Walorski Honored At Spine Award Dinner In Syracuse
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
SYRACUSE – Second District Congresswoman Jackie Walorski was honored Thursday night with a “Spine Award” from State Representative Rebecca Kubacki. The award was presented during the fourth annual Spine Award Dinner at the Oakwood Inn Hilltop Conference Center in Syracuse. The dinner was attended by 100 Republicans. Honorary chairs for the event were Dr. Dane Miller and Jean Northenor. Miller presented the award to Walorski. The award was presented to Walorski for having backbone in representing her district, and standing up for what she believes. Biomet donated the miniature replica spine in a glass case. Previous winners of the award were former Governor Mitch Daniels, current Governor Mike Pence and the Grossnickle family. Kubacki discussed the importance of the orthopedic industry and the need to protect it. She said Walorski has been behind the effort to repeal the medical device tax. “We are so privileged to have the orthopedic industry, but we also have to protect it, and if it ever leaves our community it will be a hardship on so many people,” Kubacki said. Walorski thanked Kubacki for the award and said she will display it in her D.C. office. Walorski spoke about the medical device tax that went into effect Jan. 1 and said over the past seven months it has caused companies to pay $1.7 billion in taxes. She said she will work to repeal the tax and Obamacare. “Unless this Congress takes action, this tax is expected to cost manufacturers $94 million a month and put 43,000 high-paying jobs at risk,” Walorski said. “This tax is compromising options for our seniors, veterans and American families.” Walorski was elected to office in 2012 and serves on the House Armed Services, Budget and Veterans Affairs committees. She spoke about veterans’ benefits and said there is a two-year backlog for benefits. Walorski said she is leading the effort to make sure veterans receive the services they deserve in a timely manner. “We must stand behind the promises we made to these men and women when they come home,” Walorski said. Walorski said the national debt needs to be under control and said it is the nations’s greatest threat. “The debt creates slow economic growth, slow job creation and a fiscal burden to small businesses,” Walorski said. Newly elected State Republican Chairman Tim Berry also attended the dinner and introduced Walorski. Jean Northenor, honorary chair, introduced Berry. Berry served as State Auditor of Indiana from 2007 to 2013, resigning the post to become chairman of the Indiana Republican Party. Berry also has previously served as the state treasurer of Indiana from 1999 to 2007. Berry said Walorski is deserving of the spine award. He said the state should be proud of women like Walorski and Kubacki who represent Indiana. “When you talk about a spine and someone who has backbone to stand up for issues, Rebecca Kubacki and Jackie Walorski do,” Berry said. Berry said Walorski has the backbone to stand up for her convictions for children, families, her state and country.
