Former NFL Player Running For Congress
07/01/08
By Brian Entin
Tuesday, July 01, 2008 at 10:44 p.m.
KIRKSVILLE, MO. --
Brock Olivo, a republican running for Missouri’s ninth U.S. Congressional seat, held an open forum in Kirksville on Tuesday night.
If you recognize Olivo’s name, it’s probably because he was on the Mizzou football team and later played for the Detroit Lions.
He says he’ll take his values from the football field to Washington. “The leadership, the work ethic, dedication, and selflessness and ability to make decisions under extreme pressure. They are the same qualities that took me to the highest level of professional sport and they're the same qualities that I'll take with me to the halls of congress,” Olivo said.
Olivo also says he think the only way to solve the energy crisis is to find fuel at home, including drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The River is Going to Run
06/23/08
Vote Olivo in the August 5th Republican Primary!
The River is Going to Run
Where I Stand - Part One
Campaign Update
As you know, large sections of the 9th District have again been affected by Mother Nature. Many Missourians in other parts of our state are still suffering at her hands.
The near-record floods that struck the residents of the Mississippi River valley displaced residents, destroyed any chance at a profitable year for some farmers, and put historic tourist areas at risk. Earlier this year, the floods that struck the areas surrounding the Missouri, Meramec, and Osage Rivers did the same.
I spent many hours last week working in flood relief efforts and learning from the people who actually live in the affected areas. I did so without drawing attention to myself or my campaign because it was the right thing to do. Being able to talk to fellow rescuers over a pair of shovels provided me with an insight that you may not have seen in the national drive-by media reports. As one gentleman told me, "The river is going to run where it wants, but we should do a better job of guiding it."
It is unacceptable that 15 years after the Great Flood of 1993, a better levee system has not been put in place. Advisories and warnings have come from different levels of government and private groups to improve the levee system of the Mississippi River basin. Whether it is our town of Louisiana, Missouri, or the state of Louisiana, we have to take action. All levees should be built to withstand 500 year flood levels. All private landowners should be compensated for their losses due to this inaction and for property that would need to be used to build a better system of protection.
Be it the broken levee system, the broken healthcare delivery system, or their out of control spending habits, many in Washington, D.C. would rather talk and debate than take action.
When I am elected to Congress, I will aim to cut through the red tape holding up action. I will challenge the decision makers to come get their wingtips dirty in Missouri to see what inaction can cause and I will cross party lines to find like-minded elected officials who actually want to take care of their constituents instead of just talking about it.
Where I Stand
I have been open with my positions on all topics in public appearances, newsletters like this one, and the media since the beginning of my campaign. As we move into the last six weeks of this primary, I would like to talk in greater depth on some topics. Keep an eye on my website as I will be updating it frequently with more issues and my positions. If you would like to discuss any particular issue with me, just drop me an email and I will be happy to have an open discussion with you. Don't worry, I will address in-depth the energy crisis and health care in my next newsletter. I look forward to your feedback.
International Relations
I support the War on Terror. I believe one of the most important objectives of government is to protect its citizens. I support our troops and will listen to our military leaders whose boots are on the ground. I realize that Missouri has one of the largest numbers of actively deployed National Guardsmen, and a very high number of deployed men and women in the armed forces. I also respect the ultimate sacrifice that so many Missourians have made in order to serve our nation. Our military personnel will have no greater ally in Congress than Brock Olivo. I will do everything in my power to ensure that our troops have every means necessary to get the job done. I will also encourage an investment for increased access to mental health training and therapy before, during, and after active duty for soldiers and their families.
Our friends and allies in other nations across the world should always be able to trust America. The leaders of rogue nations where citizens suffer from oppression, hunger, and disease should also trust that America will not tolerate or condone their actions.
Immigration
I am three generations removed from my great-grandparents who left Italy to come to America. My wife, who is a native Italian, is now following the proper procedures to become a naturalized American citizen, so I bring a more personal approach to this issue. If immigrants come here legally, they should be allowed to stay and learn, work, or live as they have applied to do so. If they choose not to play by the rules, they should be treated like anyone else who has broken the law. The laws are in place and we need to enforce them. I favor a strong border patrol on all of our borders. We need to be aware of the fact that illegal immigrants are coming from all over the world.
The problem with border security goes way beyond just building a fence or a wall. We can't put a finger in the dike and expect the problem to go away. The saying "where there's a will there's a way" is a reality that we must address. We must support our border patrol - the boots on the ground. They need to know they can do their job without the fear of being prosecuted for taking action when needed. We also need to recognize the porous areas of the border that fall within our Native American reservations. These areas are vast and offer very little security due to a lack of resources, not a lack of will. I have met with military personnel that have decades of border patrol experience and every one of them points out the lack of security within the Indian nations. We need to implement immediate action to collaborate with the various reservations on the borders.
I do not condone amnesty, the guest worker program or social services for current illegal residents. I believe we should work to utilize and improve upon the temporary visa worker program. We should also turn some of our Homeland Security efforts towards maintaining a vigilant eye on visitors here on visa. These people can no longer be unaccounted for and as a result, stay here past their permitted time. Let us not forget which legal loopholes the 9/11 hijackers exploited. I am against sanctuary cities and support any means or funding that federal, state, or local law enforcement need to do their jobs.
Economy & Jobs
As the only candidate in this race with international business experience, I would bring a unique perspective to breaking down trade barriers and finding even more markets for our American products.
I will always support a tax cut, be it targeted or far reaching. I support the proposed federal tax waiver on gasoline for this reason. I support the repeal of the death tax. I also support the repeal of the corporate tax. I would also encourage a focus on training students and adults to strengthen their personal financial literacy.
I believe businesses create jobs, not the government. I would work to lower taxes and eliminate the bureaucratic burdens on entrepreneurs and small business owners to allow them to create more jobs. Business owners should be investing in and expanding their businesses, not making up the deficit Congress created.
Two issues that need immediate action with regard to business owners:
1. Make tamper-proof the E-Verify system so that business owners can make new hires without having to worry about fraudulent documents on illegal aliens slipping through the cracks.
2. Make health care affordable and therefore available for employees. 90% of Americans are employed or dependent upon small business, therefore, if we fix health care for small business, we fix health care for America.
I will address health care in-depth in my next newsletter in which I will propose some common-sense solutions. I look forward to your feedback.
Campaign Update
Team Olivo continues to lead the way with our aggressive ground campaign. We have knocked on thousands of doors, attended hundreds of community and political gatherings and we have participated in numerous parades around the district.
In addition to our flood relief efforts over the last week we have continued our door-to-door and personal phone-calling efforts, participated in the Fulton Street Fair parade, and attended the Scotland County Fair and the Clarence Homecoming.
This week brings a candidate forum in O’ Fallon, fairs and festivals in Vandalia, Sullivan, Williamsburg, and New Melle, and several other community organization meetings that we will be attending.
If you would like a yard sign to show your support for the campaign, just email us and we will deliver to your door. While on the website, please consider making an online contribution to help our campaign and to get us to the finish line.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to seeing you soon,
Brock
Hard Work, Faith, and Family
06/12/08
Hard Work, Faith, and Family
Fried Foods and Ferris Wheels
Olivo Events are Everywhere
I speak often about what I perceive to be the values of the 9th District: hard work, faith, and family. Maybe you have noticed these same words in our advertising, but they are more than words to me. They are the values I choose to carry through life, and they are the touchstones I refer to daily as I seek election to the United States Congress.
Hard Work
Engrained in me at a young age was the importance of hard work. Often I helped my grandfather, who owned a cattle farm in Gasconade County, with mending fences for hours on end, bucking bales in the hot summer sun, and delivering calves in the late winter cold. My first boss, Quentin Starke from Hermann, drove the point home even further, having me pull thistle stumps by hand every day during the summer I was 13. I learned a lot about my character that summer; mainly, I was not afraid of hard work (or thorns).
Whether you are a farmer, a factory worker, own your own company, or are employed in some other field, I respect you. I respect the many hours you work in order to pay your bills and provide for your family.
Faith
As part of my upbringing, I was raised in the Catholic faith, attending high school at St. Francis Borgia in Washington, MO. I believe in God and respect all His creations. Therefore, I am pro-life and need to address a choice that is often overlooked: adoption. Not only should the adoption process be made easier, but also the fees incurred in doing so should be considerably lower, especially in the case of special needs children. We need to start by loosening the qualification criteria so more parents can adopt. Did you know that according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, an adoption can cost up to $40,000.00?
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/s_cost/s_cost.cfm) The federal government does offer tax credits (
http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html) to qualifying adoptive parents and some employers are even offering adoption benefits as part of their health plans to cover part of their employees expenses, but we can do more.
I suggest that employers, and perspective parents, should be rewarded with greater tax incentives for adoption planning. Making it easier and more affordable to adopt will save lives.
Family
Like most of you, I cherish my family. My mother is an ex-real estate agent has a passion for old architecture and design. My father is an ex-pro quarterback and current high school teacher and coach who spends his free time remodeling homes. I have a sister and a brother with whom I love to visit as often as I can. But, my wife is my heart and my love. Samuela is from Italy and speaks five languages. She is a talented artist and is nothing short of brilliant in the kitchen. Of course, Italian food is her specialty. She is the reason I wake up with a smile each morning and rush home at the end of the day. I include my friends as part of my family as well. The guys I grew up with in Hermann and Washington and played football with at Mizzou are still the closest friends I have.
Fried Foods and Ferris Wheels
This past week, Team Olivo furthered our door to door efforts in several counties of the 9th District, meeting voters on their doorsteps. It's the best way for me to know what you want in your next Congressman. We also ventured down to Miller County to enjoy all the fried delicacies offered by the Olean Jaycees. I was able to meet new supporters, share stories with fellow Mizzou alums, and see awesome custom motorcycles.
Fair and festival season gets into full swing this coming weekend with the Scotland County Fair. We will be out and about in Memphis, so be sure to say hi when you see us.
Olivo Events are Everywhere
We have a busy month in June with fundraising events throughout the district. If you would like to be invited to attend one of these events, drop us an email, and we will be happy to send you a schedule. If you would be willing to host a small gathering or a large event, please feel free to contact my event coordinator, McKenzie Koch, via email at .
Finally, if you would like to support the campaign with a contribution, you can do so online at BrockOlivo.com.
I hope to see you soon on the campaign trail.
Brock
Paycheck to Paycheck
06/05/08
1. Paycheck to Paycheck
2. Campaign Update
3. A Pledge or Three to You
When I was a rookie in the National Football League, my friends would often give me trouble about all the ‘money and the toys that money brings’ they thought I was enjoying.
When those same friends came to see me play in Detroit, they were surprised to see my sparse one bedroom apartment in a rough part of town and the air mattress I was sleeping on.
I knew that a professional sports career and the salary that came with it would not last very long, so I had better save all I could. I played 5 years for the Lions, which is 4 times longer than the average NFL career, but I had been David and Vicki Olivo’s son for more than two decades at that point. They had done a great job raising me as the fiscal conservative I still am today.
As we all adapt to today’s changing economy, I know that many of the residents of Missouri’s 9th Congressional District are living paycheck to paycheck. Some of us are living in more dire straits than that.
Truthfully, the only thing a Congressman, or a Congressional candidate like me, can do to change things is to get government out of the way of individuals and business owners that truly create jobs. We can do things like reducing regulatory paperwork, simplifying the tax code, and opening trade relations with foreign nations that want our American products.
Government can also do something by learning from our educators in some public, most private and all home –based schooling environments: return a focus to personal financal literacy.
Education decisions should always be made at the local level, but the Department of Education should encourage a national focus on developing a skill that seems to be sorely lacking. According to just released U.S. Commerce Department figures, the personal savings rates of Americans dipped to 0.7% of income.
http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/pi/pinewsrelease.htm
Even the President’s cabinet gets it. Last week, Treasury Undersecretary Robert Steel said that many Americans, “lack the requisite understanding to utilize financial tools and products to manage their financial affairs properly.”
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp998.htm
Here in Missouri, we now have a one semester graduation requirement for our high school seniors, but it is the only required subject students can test out of. There is also no qualification as to who can teach the class, meaning many times financial professionals and experts aren’t allowed into the classroom.
Many local educators are trapped by red tape from teaching students about the financial life skills they need. We need to arm our students with knowledge now to prevent them from beginning life on their own with student loan and personal debt loads equivalent to a mortgage. And we should do this without creating another big government program that hands out items from the cradle to the grave.
Statistics show most Americans today don’t know how to say no to unlimited credit offers. It’s difficult to teach the next generation to live debt free when they are surrounded by horrible examples like the deficit spending by our federal government.
That’s why we have a responsibility to educate students about financial literacy. A young person armed with the right knowledge can avoid multiple credit card offers their first day in college or a subprime home loan that may cause them to lose the roof over their head when the interest rate is adjusted.
Americans need to be encouraged to save more money for their futures and rainy days. Our local schools should be allowed to do a better job teaching financial literacy. And adults who want help to turn their money skills around should be able to turn to free courses at our community colleges or places of worship offered by certified financial professionals.
These are items that I will work on as our next Congressman to give a hand up to those in need as we get through trying economic times.
Campaign Update
This past weekend, after spending time in Fulton and participating in the Anchorfest in Centralia, I served as a delegate to the Missouri Republican Convention in Branson. It was a good experience filled with lively debate. We then rushed back home to spend all day Sunday in Franklin County at events in Krakow and Villa Ridge. Thank you to all of you who came up and offered your support and well wishes this weekend. Your kind words and contributions mean the world to me.
Team Olivo and I are now several weeks into our door to door effort. In a short time we have talked about the campaign with thousands of people in different areas of the district. Maybe we have even talked to you at your front door or on the phone with a live caller. It has been fun and rewarding for me to meet folks on their home turf and discuss the issues of the day and what they want in their next Congressman. Look for yard signs to start popping up very soon. If you would like one to show your support for my campaign, drop us an email.
A Pledge or Three to You
You may have heard about a letter I recently mailed to 9th District Republicans where I made two campaign pledges:
1. I will never use the “Barack/Brock” joke to open my stump speech again.
2. I will continue to run a clean and positive campaign. You won’t find me or my team running down our opponents or slinging mud. My opponents deserve better, and most of all you deserve a clean campaign.
Running a clean campaign doesn’t mean that I am afraid to take or deliver hits. There are some former kick returners whose bells are still ringing from my tackles in the NFL.
The residents of the 9th District don’t need to be bombarded by all the negative political campaigning to come this summer, and I am happy to do anything I can to prevent mudslinging.
I also will not be using automated phone calls to contact you about my campaign. I find those calls intrusive and, frankly, and a waste of contributors’ money. I look forward to a good personal discussion of the issues with my fellow candidates and- most importantly- the voters of the 25 counties in the 9th District.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to talking with you soon,
Brock
PS
Please don’t for get to mark your calendars to vote in the August 5th Republican primary. I ask for your vote and I appreciate any support you can give our campaign before then.
Heathcare for All?
05/29/08
1. Healthcare for all?
2. Parades, parties and festivals
3. Happy Anniversary!
It is my belief that America has the highest quality of healthcare in the world. Having lived abroad for some time, I feel comfortable making this statement.
Our historical problem has always been the availability of our healthcare system. Likewise, our cultural problem has been living healthy lifestyles that would enable us to live longer.
Access to affordable healthcare is the number one issue people discuss with me as I travel across the 9th District with my campaign. It is the first thing that comes up with business owners. It is usually one of the first topics that comes up with individual Missourians, and to no surprise, it is a hot topic with those in the healthcare profession.
As a former scrawny kid, who through hard work and dedication rose to the highest levels of professional sport, I understand how healthy choices can change a life. I realize it will be hard for a rookie member of the minority party to advance legislative change. However, I am no stranger to adversity. I was told that I would never play running-back in high school, much less college football or in the NFL. While I recognize the uphill battles that lie ahead, if you elect me as your next Congressman I will promise to address the following:
· Employers should not be the only source of healthcare insurance. Individuals should be active participants and investors in our own healthcare plans. The government should be there as a safety net and traffic cop only.
· Healthcare costs should be openly available for consumers. Emergency and planned procedures should not bankrupt Americans.
· Providers must be encouraged to adopt Electronic Medical Records. Too many patients are suffering from errors in paper records. Time and money is too often wasted in re-creating patient records that already exist. Most importantly, electronic medical records can save lives.
· Insurance competition must be increased. This includes creating plans where big companies, small companies, and private individuals can buy the same policies across state lines in a nationwide market. If it works for car insurance, why shouldn’t it work for healthcare?
· Individuals must be able to take their policy coverage with them in the event of a change of employment. We should also be able to compare costs and performance ratings of providers.
· Working with Americans to plan for the future through savings and insurance plans for long term care.
· We must inspire a cultural change towards preventive measures and healthy lifestyles. This should begin at home with our younger Americans and be followed throughout our lives.
I would prefer to see a healthcare system that offered products to incentivize healthy lifestyles and wellness.
The fact is that roughly a third of our children less than 18 years of age are considered obese and are at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and many other issues. We should require physical education no less than 3 days a week in our learning institutions at all levels. We should calculate our student’s body mass index and waist measurements to share with parents. If a student is on the right track, we should reward them with an investment into their Health Savings Account. If a student is falling onto a wrong track, then steps to encourage improvement should be taken. The ancient Greeks and Romans understood the correlation between a healthy lifestyle and academic performance: mens sana in corpore sano - from a healthy body comes a healthy mind.
For employers, and to benefit their non-student employees, we can reward companies that implement healthy living incentives. I would also like to see tax benefits for companies that contribute or match employee contributions to Health Savings Accounts similar to a 401(k).
Regarding the costs of healthcare, there has to be a new business model of transparency created. Consumers should know what it will cost them – or their insurance provider – before they treat the local emergency room as a walk-in clinic. Likewise, patients should know the costs of medical services to make an informed choice for required procedures.
While I believe strongly in personal freedoms, many smokers I personally know are gripped by an addictive habit and would love to quit. The government can work with these folks individually or through private employers and insurance companies to promote smoking cessation programs and tools to reduce the chronic diseases attributed to smoking.
With healthier individuals, the government will have to spend less and less in treating illness and can focus more and more on preventing illness.
I do not pretend to have all the answers in addressing our current healthcare predicament. I do believe I am offering some interesting ideas and I would like to hear your opinions. Please feel free to drop me an email at to share your thoughts and suggestions.
Parades, parties and festivals
The greatest part of my job as a full time candidate is meeting the people of the 9th District and hearing directly what you want in your next Congressman.
You may have noticed on my website, BrockOlivo.com, several photos of Team Olivo at different local events. We were recently in my hometown of Hermann for the Maifest Parade where organizers said we made “a big presence…more than any other candidate.” This past weekend we attended by invitation Memorial Day services in New Melle and Warrenton after having spent last Saturday in Novinger with the large crowd at Coal Miners Days.
If there are any events, no matter if the crowd is 2 people or 2,000 people, you would like to invite Team Olivo and myself to attend please feel free to contact us through the website and we will make plans to be there. This spring and summer when you see us out and about in your community, be sure to come up and say hi and share some of your ideas with me.
Happy Anniversary
It was on May 26, 2007, when Samuela Matani and I were married. She has been through a lot with me over the last year as my wife, and I wanted to take a moment to let her know how much I appreciate her and her support. I have the easiest job in this campaign as the candidate and she probably has the toughest as the candidate’s wife.
If you would like to share in my appreciation of Sammy, I ask you to consider supporting my campaign.
On the front page of the website, just above the welcome video, you can volunteer to help with grassroots activities, you can endorse my campaign, and you can make a contribution. We would like to see as many new members of The 27 Club – those making a $27.00 contribution – and even some new members of our Hall of Fame – those making a maximum contribution of $2300.00 – as we can!
Thank you for your time and I hope to see you on the campaign trail soon!
Brock
Learning from our Seniors and Veterans
05/20/08
1. Learning from our Seniors and Veterans
2. Many miles to go
3. Brock on the air
Learning from our Seniors and Veterans
I recently completed an important tour of the 9th District visiting with seniors and discussing ending the double taxation of their Social Security benefits.
This double taxation also affects all public pensions, so our retired teachers, soldiers, and government workers feel the pinch too. This is not good public policy and I aim to make it one of my priorities in Congress to end this double tax. My new friend Mike, a retired tire shop owner from Warrenton, agreed with me when he told me “I had no idea this was going on, but it shouldn’t be this way, especially in the United States of America.”
As I have said before, The Internal Revenue Service guidelines show that up to 85% of a senior citizens social security income can be taxed based on their total yearly income. According to the Internal Revenue Service, the federal government began taxing Social Security benefits in 1984. The taxable amount was increased up to 85% beginning in 1994 following the Deficit Reduction Act of 1993.
Along the tour I visited with folks in Columbia, Kirksville, Macon, Hannibal, Washington, Union, New Haven, Cuba, Hermann, Warrenton, and St. Charles County. I had the pleasure of meeting with many World War II and Korean War veterans who attended our visits. They shared with me the concerns they have for their own treatment by our government, as well as for the men and women currently serving our country in a time of war.
The men and women of our armed services will find I will be their greatest friend in Congress. If veterans need help battling red tape at the VA, I will be there for them. If a returning hero requires assistance returning to their professional or educational career, I will be there for them. If the family of a deployed soldier needs anything, even just someone to listen to them and respect their sacrifice, I will be there for them.
Many miles to go
As we lead up to the August 5th Republican primary election, I have covered the 25 counties of the 9th district many times. In recent weeks, we have racked up more than 10,000 miles on our vehicles traveling to meetings, events, and contacting voters. At today’s gas prices that adds up to more than $1750.00.
Soon we will be purchasing signage, media ads, and mailings. I bring this up because, as always, your support in volunteer efforts, votes, and financial contributions is requested and appreciated.
For example, your contribution of $100.00 will help us buy 33 yard signs. Your contribution of $500.00 will help us run one large newspaper ad in a local newspaper. Your maximum contribution of $2300.00 will pay for part of a day of television commercial production.
We have been gaining the support of many voters in the 9th District who are stepping up with contributions, and I humbly ask you to consider doing the same. You may either contribute financially or in volunteer commitments on my website, BrockOlivo.com.
We have many miles to go in the 70 some days before August 5th, won’t you join us on our journey?
Brock on the air
I recently sat down for a 30 minute interview on KTUI radio in Sullivan. MO. ‘Little’ John Rice and I covered many topics in that time including my background, my reasons for running, and the major issues of the day. I have posted an MP3 of this interview on my website and I invite you to take a listen.
If there is a question you have that we didn’t cover on KTUI, feel free to email me and I will be happy to discuss your interests with you.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail,
Brock
Congressional Candidate Brock Oliva (sic) visits Hannibal
05/02/08
By Melissa Shriver KHQA TV
Posted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 5:37 p.m.
A republican candidate for Missouri's 9th Congressional District made a campaign stop in Hannibal today.
Brock Olivo visited the Hannibal Nutrition Center to talk with folks about issues facing them as part of his Senior Tour around the district.
He wants to go to Congress to stop the double taxation of Senior citizens throughout the nation.
Olivo says all taxpayers should be appalled at the pork barrel spending and earmarks taking up tax dollars on Capitol Hill.
He'd like to fix that problem by holding officials accountable for the dollars they earmark.
He says he may be younger than other candidates but he's the one with the freshest ideas and no ties to special interest groups.
Oliva said, "I'm a fiscal conservative who's going to cut through red tape and stand up to special interests. I'm a product of the 9th district so I learned first hand the core values of the district; faith, family, community, hard work and I believe my background lends itself to public life as well."
You might remember Olivo as Missou's record-setting running back on the University's football team.
He also played for the Detroit Lions as special teams captain.
He hails from Hermann, Missouri.
Olivo Pledges to End Double Taxation of Senior Citizens
05/01/08
Olivo Pledges to End Double Taxation of Senior Citizens
Meets with Seniors in Warrenton, Hannibal, Columbia, New Haven, and Hermann
WARRENTON, Mo. – Congressional candidate Brock Olivo today started a four-day tour visiting with senior citizens throughout the 9th District about his plan to end the federal government’s double taxation on seniors. The Internal Revenue Service guidelines show that up to 85% of a senior citizen’s social security income can be taxed based on their total yearly income.
“This double taxation is wrong and I want to end it,” he said. “Our senior citizens have paid a 6.2% Social Security tax on every paycheck they’ve ever earned and currently, if they earn more than $25,000 individually or $32,000 as a married couple including their social security benefits and other pension and income, the federal government is taxing them again.”
According to the Internal Revenue Service, the federal government began taxing Social Security benefits in 1984. The taxable amount was increased up to 85% beginning in 1994 following the Deficit Reduction Act of 1993.
“Originally the federal government didn’t tax the income seniors receive from Social Security,” Olivo said. “But over the years, politicians passed new and higher taxes to pay for their out of control spending - putting an unfair, double tax on our seniors.”
Olivo said the Missouri Legislature last year passed a bill to slowly phase out Missouri’s double tax on seniors, noting that state income taxes only make up a small percentage of an individual’s overall tax burden. Olivo said the double tax must no longer be ignored on the federal level.
“Our seniors deserve a Congressman that will fight to protect what they’ve worked their entire lives to earn and I’m that person,” he said. “We need conservative leaders in Washington that will work for real and permanent tax relief.”
Olivo begins the tour today, meeting with seniors in Warrenton. Friday he will speak with senior citizens in Hannibal. Next week he will have lunch with Columbia seniors and finish the tour Tuesday with breakfast and lunch in New Haven and Hermann respectively.
“The bottom line is the Federal Government must and should improve the lives of senior citizens by ending this double tax,” Olivo said.
Media: To set up an interview with Brock during the tour on his plan to end the double tax on senior citizens, please contact Justin Charboneau at (636)221-1303.
Olivo running for Congress as a Washington outsider
4/24/08
Author: DANNY HENLEY Of the Hannibal Courier-Post
Some may point to Brock Olivo's lack of experience in the political arena as a shortcoming. Olivo, one of five Republicans running for Congress from the Ninth District, views it as an asset.
"I'm the only person in the race without a political background. I don't have a political resume. I'm not a career politician. I don't pretend to be one," said Olivo, during a campaign stop in Hannibal Wednesday. "I don't need a political resume to know and understand the issues that we're faced with on a daily basis. I'm a product of the Ninth District. I was raised on the grains and meats of this place. I know it just as well as anybody else does. Having a political resume or not doesn't make the difference. That doesn't make you a good leader. That doesn't make you a good decision maker."
The former star running back at the University of Missouri says the same attributes that helped him succeed at Mizzou will aid him if elected to Congress.
"Those qualities that took me to the NFL, the highest level of professional sports, are the same qualities that I'll take with me to the halls of Congress. Those are qualities that transcend every field," he said. "I'm not a slick political type. I don't even like the word politician. I'm a citizen's representative in this race. What I really enjoy doing is going out every day, sitting down and listening to folks."
As he travels the district, Olivo is getting an ear full from people feeling a financial pinch as the economy slows and prices climb.
"Everyone is feeling the crunch, all the way down the food chain. It's a big issue," he said. "Global demand is at an all-time high. It's not going to diminish."
A rising concern for constituents of the Ninth District is the cost of fuel.
"Renewable biofuels do help out. They're not the long-term solution, I don't think, but they are definitely a good, sort of feel good, quick-fix solution in the meantime. I think we need to look into drilling in Anwr. China is already drilling off the coast of Florida. Why aren't we?" said Olivo, stressing that any drilling in the Alaska wildlife refuge would need to be done in the "most environmentally friendly way possible."
Cutting red tape for seniors and veterans, health care costs for small businesses and immigration are other key issues, according to Olivo.
After voting for the first time only earlier this month, an apologetic Olivo says he was "caught up in a wave of apathy" that he feels grips many Americans.
"I think a lot of folks empathize with the fact they don't feel a connection between the folks that are in Washington, not everybody, but in general the headliners," he said.
Olivo, who applauds the Congressional record of Kenny Hulshof, hopes residents of the Ninth District will give him the chance to serve that they did Hulshof, who also was a Washington outside when first elected.
"I think the people of the Ninth District need someone to continue to represent our Ninth District values in D.C. by being a fiscal conservative, cutting through red tape and standing up to special interests. I look forward to that opportunity," he said.
An Important Milestone
04/22/08
1. An Important Milestone
2. Seeking advice from those who have been there before
3. A special report from Fox News
An Important Milestone
Last week the Olivo campaign marked the important milestone of visiting all the counties of the 9th district. According to the citizens and leaders we are meeting, we are the first campaign to complete this journey. I am very proud of this.
As the only one in our election with the resources and commitment to being a full-time candidate, I am pledging to visit all of the counties in the 9th district at least 12 times each by the August 5th primary. Our smaller, less populated areas deserve just as much attention as the larger cities.
The week culminated with the 9th District Republican caucus where I was elected as a delegate to the Republican State Convention. Team Olivo and I then spent the rest of Saturday at the Spring Football Game at Mizzou, where I connected with old friends, former teammates, new supporters and current players. It was perfect football weather, cold and rainy, but the positive reception we received kept me warm and motivated.
Seeking advice from those who have been there before
A comment I keep hearing from people I visit with is that I am unusual for a candidate. They say “…you don’t act like you know everything.”
I am not a career politician and I do not pretend to have all of the answers. But I am a good listener and want to hear directly from the people about what you need in your next congressman. That is why I have spent a good amount of time meeting with business owners, teachers, health care professionals, and even some current and former elected officials to seek their advice and input for this campaign.
Two notable former elected officials that sought me out for a meeting were the Honorable Steve Largent and the Honorable J.C. Watts. I met with them earlier this month in Washington, D.C.
The three of us share something in common: similar experiences on the gridiron and a passion for public service. As you may know, Largent and Watts served as Congressmen from Oklahoma for many years. Both are still involved with federal government and the Republican Party after retiring from Congress.
I was honored to meet with these gentlemen and hear their advice. Their common message was for me to keep running the campaign the way I am and to keep it clean. Neither were taken seriously in initial campaigns, but proved that hard work and an overwhelming commitment to serve the people would lead to victory.
Both Largent and Watts urged me to stay in contact with them and I will. I also want to hear from you if you have any advice, resources, or invitations to share. My way of campaigning is different – listening to the voters instead of talking at them, and folks are telling me they appreciate it!
A special report from Fox News
The race for the 9th district seat drew some national attention this week as a crew from Fox News Channel interviewed all of the candidates. At their request, we met on the sidelines of Faurot Field and then they followed me to the Columbia Post Office where I spent most of the day on April 15th meeting taxpayers. The story is supposed to run this week on the Brit Hume show and we will send an announcement to let you know when you can tune in.
Be sure to visit us online at BrockOlivo.com to catch up with photos of recent events, view our video question and answer section, submit your own question, or contact us with your ideas, volunteer efforts, or contributions.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail,
Brock
Olivo Announces First Quarter Fundraising Momentum
Brock Olivo will report he raised $36,233.00 for his election as Missouri’s 9th District Congressman in a shortened first quarter of fundraising. Olivo entered the race February 15.
“I am focusing on meeting the people of the 9th district and talking to them about the issues they care about,” said Olivo, who has now visited citizens in 23 of the 25 counties in the district. “As the newcomer in this race, the one thing I know is I am the hardest worker. I’m not a career politician and that means I have to work even harder and smarter as I’m reintroducing myself to voters. They know my unparalleled work ethic on the field, and now I want them to know how I will work hard for them to protect their pocketbooks, cut through bureaucratic red tape and stand up to special interests.”
Olivo created the 27 Club, after his retired Mizzou number, as a first step to building financial support.
“This is the Show Me State and I believe I need to earn a person’s support before asking for large sums of money, especially when people are paying more and more for basic staples like gas, food and education,” he said.
Olivo said he is gaining even greater support since the closing of the first quarter on March 31 through contributions, endorsements, and volunteers.
"I am excited about the response to my candidacy throughout the Ninth District and the encouragement I have received," Olivo said. "We will build on this foundation to attract more supporters to our team as we work toward victory in August."
The Economy and The Campaign
1. Thoughts on the economy
2. Campaign Update
3. Questions and Answers
It is hard to watch the news these days.
No, I am not talking about having to see Barack and Hillary battle it out, I am referring to the constant gloom and doom stories regarding our economy.
Things may appear a bit grim here in Missouri as well. We have witnessed announcements of a plant closure in Camden County, a large tuition increase at the University of Missouri, and Mother Nature again striking homes and farms all across our region through heavy rains and increased spring flooding.
We all know the economy is cyclical and we happen to be at the bottom of the cycle right now. While owning Olivo Consulting, I dealt with many small and medium size manufacturers across two continents. In my role of gaining my clients access to new international markets, they often told me of their struggles to meet their overhead. A considerable part of any manufacturers overhead is dealing with the government.
As I travel the 9th district for my campaign, I hear from business owners and farmers saddled with similar government burdens. As one small employer put it to me, “…filling out this government paperwork doesn’t make me money or allow me to pay my employees.”
I understand that government can do, and should do, some things to stimulate the economy and protect our most vulnerable citizens in times like these but I know the best thing government can do is get out of our way. It will be American innovation and entrepreneurship that leads us out of this temporary downturn, just as it always has.
There is no simple answer to the current economic concerns, but here are a few of my thoughts:
· Missourians need to have a hand up, not a hand out, in times like these.
· Government must put an emphasis on job training and re-training for displaced workers.
· Higher education has to be made affordable for all legal citizens that want to learn and achieve.
· We must return a focus to personal financial responsibility and education to break the grip of credit addiction that affects Americans of all ages.
· Our food and energy supplies have to return to recent affordable prices, keep up with growing demand, and be secure.
· Business needs to have simpler taxation and regulation.
· Healthcare coverage must be accessible, affordable, and portable in the event of job change.
I would be interested to hear what turn-around solutions and ideas you might have. Feel free to share your thoughts with me by emailing .
Campaign Update
My campaign for Congress continues to gain momentum, volunteers, and supporters. I have spent nearly every waking moment meeting with residents of the Ninth District, on the phone with supporters and interested voters, speaking at public events and continuing to better myself as a candidate.
Recently I have toured businesses in Callaway and Shelby Counties, flood damaged areas of Franklin and Osage Counties, spoken at events in Adair, Pike, Crawford and Maries Counties, and held events of my own in Boone, Camden, and Gasconade Counties.
This past Saturday I had the honor of talking with young students and their parents in Washington, MO about childhood physical fitness. I stressed how an early commitment to proper exercise and diet will help them avoid health troubles later in life. This is a topic that I feel very passionate about and am excited about promoting this message when I am a Congressman.
Next week will see Team Olivo and I return to the northern part of the Ninth District as we continue to meet new folks, see old friends, and share our message about my candidacy with my fellow Missourians.
Questions and Answers
If you haven’t already, be sure to visit us online at BrockOlivo.com to volunteer for the campaign, endorse my candidacy, and make a financial contribution to support our efforts. You can also check out our new video Question and Answer section. There I provide video answers to some frequently asked questions I have encountered. I even ask you to challenge me by sending me your own questions that you would like to see answered.
Thank you for your time and I will see you soon on the campaign trail!
Brock
“I’VE GOT TO GO WITH BROCK”
04/02/08
State Senator John Griesheimer Endorses Brock Olivo
Washington, MO- Senator John Griesheimer (R-Washington) has announced that he is supporting the candidacy of Brock Olivo for Missouri’s 9th Congressional District.
“It comes down to someone I know, and someone I trust and that is Brock Olivo,” said Griesheimer. “I have been one of the biggest supporters of Kenny Hulshof both in the U.S. House and in his race for Governor, so it is very important to me that the next Congressman from the 9th have what Kenny has: integrity, dedication, and the ability to rise to a challenge. Brock is that person.”
Griesheimer has known Olivo for more than 15 years and has always had a personal friendship with him. “He has made the Franklin County area proud by achieving so much on athletic fields and in professional arenas during his life. My family and I have enjoyed supporting him and watching him grow into a fine Missourian.”
“John has always been someone I have looked up to,” remarked Olivo. “He is the type of public servant that I will strive to be when elected to Congress-selfless, humble, prepared, and ready to tackle the biggest challenges of the day. His commitment to constituent service is remarkable and will be the model I use while serving in Washington, D.C. ”
John Griesheimer has served the people of Missouri for more than two decades as a Washington City Councilman, a Franklin County Commissioner, a State Representative, and currently as a Missouri State Senator. He is known for his jovial attitude and ability to pass complex issues through the legislature. His Senate district covers two important areas of the 9th Congressional: Franklin and Warren Counties.
Brock Olivo was the founder of an international consulting firm and a former star football player at the high school, university, and professional levels. He announced he was running for the soon to be vacated congressional seat of Representative Kenny Hulshof in February.
“Brock’s campaign is going to be a great one to watch and be involved in. It’s time that we had some fresh blood come to the political arena. I have personally witnessed him grow as a candidate these past few weeks and watched the crowd at Franklin County Lincoln Days come away highly impressed of his sincerity, knowledge, and passion at the event. I can’t wait to see him sworn into Congress!”
More information on the Brock Olivo for Congress campaign can be found at BrockOlivo.com.
Olivo Is Campaigning for Congress Full Time
03/18/08
Washington Missourian
The fact that it was disclosed that Brock Olivo, the former football star turned politician, has never cast a ballot in an election has turned into a crusade for him-to urge young people to register to vote and to show up on Election Day at the polls.
The Republican candidate for Congress from the 9th District said he will place emphasis on voting in his campaign, especially by young adults.
Brock and his Italian wife, Samuela, visited in Washington one day last week, while campaigning in Franklin County. He was a star running back at St. Francis Borgia Regional High and at the University of Missouri. He played four years of professional football for the Detroit Lions.
After he retired from the pro game, he was a player-coach in Italy and then worked for the National Italian American Foundation in Washington, D.C. His wife worked for the same Foundation. Brock worked in the cultural and education department, which handled scholarships, grants, student exchanges and he had duties at the Italian embassy. He was an interpreter for visitors from Italy. His grandfather helped taught him Italian and he continue his language studies at MU. His wife speaks five languages.
He described himself as a full-time underdog candidate who "will out-campaign my opponents," adding, "you know my work ethic."
Brock is a legend at MU because of his strenuous training regimen and rugged play. He said after his heavy concentration on foot, "I was ready to do something else."
He admitted he was "burned out" playing football.
"I have received a positive reception in the district and it's a humbling feeling. The positive response is by people of all ages. I also have heard from MU graduates who are supporting me. They don't associate me with any particular group. They connect with me.
"I'm a fresh face. My focus is for people to get to know me and who I am. I'm a serious candidate. I want to represent people in Congress from my home turf. I embrace the value of people in the district. I believe in community, faith, family, hard work and I'm a fiscal conservative. I want to follow in the path of Kenny Hulshof and build on the foundation he made," Brock said.
"I don't pretend to have all the answers. I will listen and learn. My work ethic is unparalleled. I will deliver for people.
"It's hard for me to put my finger on a No. 1 issue. There are many-illegal immigration, Iraq, Social Security, programs for veterans, transportation, commerce on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, protecting bottomlands for farmers and the economy.
He explained that he supports the surge effort in Iraq and believes strongly in the obligation of government to protect the American people. There has been success in Afghanistan, he said, with life returning to normal to a great extent. "I believe every returning military person should be given a hero's welcome and we must give quality care to those veterans who need it."
He hasn't received any endorsements at this time and he doesn't believe Hulshof, who is giving up his seat in Congress to run for governor this year, will endorse any candidate.
Olivo received a degree in English from MU. He considers Columbia his home now. His mother lives in Hermann and his father still is coaching football at a high school in St. Louis County. The family lived just south of Washington while Brock attended high school and later resided in Washington.
It has been a great week on the campaign trail…
03/14/08
After having the opportunity last weekend to meet with and speak to the attendees of local Lincoln Day events in Boone, Macon, and Miller counties and the 1st District Lincoln Day event in Lewis County, we hit the ground running Monday morning.
Team Olivo and I had meetings, events, and did some grassroots footwork in Gasconade, Montgomery, Osage, Warren, Callaway, Audrain, and Franklin Counties this week. We have met with local and county leaders, agri-businessmen, and voters in courthouses, diners, and businesses.
It is very humbling to me to see the excitement in people’s eyes and receive their offers of support and encouragement as we discuss the campaign and the issues that truly matter here in Missouri.
I would like to thank the Missouri Corn Growers, the University of Missouri Collegiate Farm Bureau, and Mid-America BioFuels for their hospitality this week as well.
Agriculture has changed a lot since I grew up working my Grandfather’s cattle ranch and Quentin Starke’s farm in Gasconade County, but the principals of hard work and sound money management are still there. If a farmer is going to make it these days, he or she has to be a good planner, a tireless worker, and a risk taker…that sounds a lot like my campaign for Congress.
This coming week we will be heading north to Kirksville and Hannibal. I will also be going home to Hermann to attend the Gasconade County Caucus on Saturday. If there are any events in your area that you would like us to attend – no matter how big or small – please feel free to invite Team Olivo.
Thank you for your time and I hope to see you soon on the campaign trail.
Brock
PS
If you haven’t already, and would like to, you can join many others by making a contribution to my campaign online at BrockOlivo.com. Your support from $27.00 to $2300.00 is greatly appreciated and will help ensure that the hardest working candidate in this campaign is elected to Congress.
