Politicians in Washington talk a good game. But they have failed to deliver on promises to keep our country's financial house in order and make the American Dream a reality for all Americans. Instead, we have had our ups and downs, all pointing in the same direction: our economy and most Americans are worse off than they were seven, five and even two years ago, and things are getting worse, not better.

Here are some ups:

• The unemployment rate is up
• Gas prices are up (more than double!)
• The national debt is up (to $9 trillion
• The money we're spending to occupy a foreign country went up from $0 in 2001 to $12 billion/month today

And then there're the downs, including:

• Median family income is down
• The number of manufacturing jobs is down
• The value of the U.S. dollar is down

   Speaking of ups, here in the 14th Congressional District, mortgage foreclosure rates have hit a record high. In fact, the South Florida Business Journal reports the Cape Coral and Fort Myers area had the worst foreclosure rate in the nation in February, with one for every 84 households. That’s nearly seven times the national average.

   Home foreclosures are just one example of the failed economic policies of the past seven years. In Washington, I will support efforts to reverse the damage done and deliver creative solutions. We must help families stay in their homes without requiring taxpayers to pay the bill, return foreclosed properties to the tax rolls, and ensure more accountability in the mortgage industry.

   My plan to revitalize the American economy also includes tax relief for working families to enable them to afford child care and college education, real health care reform that expands access and lowers costs, and support for small businesses through tax relief and expanded loan programs, encouraging innovation and the creation of “green collar” jobs.

   Americans are known for their ‘can do’ attitude and problem solving skills. We can solve our country's economic problems, but more of the same failed policies in Washington will create more problems, not solutions. Working together, we can bring change to Washington next January and create the next generation economy that will expand opportunities for all Americans to achieve the American Dream.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,
Larry Byrnes