Monroe News: U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg talks inflation, border security, energy at gathering in Monroe

Despite the threat of inclement weather and a tornado watch issued for Monroe County, U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton hosted a community gathering Wednesday morning at the Monroe County Board of Commissioners Chambers.

Walberg welcomed more than 40 citizens to his second townhall-style meeting. On Tuesday, he met in Three Rivers in St. Joseph County. Many in attendance had been invited by letter to discuss Congress’s response to inflation, building a healthy economy, lowering prescription drug costs and moving toward a balanced budget. As citizens entered the room, comment cards were made available.

“I want to hear your ideas,” Walberg said in the letter.

Sue and Chris Jones of Monroe were some of the first guests to attend. They had received a letter inviting them.

“We usually come out to see him,” Chris said. “We didn’t know he would be here today until we got the letter.”

The couple quickly secured their seats and contemplated whether or not they would pose a question.

In the room, two signs posted on easels read, “Inflation is Taxation,” and, “A Country in Crisis, Economic Crisis, Crime Crisis, Border Crisis, National Security Crisis, Energy Crisis.”

The event began with Walberg commenting on the signs he had used two years ago when he started town hall meetings.

“Inflation is taxation. My wife and I were looking our tax records. We had our taxes done and had sent them in and we were looking at the projections for next year on various costs, including garbage costs…” Walberg said. “I’m just going to start eating more so there’s less garbage because of the expense. I said to my wife, ‘That’s inflation.’ It costs more for fuel for diesel trucks to drive all around the country roads to pick up things and take it to the recycling center or landfills. It all costs more.”

Walberg said the only way to stop inflation taxation is “to do the right economic things.”

During the hour-long meeting, Walberg touched upon his disappointment with the recent election of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who, Walberg said, is in favor of downsizing the police force.

Johnson has said he would not cut the Chicago Police Departments budget but would instead redirect money within its budget to fund reform efforts.

Before taking questions, Walberg spoke of his support of House Resolution 1, titled the Lower Energy Costs Act, which he said will increase energy production in the U.S., lower energy costs and stop the country from depending on foreign countries for energy sources.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said the bill is “dead on arrival” in the Democratic-controlled Senate. President Joe Biden has threatened a veto.

He also mentioned the passing of legislation he called the Parental Rights Over the Education and Care of Their (PROTECT) Kids Act, which requires any U.S. Department of Education-funded elementary or middle school to seek and acquire parental consent before changing their child’s pronouns, gender markers or preferred name on any school form or change their sex-based accommodations, such as locker rooms or bathrooms.

Walberg listened to a series of comments focusing on several areas of concern like pushing back the use of E15 fuel, a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, until all systems are capable of using it and suggested better labeling on pumps for fuel above E10.

When asked about why he has not spoken out about the Jan. 6 detainees accused of assaulting law enforcement officers during the attack on the U.S. Capitol and the restriction of their legal rights under habeas corpus and bail, Walberg responded, “How do you know I have not spoken up? I have spoken up. Do you expect the news media to report on that?”

He was then read a comment about teachers being more focused on gender than on education, which prompted a member of the audience to announce there is a group of about 50 students who “identify as furries,” dress as animals and have a sandbox at Monroe High School. Walberg said he had heard that report with a number of schools but none have been valid. However, he said he would contact the school’s superintendent following the meeting.

Before the session concluded, one of the comment cards asked Walberg to “protect the Constitution of this great nation.”

Pulling out a card from the breast pocket of his jacket, Walberg responded, “Here it is.”

This article was originally published in The Monroe News on April 7.