told my paperwork was gone, so I had to start over again.

As soon as Baron took over I got letters from Social Security stating that Hill's office had contacted them. They got me an early hearing with positive results.

I feel that Baron is there to help us the best he can do. I feel that if you have a problem he will be there. I want to thank Baron Hill and want to tell him if he wants to put a sign up in my yard, he is very welcome to do so.

I do think Baron does care about his people because of my true life story.

Kenneth W. Self

Seymour, Ind.

http://www.tribtown.com/opinion/baron_7435___article.html/help_hill.html