by Lori Cruz
Features Editor
Rep. David Dreier, (R-San Dimas) is running for reelection for the 28th Congressional District seat he has held for the last 16 years.
The district stretches from South Pasadena to Claremont.
Dreier considers one of his most important tasks in Congress to be reducing the size and scope of the federal government.
“I have had the pleasure to help completely overhaul Congress,” Dreier said, which allows members “to be more accountable and more deliberate,” in their actions.
The realms of education and the environment have also been important issues to Dreier, said press secretary Brad Smith.
On education, Smith said, “Clinton and the Democrats tried to impose a government takeover of the student loan program. This would have allowed for $1.5 million to pay for government bureaucracies and would not have helped students receive loans.”
Dreier helped approve a measure that increased the money in the Pell Grant program, increasing the maximum average award to $2,440 in one installment and $2,470 in the second.
Dreier is also vocal in supporting environmental issues, including the Safe Drinking Water Act and providing better ground transportation.
Another aspect in which Dreier works is to establish bills that would relieve the tax burden on the middle class and reduce the capital gains tax, both of which would stimulate economic growth.
“Rep. Dreier wants people to keep more of the money that they earn,” Smith said.
Dreier added the 104th Congress has been particularly active in the pro-growth arena.
“We have seen great successes in the 104th Congress and I would love to see it again in the 105th,” he said.
Another aspect of Congress’ pro-growth plan is to “expand individual initiatives and responsibilities,” said Dreier.
This week, with Congress ready to adjourn for the year, Dreier is on the floor of the Capital introducing bills that Smith says “would toughen up the laws on illegal immigration, which affect California and he is working of the continuing budget resolution.”
Dreier is active in two House committees. He is Chairman of the Special Task Force for California and is Vice Chairman of the Rules Committee.
Whether or not Congress is in session, Dreier said he is in the La Verne area “almost every week, meeting with my constituents.”
Dreier graduated cum laude from Claremont McKenna College in 1975 and before his career in Congress began, he worked for a property management firm and for an industrial marketing firm in San Dimas.
