September 2009 Archives

Bipartisan resoluton calls for international inspections

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andy Phelan, Communications Director

WASHINGTON – Congressman Hank Johnson today introduced a resolution demanding that Iran disclose and provide international inspectors with unfettered access to all facilities associated with the Iranian nuclear program.  H.Res.782 supports identical demands made by President Obama at last week’s G20 Conference in Pittsburgh.

 The resolution, which was introduced with 33 bipartisan cosponsors, responds to last week’s revelation that Iran has built a secret enrichment facility near Qom, Iran.  Iran did not disclose its Qom facility to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) until September 21, 2009, though U.S. intelligence agencies had been aware of the facility since at least 2006.

 “For years, Iran has engaged in a pattern of evasion and deception while the international community has worked in good faith to ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.  Iran must come clean or it will face devastating international sanctions,” said Mr. Johnson.

 The resolution demands that the Iran immediately disclose the existence of any additional nuclear-related facilities, urges the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to proceed as soon as possible with inspections of the Qom enrichment facility, and insists that the Iran provide IAEA inspectors immediate and unfettered access to its Qom facility and any other such facilities not yet disclosed.

U.S., British, French, Russian, Chinese, German, and Iranian officials will meet in Geneva on Thursday to discuss Iran’s nuclear program.

Timely declaration will provide much-needed funds for DeKalb, Rockdale, Gwinnett counties


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                        
Contact: Andy Phelan, Communications Director

DECATUR – On the heels of the announcement that the three counties that make up the Fourth District – DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties – are eligible to receive federal funds in wake of the historic flooding, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) was pleased at the quick response and that the clean up is under way.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has already received 7,000 applications for assistance and distributed $2.4 million in relief funds.

“The quicker we can get help to those in need, the better,” said Johnson, who spoke from the floor of the House and wrote a letter to President Barack Obama last week urging the White House to act.

“By unlocking access to federal aid for hundreds of families in my district whose homes and neighborhoods were destroyed by the recent flooding, this will give affected residents access to federal resources to help them repair and rebuild. My office stands ready to assist in any way we can.”

Johnson also urged residents to not only to apply with FEMA at disasterassistance.gov, but also with the Small Business Administration at sba.gov, which has low-interest loans available for individual home owners and businesses affected by the storms as well.

CEO Burrell Ellis, who held a news conference Sept. 28 to get the word out on available resources to flood victims, thanked Johnson for helping secure federal assistance.

“No one worked more closely and more diligently with us to ensure we received the disaster designation to release the federal funds than Congressman Hank Johnson,” said Ellis, who met with Johnson in Washington last weekend. “Congressman Johnson and his staff in both Washington and here in the District were exemplary in helping secure the assistance we need to get back on our feet.”

For more information on available flood resources, visit Johnson’s Web site at hankjohnson.house.gov.

###

Dear Friends,

We are fast approaching flu season, and because September is National Preparedness Month, here are some resources that can help protect you and your family at home and at work.

PLANNING FOR H1N1 – A new Web site Flu.gov is a one-stop comprehensive shop for centralized information about H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu. The site provides a wealth of information for family, workplace, school, health care and community planning. Below are some of the specific links to help you prepare and are available in multiple languages:

| Small businesses preparedness, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |

Also, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers simple steps to prepare for emergencies. Toolkits will assist you and your organization as you participate in NPM 2009. Citizens may obtain family kits on preparedness and related items for senior citizens, children and pets. Also try Citizens Corps; of course, disaster information may always be obtained at FEMA.

FEDERAL GRANTS AT WORK IN THE FOURTH – I’m pleased to see Fourth District police departments and children services groups benefit from the Edward Bryne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program: The Conyers Police Department will receive more than $10,000 to install two in-car digital video camera systems; the Atlanta branch of the Boys and Girls Club of America will receive $44,000 to mentor at-risk children; and the city of Norcross will receive more than $17,000 to purchase ID systems, ammunition for officers, radar units and digital cameras.

SAVING JOBS IN SCHOOLS – I was happy to hear this week that Recovery Act funds will save or create 530 jobs in the DeKalb County School System. $32 million will go to Title I programs that will create 51 jobs, $23 million will offset state austerity cuts and will save 388 positions and $21 million will go to special education programs that will create 91 jobs. In Gwinnett County, $40 million of Recovery funds will save or create 534 teaching jobs. Rockdale schools will receive $4.3 million, and Decatur city schools will receive $927,000. We are still working with Rockdale and Decatur school officials to see how many jobs will be created or saved in those districts. For more information on DeKalb, click here; on Gwinnett, click here; on Rockdale, click here; or Decatur, click here.

SMALL BUSINESSES – More than 250 small businesses – all owned by low-to-moderate income folks – will get a boost from a $100,000 Department of Commerce investment to the Georgia Micro Enterprise Network that will be used to help these small businesses grow. For more information, click here.

TRANSPORTATION – Like many agencies and local governments, MARTA has been under a great deal of budget pressure, so I was grateful to help secure nearly $10 million for clean-fuel buses and continued upgrading of the fare collection system.

HEALTH CARE INSURANCE REFORM BILL – The long-awaited Senate Finance Committee plan to reform the health care insurance system was unveiled last week to mixed reviews. A vote in the Finance Committee could occur as early as this week, and Majority Leader Harry Reid intends to begin debate on the Senate floor later this month or early October. The House also is aiming for legislative action this fall. For more, click here.

INVESTING IN OUR HEROES – Through expanded educational opportunities such as the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, our veterans will make an important contribution to our nation’s economic recovery and lasting strength. So far, more than 250,000 students have applied for college education benefits under the new program. More than 2 million individuals who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including activated reservist and members of the National Guard, are eligible for up to four years of education benefits, including tuition and fees, a housing allowance, a books and supplies stipend, and the option to transfer these benefits to family members under certain circumstances. To learn more, call the VA toll-free at 1-888-442-4551 or click here.

NEW COMMISSARY APPROVED FOR METRO ATLANTA –I am pleased to announce that Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta received approval last week from the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to build a new commissary. Many of you have expressed your concerns to me that metro Atlanta service members would be forced to drive two hours to the commissary at Fort Benning in Columbus when Fort Gillem and Fort McPherson close in 2011. With this approval, Fourth District military personnel, retirees and their families will be able to shop closer to home for savings on groceries and household goods. Military commissary prices are about 30 percent less than in regular grocery stores, an average annual savings of about $3,400 for a family of four.

EXTENDING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS – While we continue to work to turn the economy around, I am committed to providing much-needed relief to the millions of unemployed American workers as they struggle to find work. I voted today in favor of H.R. 3548 to provide up to 13 additional weeks of unemployment benefits to workers in high unemployment states, including Georgia, who are about to run out of benefits.

As always, please feel free to e-mail me with your thoughts on what’s happening in Washington, D.C. and the District at any time. Thank you.

Hank
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andy Phelan, Communications Director


WASHINGTON – In the wake of some of the worst storms and flooding in recent memory, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) joined his colleagues to support a resolution recognizing the loss of life in Georgia and urged the president to release emergency funds.

At least nine Georgians were killed in the flooding that swelled rivers, creeks and lake, made roadways treacherous and knocked out power to thousands of residents. The three counties that make up Johnson’s District – DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett -- were all declared disaster areas by Gov. Sonny Perdue.

“My deepest concern and sympathy go out to the flood victims,” said Johnson. “I’m proud of the way my fellow Georgians and Fourth District residents have risen to the challenge by helping their neighbors and by showing great courage.”

The Atlanta area sustained more than $250 million in damage as hundreds of homes still sat mired in flood water and mud day after the deluge. Some areas received more than 15 inches of rain over the last week.

“I encourage the president to release funds that can help us begin to rebuild,” said Johnson, who sent an e-letter to his constituents Sept. 22 with information on federal resources. “If you or your family needs help, please call my district offices.”

In Lithonia, call 770-939-2016 or in Tucker call 770-939-2016.

###

Washington D.C. – El Representante Johnson, preocupado  porque sus constituyentes no están recibiendo información correcta sobre el debate en la Reforma de Salud, le gustaría explicar a sus constituyentes cuales serían los cambios en el servicio.

Compañías aseguradoras, no trabajadores en el área de salud o consumidores, están  dominado el debate, afirmó Johnson.

“Recientemente escuche a una de mis constituyentes, una mujer de 54 años quien es trabajadora independiente y no califica para seguro de grupo” dijo Johnson. “Su esposo tiene una pequeño negocio y su hijo esta incluido en la póliza. El seguro de salud le cuesta a esta familia más de 1,800 dólares de sus bolsillos al mes o más de 21,000 dólares al año. Esta familia no quiere servicio de salud gratis, solamente a un precio razonable”.

Johnson afirma que trabajadores preocupados por perder la cobertura si se enferman mucho o pierden su empleo y dueños de pequeños negocios preocupados por ganar lo suficiente a la vez que tratan de ser justos con sus empleados serán beneficiados con la reforma.

“Precios escandalosos en servicios de salud están afectado seriamente individuos y pequeños negocios” dijo Johnson.  “Con todo el respeto, yo no estoy de acuerdo con las personas que dicen que la reforma no es la respuesta”  La reforma respaldará pequeñas industrias y ciudadanos sin seguro médico o con seguro médico deficiente ya que les permitirá comprar planes a través intercambios con una aseguradora y proveerá créditos en los impuestos a las empresas para ayudarles a ofrecer beneficios”.

El acta de opciones de salud asequibles de America, en ingles America’s Affordable Heatlh Choices Act, o H.R. 3200 proveería grandes beneficios para el cuarto distrito congresional de Georgia: hasta 14,200 pequeños negocios podrían recibir créditos en impuestos para proveer cubrimiento a sus empleados; 5, 400 personas de la tercera edad podrían evitar el hoyo en la parte D de Medicare; 2,230 familias podrían escapar la bancarrota cada año debido a costos impagables en servicios de salud; proveedores de servicios de salud recibirían pagos por 98 millones de dólares en servicios de salud  prestados no pagos cada año; y 109,000 individuos sin seguro médico tendrían acceso a seguros médicos de calidad a precios razonables.

Una descripción detallada:
 

• Ayuda para pequeños negocios.  Bajo la nueva legislación, pequeños negocios con 25 empleados o menos con una salario promedio de menos de 40,000 dólares calificarían para recibir créditos en impuestos de hasta un 50 por ciento del costo de otorgar seguro de salud a sus empleados.  En el distrito, hasta 14,200 pequeños negaciones calificarían para recibir estos créditos.

• Ayuda para personas de la tercera edad en costos de medicamentos en el hoyo de la Parte D de Medicare.  Cada año, 5,400 personas de la tercera edad en el distrito se ven afectados por el hoyo en la parte D de Medicare y se ven forzados a pagar el precio sin subsidio de los medicamentos, a pesar de tener la cobertura de la Parte D para medicina.  La legislación les procuraría un alivio inmediato cortando los costos de medicamentos de marca en el hoyo en un 50 por ciento y finalmente eliminaría el hoyo.

• Seguro médico y seguridad financiera. En el 2008 en el distrito 2,230 personas se declararon en bancarrota debido a costos relacionados con servicios médicos. Costos generados por servicios médicos no cubiertos por las aseguradoras.  La propuesta de ley proveería seguro de salud a todos y cada uno de los ciudadanos y establecería un límite de 10,000 dólares al año para cubrir costos salidos de sus bolsillos, con lo que se aseguraría que ninguna persona tuviera que enfrentarse con una bancarrota debido a los altos costos del servicio de salud.

• Aliviar la carga producida por servicios de salud no pagos a hospitales y proveedores de servicios médicos.  En el 2008, proveedores de servicios de salud en el distrito otorgaron servicios médicos no pagos por un valor de 98 millones de dólares, servicios dados a personas sin seguro de salud y sin los recursos para pagar sus facturas médicas. Bajo esta legislación, estos costos no pagados serian prácticamente eliminados.

• Cubrimiento para personas sin seguro médico.  En el distrito se encuentran 130, 000 individuos sin seguro médico, lo que equivale al 19 por ciento del distrito. La Oficina de Presupuesto del Congreso, en ingles The Congressional Budget Office, estima que un 97 por ciento de los americanos estarían asegurados una vez la propuesta de ley entrara en efecto. Si este calculo es alcanzado en el distrito, 109,000 personas quienes actualmente no cuentan con seguro de salud serían cubiertas.

• No déficit gastado.  El costo de la reforma de salud bajo esta legislación sería pagado en su totalidad: la mitad haciendo los programas de Medicare y Medicaid  mas eficientes y la otra mitad añadiendo un impuesto a las ganancias de individuos afluentes.  Este impuesto afectaría solamente 1,700 familias en el distrito.  El impuesto no afectaría al 99.4 por ciento de los residentes del distrito.

Hola, ¡Bienvenidos a mi página electrónica!

Espero que regresen frecuentemente para recibir las últimas noticias de mí oficina.  Estoy comprometido a mantener toda nuestra comunidad participando en el proceso político.  Regularmente publicaré información en español para mis constituyentes hispanos.

Debajo usted encontrará un artículo del Mundo Hispánico explicando el trabajo que he realizado por nuestra comunidad Hispana. 

¡Gracias por visitar mí página!

"No nos interesa arrestar a inmigrantes"

Congresista y jefe policial apoyan una reforma migratoria

Por Mario Guevara

Nuevo aliado

El congresista demócrata Hank Johnson es otro personaje que parece presentarse como un nuevo aliado de la comunidad latina.

El político, quien representa al Distrito 4 de Georgia en Washington DC, expuso su rechazo a "la continua violación de los derechos humanos" por parte de las autoridades ante la ausencia de una reforma migratoria.

Johnson habló sobre los abusos físicos y emocionales a los que son sometidos en los centros de detenciones los extranjeros que solo cometieron infracciones de tránsito y no crímenes.

"No acepto lo que ocurre en las cárceles: los inmigrantes son tratados como gente de clase baja, sin derechos", expresó el congresista al mismo tiempo que criticó las sumas "exorbitantes" de dinero que tienen que pagar los infractores en ciertas localidades.

"Urgen cambios en las leyes pues vemos millones de familias destruidas, hay fraudes, secuestros y asesinatos y la comunidad latina tiene miedo a denunciar por su estatus legal", agregó Johnson.

El congresista afroamericano reconoció la importancia de fortalecer la seguridad en la frontera con México, pero aseguró que es igual de importante buscar una solución a la crisis que enfrentan los extranjeros indocumentados por la falta de permisos laborales y licencias de manejo.

"A estas alturas no podemos ignorar a los 10 o 12 millones de inmigrantes ilegales que ya están en nuestro país. Ellos necesitan una solución", recalcó Johnson. "Critico cualquier acuerdo entre ICE y las agencias locales de la ley porque producen perfil racial".

El congresista denunció que "tales acuerdos son inhumanos porque expulsan a las personas por cometer faltas menores" y mencionó una mesa redonda que se realizará próximamente en la capital del país entre afroamericanos y latinos para encontrar posibles vías a la legalización.

Conózcalo

Nombre: Hank Johnson

Cargo: Congresista del Cuarto Distrito de Georgia (DeKalb, Rockdale y Gwinnett).

Profesión: Abogado de casos criminales y civiles.

Puestos que ha desempeñado: Fue juez de la Corte Magistrada de DeKalb y de la Corte Estatal, y fue líder del Comité Judicial del Servicio de las Fuerzas Armadas.