At an appearance in Racine Thursday afternoon, Paul Ryan touched on familiar themes and never once mentioned Donald Trump by name.
A stop at Burlington Graphics on Chicory Rd. was one of two that were billed as “employee town halls.” The House Speaker also took questions from employees and invited guests at W-P-C Technologies in Oak Creek.
In Racine, friendly questions from employees allowed Ryan to address some of his favorite topics: Social Security insolvency, tax code reform and regulatory changes. He also talked about health care reform for individuals not covered by employer policies.
Ryan says he and his Republican colleagues remain focused on accomplishing their goals, but wishes there were fewer “distractions."
"Candidly, we don't get distracted," Ryan said of his Republican colleagues in the House. "We focus on doing what we're supposed to be doing," he said.
A tax reform bill will pass by the end of the year, Ryan predicted. And Congress will make headway on other agenda items, he said.
Touching on those distractions, Ryan had some advice for people who might not like what's going on in Washington. "I always tell people don't turn on the news all that often. It's depressing and distracting," he said.
Thursday's appearances in the area were about as close as Ryan has come to holding traditional town halls that are open to the public. He’s been criticized by Democrats on that count.
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