Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Ross: 2007 will be the 'got it done' Congress

U.S. Congressman Mike Ross said he is just as excited about being sworn to a fourth term in office as he was to his first. Ross said he looks forward to this term for several reasons.

One of those is the fact that the Democrats are back in power. Another is that Ross will serve in an official capacity with the Blue Dogs - a conservative group of Democrats. And finally, Ross said this Legislative term will be known as the Congress that got things done.

Ross said the 109th Congress became known as the Do Nothing Congress.

Were going to be known as the Congress that got things done, Ross said in an interview shortly before being sworn in on Jan. 11.

Members of this Congress, including Ross, have pledged to accomplish several key pieces of legislation during the first 100 hours of their session.

One of those is to increase minimum wage to $7.25, with the increase to be implemented over the next two years.

Ross said this legislation is vital, If were serious about moving people from welfare to work.

Another point is to begin implementation of the recommendations of the 911 Commission regarding security issues, Ross said.

The cost of medications has remained a priority for Ross, often making the headlines of his weekly newsletters. Ross said that he feels theres a need to continue working on the cost of drugs, especially for those who can least afford them.

Ross said the voters have indicated that the interest of people should be put above the interest of the big businesses.

The people made that clear on election night, he said.

Ross said he was sworn in using the Bible his parents gave him when he was in high school, and that he was accompanied by his daughter, Sydney.

As I take office for the fourth term, Im just as committed, Ross said.