U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer visited Chilton County on May 5, speaking at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon and touring local schools.

Palmer was introduced at the luncheon by Kevin Corley, pastor at Grace Fellowship church in Clanton who is family friends with Palmer.

Palmer talked about the number of committees he’s a part of, and some of the main points of his platform.

“We have to get our fiscal house in order,” Palmer said about the country’s financial situation.

Palmer said a budget presented by President Barack Obama was “dead on arrival,” and said lawmakers are looking at ways to reduce government.

The United States has large energy reservoirs that could help its economy, Palmer said.

“We have enormous energy resources that we need to take advantage of,” he said.

Palmer also mentioned the amount of uncollected federal income taxes as a potential boon for the nation’s treasury.

Part of the Republican budget that has been presented is the repeal of the health care plan that has come to be known as Obamacare, Palmer said.

Palmer touted health savings plans as an alternative to the mandatory health care coverage that is part of Obamacare.

“You want to create an incentive for people to use the health system more efficiently–and also an incentive to live healthier lifestyles,” Palmer said. “We need to change the way people think about health care.”

Palmer said that as part of his role with the Oversight Committee, he has found a “complete lack of respect for Congressional authority.”

“I think we’re at a point where Congress has said, ‘Enough is enough,’ and we’re going to take steps to rein in these agencies,” he said.

Palmer is also on the Science Committee and said he encourages students to focus on science, math and engineering.

On tours of Chilton County High School and LeCroy Career Tech Center, Palmer saw projects being undertaken by local students while also talking to some of them.

Palmer said while there are numerous hurdles to clear, he remains hopeful about the country’s future.

“I think we’ve still got an opportunity to get the country going in the right direction, but that opportunity will escape us if we don’t act,” he said.

The telephone number for Palmer’s Clanton office is (205) 280-6846. It is located at 703 Second Ave. N.

The number for the Birmingham office is (205) 968-1290.