The Burton Blog

Dan Burton speaks to the ESGR

Congressman Burton spoke to the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Friday at the Indiana War Memorial.  It was part of a support signing ceremony that local employer's participated in.

Note:  The ESGR exists to support Guardsmen and Reservists as well as their employers.  They are under strain as many of our soldiers in Iraq have had to leave their jobs.  Employers must find temporary solutions while their employees are gone.

Under a portrait of General Douglas MacArthur, Dan thanked the military personnel for their service, but especially the businesses and corporations honored Friday that are outstanding examples of supporting our war effort back at home.

On any given day, there are 110,000 guardsmen and reservists currently deployed around the world in 30 different countries.  Indiana is fourth in the nation when it comes to supplying these soldiers.  Over 21,000 of these soldiers deployed since 9/11 have been from Indiana.  Indiana also leads the nation in recruiting.

Charlie White, councilman from the town of Fishers, was there to accept an award on behalf of the Hamilton County Commissioners.  Several others represented communities and businesses around central Indiana.  Many are going the extra mile supporting these soldier's families by extending health care coverage even though the soldier's are overseas.  Others still pay a stipend to families.

TBB was humbled by the generosity of these companies and wants to join Dan in thanking these folks for all they do to support our country.

Howard County Republicans throw big Burton event

Check out the posts on Weird Pros and Hoosier Access about Chairman Dunn's endorsement.  The Chairman also posted some great comments on Hoosier Access as well.

Howard County Republicans wildly received Dan Burton at a noon reception today in Kokomo. Nearly 200 Republicans turned out at Republican Headquarters to meet Dan Burton and express their support for his re-election candidacy. Dan Burton received the endorsement of the Howard County Republican Party at the event.

TBB was sad not to be able to attend personally.  It was a great event, I hear, and lots of thanks are due to Chairman Dunn.   In addition, if you get a chance to view the latest Howard County Republican newsletter there is a great front page article from Chairman Dunn about why he's endorsing Dan Burton.

Dan Burton to speak at Fishers Chamber luncheon

The Fishers Star ran a blurb today about Dan's Wednesday speech to the Fishers Chamber.

Congressman Dan Burton, whose District 5 includes Fishers, will be the guest speaker at the Fishers Chamber of Commerce lunch Wednesday.

Burton is expected to touch on the following topics:
What's new in Washington.
Transportation.
Immigration.
Presidential primary.
Small business interests.
Indiana property tax.

The Chamber luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the FORUM Conference Center, 11313 USA Parkway. The cost is $18 in advance or $25 at the door for members, and $25 for nonmembers. Register online at www.FishersChamber.com

Burton Appoints Two To Military Academies

From the Indianapolis Star:

Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind., has made two military academy appointments.

Guerin Catholic High School senior Daniel Iafrato was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, and 2007 Hamilton Heights High School graduate Colton Hooper was appointed to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Individuals who meet eligibility requirements for a congressional nomination submit applications and are then interviewed by Burton's Academy Selection Committee.

Once the nominations have been submitted, the academies consider the congressman's scores along with evidence of character, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude, medical fitness, goals, and motivation in determining each nominee's "whole person evaluation."

Burton secures funds for Riley Children's Hospital

From the Indianapolis Star:

Riley Hospital for Children today will announce a $2.2 million federal grant to expand research and clinical care services at the hospital's Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center.

Rep. Dan Burton, R-Indianapolis, who was instrumental in securing the funds, will be on hand for the announcement. The center, established in 1997, was named for his grandson, who has an autism spectrum disorder.
The additional money will allow the center, which serves about 1,000 patients, to assess and treat patients and conduct research into the root causes of autism, which strikes about one in 150 children.

"What we've done here is really establish a world-class center that provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for the whole age range," said Dr. Christopher McDougle, the Albert E. Sterne professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Originally, the center consisted of McDougle and one research assistant. Now it's the largest clinic for autism in the United States, McDougle said.

Burton office supports local scouts in Grant County

From the Marion Chronicle-Tribune:

Tresa Baker, special assistant in Burton's office, went to the ceremony to present a plaque to the pack in honor of the congressman, who was in Washington.

"I think it's great," Baker said in reference to the support from community members. "We enjoy the Boy Scouts and are very involved with them."

Press Conference today honoring Dan

Clarian Health recently sent this press release regarding Dan's assistance in securing $2 million for the Riley Hospital for Children.

Congressman Burton has secured an additional $2 million in federal funds to enhance clinical care and research for autism at the Riley Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic. The Congressman will receive recognition from hospital officials during a press conference hosted at Riley on Wednesday, January 9th at 1:30 pm. A tour of the Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center will immediately follow the press conference.

The Congressman will be joined by speakers (1) Ora Pescovitz. M.D.- President and CEO of Riley Hospital for Children, (2) Daniel F. Evans, Jr.- President and CEO of Clarian Health, and (3) Chris McDougle, M.D.- Medical Director and lead researcher for the Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center at Riley Hospital for Children.

Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center
Riley Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic
702 Barnhill Drive, Suite 4300
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Please contact Gene Ford, the Senior Public Relations Specialist with Clarian for details (317) 962-4576.

This is just another example of Dan working tirelessly on behalf of his constituents, specifically those families affected by Autism. He deserves the praise that will be sent his way today.

Congressman Burton's letter supporting WE CARE

The following was read over the air during the WE CARE fund raising drive in Kokomo.

Over the last 35 years WE CARE has exemplified the core spirit of Indiana, and America. Hoosiers have always helped those who need help, given until they can give no more and offered an uplifting hand whenever one is needed.

The Holiday season should always be a time of joy and giving. WE CARE offers that ray of hope to thousands of families every year through this wonderful event. By donating 100 percent of the proceeds to several charities in the Kokomo area : the Kokomo Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army, the Kokomo Tribune sponsored Goodfellows, Bona Vista Rehabilitative Services, the Mental Health America of Howard County's Holiday Gift Lift program, and the WE CARE Hope Fund for long-term gifting. These wonderful organizations provide food, clothes and toys to needy families throughout the year, not only the Holiday season.

I would like to thank Charlie Cropper for laying the foundation for this wonderful event. His hard work and dedication has grown into nearly $11 million of donations. He has also given thousands of citizens the opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community that has given them so much. This year alone over 700 volunteers will be giving of their time and effort to make this another successful event.

Mike Christopher and WWKI also deserve our continuous gratitude for their willingness to participate with WE CARE and open their doors to this full weekend of non-stop giving. Even a devastating fire and the momentous task of rebuilding could not keep this station from remembering who we are here to help and making sure WE CARE achieves it's goals.

Lastly I want to take a second to remember two of the cornerstones of this organization. WE CARE Founder and WWKI radio personality Dick Bronson along with Jan Bueschler, also known as "WE CARE Jan", have both gone on to be with their Lord. I know you will agree with me that we will never forget the sacrifices they made to make WE CARE possible.

I hope that you are blessed with all that life has to offer and I want to send each and every one of you my best wishes during this Christmas season. Please continue to give to those who are less fortunate, those who are homebound, and those for whom the holidays are not so joyous. Please remember the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who are in harm's way, protecting our way of life, and join me in praying for their safe return. Merry Christmas.

Burton to participate in Kokomo's We Care fundraising drive

For many years, Congressman Dan Burton has taken part in Kokomo's We Care fund raising drive. Learn more about how you can get involved by visiting the We Care website.

About the Telethon

WE CARE has developed into an annual 48-hour radio/telethon broadcast auction that touches everyone who either lives or works in a five-county area surrounding Kokomo, Indiana. It is held the first full weekend of December and organized and staffed by local volunteers. All auction items are donated and vary with the imagination; including handmade afghans, crochet items, original art work, coins, fine jewelry, guns, expertly crafted knives, collectibles, antiques, furniture, resort vacations, land, automobiles and the list continues. Nearly 40,000 bid tickets are used for the more than 3,360 items which are sold during the marathon auction. The balance of the donated items are sold during a wrap-up auction the following week.

WE CARE exemplifies volunteerism at its best as more than seven-hundred (700) individuals from every walk of life give of their time for the 48-hour marathon telethon. It is a coordinated effort of twenty-six departments, all working together, for a common goal. It is the homemaker, the secretary, the business owner, it is the elected official, the factory worker, the unemployed, it is the rich, the poor, the retired; it is the doctor, the banker, the waitress and business manager who walk through the door and are recognized as valuable volunteers. Some are second and third generation of those who volunteered more than twenty years ago. It is hard work. It is a task for which individuals wait in line, lose sleep and disrupt their weekend. It is a togetherness and a goal which everyone feels and shares. It is something private and very special within the heart of each and every volunteer.

Don't forget to vote

Today is Election Day.  Don't forget to vote!