|
Hi John
Whitianga and Thames Community Meetings
We
had a great turnout in Whitianga and Thames for my regular community
meetings. It was terrific to catch up with everyone who attended and
to hear your thoughts on local and national issues.
People
were rightly concerned about the level of centralisation we are seeing
from this Government. The changes that are taking place in education,
health and local government are removing the decision making process
from local communities. We’ve had centralised systems before; they
didn’t work then and they won’t work now.
I really appreciated
the chance to have some robust discussions with everyone that
attended.
Paeroa Fire Brigade
Great to
spend time with the Paeroa Fire Brigade as they awarded Ross Paul his
Gold Star for 25 years of service. This award was meant to be given
to Ross last year, but Covid restrictions delayed the presentation.
It takes a special type of person to run toward danger and to keep a
calm under immense pressure. To volunteer this service for more than
two decades is truly remarkable.
Budget
2021
A couple of weeks ago the Government announced
its Budget which sees benefits rise, but no pathway to growing the
economy. I acknowledge that those on low-incomes need increased
support, but Labour is merely patching up a problem they’ve created.
People from all walks of life are doing it tougher than they were a
few years ago. Rents are up, homeownership is seemingly out of reach
for an entire generation, and the daily costs of living, such as rent
and petrol, have increased.
This Budget was a chance to
outline a pathway for the future and inspire hope for the post-Covid
world, but it has left many feeling unfulfilled.
There is more
to being in government than just slicing the pie differently. The
answer to greater total prosperity for all New Zealanders is to have a
plan and aspiration to make a bigger pie. In my view this Labour
government has neither the plan nor the aspiration required.
To
contact to me or my office, please don't hesitate to call 0800 550
330.
Kind regards
Follow me on Facebook
Hon Scott
Simpson
http://scottsimpson.national.org.nz/
|
