January 2010 Archives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) issued the following statement following President Obama’s first State of the Union Address on Jan. 27, 2010.

“I’m pleased the President focused on jobs and the economy,” said Johnson. The Congressman will hold two District meetings in February to connect federal agencies with local nonprofits and small businesses, which are responsible for the majority of job creation over the past 20 years.

“Though much work remains, we’ve invested more than $200 million in our District’s recovery. We’ve saved or created more than 1,100 teaching jobs, brought $100 million to our schools, hired more than 60 firefighters for DeKalb County, put more and better-equipped police officers on the streets in Rockdale and Gwinnett counties, saved homes, and invested millions in transportation, job training, and energy efficiency.

“I will continue to work with the President to create jobs, pass health care reform, protect consumers, reform our financial system, and invest in clean energy.

“We still are waiting for Republicans and some in the Senate to join us in solving today’s problems. Instead of simply blocking our progress to score political points, we should all work for the success of our President’s efforts to revitalize America.”

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The deadline for the 2010 Summer Internship is February 7, 2010.  If you know of someone who would like to apply, please direct them to http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/apply.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reference our website at whitehouse.gov/internships.  
The application includes two essays, three letters of recommendation and a resume. Each applicant will be evaluated on three basic qualities: a commitment to public service, demonstration of leadership in the community and dedication to the mission of this Administration. The applicant’s communication, writing and office skills will also be reviewed and considered.  An applicant’s GPA is not figured into the final score and each application is reviewed on a semi-blind basis. 
Check out our most recent video highlighting the fall interns’ service project in nine D.C. high schools.
 

Dear Friends,

There’s been a lot going on since I last wrote, so let’s get caught up.

GREEN JOBS IN FOURTH – I’m pleased to announce that Goodwill Industries International will partner with local DeKalb County entities to train 200 south DeKalb residents for green jobs. Funded through a “Pathways Out of Poverty” grant authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Goodwill Industries of North Georgia will use $1 million to provide job training and placement for residents who are chronically unemployed, including people with disabilities, older workers, the homeless and high school dropouts. For more information, visit the Department of Labor Web site.

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED – Stone Mountain is now home to the local U.S. Census office, which opened at 5474 Memorial Drive recently. This office will be the focal point for all 2010 Census operations in DeKalb County. Please make sure you fill out and return the 10-question form when you receive it. For more information, click here.

THE STATE OF HEALTH CARE REFORM –The results of Tuesday’s special election in Massachusetts did nothing to diminish the critical importance of reforming health insurance for citizens and small businesses. Comprehensive health reform is a necessary and achievable goal, and I continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. My position has been clear throughout this entire debate – I support reform that meets the following criteria:

• dramatically reduces the number of Americans who are uninsured;
• prioritizes quality and quantity by regulating the insurance companies so Americans can no longer be denied care due to a pre-existing condition (we have heard of applicants being denied based on a case of acne they had 20 years prior – that nonsense must stop);
• provides adequate subsidies to needy Americans who otherwise cannot afford health insurance;
• provides a public health insurance option to create competition and provides a choice of health insurers;
• removes the anti-trust exemption for insurance companies; ends annual and lifetime caps on coverage

PARTNERSHIP ALLIANCE LEARNING SERIES (PALS) – Because of a lagging economy and stubbornly high unemployment rates, I’m holding two important PALS initiatives to help small businesses and nonprofits connect to a myriad of federal, national and private resources. My first meeting is Friday, Feb. 5, 2010 at DeKalb Technical College at 9 a.m., where we’ll have resources available for nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations to help them grow and succeed. On Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 – also at DeKalb Tech at 9 a.m., our small business initiative will help local small businesses navigate Small Business Administration resources, learn how to partner with financial institutions and procure government contracts. For more information, call PALS coordinator Paulette Suggs in my Tucker office at 770-939-2016. You can register for these meetings on my Web site.

TRAGEDY IN HAITI – By now, we are all aware of the horrific human tragedy unfolding in Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. The earthquake has unleashed some of the greatest human suffering I have ever seen. Here are several things we’re doing to help the relief effort and some easy ways you can make a difference.

MEDSHARE DOING YEOMAN’S WORK – DeKalb County-based MedShare, a nonprofit dedicated to improving healthcare and the environment through the efficient recovery and redistribution of surplus medical supplies and equipment to those most in need, sent medical supplies to staging areas in southern Florida for shipment to Haiti via the civilian airlift contacts we provided. Several of my District staff members assisted in packing the supply boxes that made their way to Haiti. To volunteer or learn more about MedShare, click here.

HOW TO HELP – The most effective way to help the people of Haiti is by making financial contributions directly to humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations, thus allowing them to purchase the materials needed to be most helpful in this dire situation. Below are some easy options for making contributions. For additional options, the United States Agency for International Development is a good resource with an abundance of information on organizations accepting donations. Also, you can continue to check the Department of State’s Web site for travel alert updates and information by clicking here.

SEEKING FRIENDS AND FAMILY – If you are seeking information about U.S citizens in Haiti, you can e-mail the U.S. State Department at Haiti Earthquake@state.gov; you can also contact the State Department toll free at 1-888-407-4747. U.S. citizens in Haiti are urged to contact the Embassy through e-mail, ACSPaP@state.gov, to request aid.

HONORING MEDGAR EVERS – This week, I introduced H. Res. 1022 honoring the life and achievements of civil rights hero Medgar W. Evers (1925-1963). The resolution recognizes Evers not only for his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement but also as a soldier in the Battle of Normandy during World War II. Recently, the U.S. Navy named a Lewis and Clark class dry cargo ship after Mr. Evers in light of his courageous efforts to guarantee equal rights for all Americans. Evers remains an inspiration to us all – humble, yet powerful in intellect and inner strength.

WINDING DOWN FLOOD RELIEF – As the need for recovery operations has gradually slowed, Congressional offices and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have consolidated their operations. For folks who still need assistance, please call Bob Merrill at 770-220-5244 or Lynn Henderson at 770-220-5245. The fax number is 770-220-5605. Disaster survivors may still call the helpline to obtain information regarding their application by calling toll-free 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.

KING DAY – On the King Holiday last Monday, I was thrilled to join the King family and so many others from near and far who gathered at Ebenezer Baptist Church for the 42nd Ecumenical Service and then participate in the Stone Mountain Parade and Rally sponsored by the DeKalb NAACP. It was an inspirational day for me, and I hope you spent it supporting a good cause in your community.

WHITE HOUSE INTERNSHIP – The deadline for the 2010 Summer Internship is February 7, 2010.  If you know of someone who would like to apply, click here.   Check out the most recent video highlighting the fall interns’ service project in nine D.C. high schools.

Thank you for taking the time to read this e-letter. Until next time, be safe and please consider giving generously to Haiti. Thank you.
 

Recovery Act funding to help residents land green jobs:

WASHINGTON – Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) is pleased to announce that Goodwill Industries will partner with local DeKalb County entities to train south DeKalb residents for green jobs.

Funded through a “Pathways Out of Poverty” grant authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Goodwill Industries of North Georgia will use $1 million to provide job training and placement for residents who are chronically unemployed, including people with disabilities, older workers, the homeless and high school dropouts.

“These grants will help workers in our communities gain access to jobs of the future,” said Johnson. “And the valuable training they receive can help them out of poverty and promote self-sufficiency through employment in renewable energy industries.” 

The program will assist 200 low-income workers from start to finish by providing assessment, skills training and job placement for weatherization, construction and solar energy jobs. Once placed, the workers will be supported by Goodwill and their local partners to help them retain their jobs and advance within their chosen industry along clear career pathways.

Local institutions partnering in the effort include DeKalb Technical College, DeKalb Workforce Development, St. Philip AME Church, the Housing Authority of DeKalb County and Southface Energy Institute.

For more information, visit the Department of Labor Web site.

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Supreme Court decision could affect antitrust, competitive policies:

WASHINGTON – House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy Chairman Hank Johnson (D-GA) will hold a hearing Wednesday, January 20, 2010, on the competitive implications of the National Football League’s position of American Needle v. NFL that went before the U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 13. 

At issue is whether the NFL, which is made up of 32 teams, is one entity or 32 separate businesses with respect to its “core ventures.”

American Needle, Inc., which once made hats for some of the league’s teams, sued the NFL in 2004 after it awarded an exclusive contract with Reebok to produce and merchandise its hats in 2001.

American Needle says that is unfair and anticompetitive, and argues that the league is 32 businesses not one. The NFL says it operates as one entity with respect to promoting the League, and therefore has the right to sell its gear accordingly.

“On the one hand, supporters of the NFL argue that a decision in favor of the NFL would simply secure its ability to conduct the business of the league, staving off frivolous litigation and providing legal clarity for its position. On the other, detractors caution that a decision in favor of the league would have a calamitous impact on players and fans and could allow the NFL to eliminate free agency, impose a more restrictive salary structure and allow franchises to relocate more easily. In addition, not only would other sports leagues seek similar treatment, but there could also be spillover into non-sports markets, as a variety of networks, associations, and joint ventures would seek similar protection from antitrust litigation.” 

WHAT: House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy hearing on “The Implications of American Needle v. NFL.”

WHERE: 2141 Rayburn House Office Building

WHEN: 2 p.m., January 20, 2010

WHO: Mr. William Daly, Commissioner, National Hockey League, New York, NY

Mr. Kevin James Mawae, National Football League Players Association, Washington, D.C.

Mr. Gary Gertzog, Senior Vice President, National Football League, New York, NY

Mr. Stephen F. Ross, Professor of Law and Director for Sports Law, Policy and Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
 

Congressman attends ceremony at historic Ebenezer Church, parade in Stone Mountain:

 LITHONIA – Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) honored the memory and legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by attending services for the civil rights icon at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and the NAACP MLK parade in Stone Mountain, Ga.

“Martin Luther King Jr. is the embodiment of sacrifice and spirit that helped lead us to become a better society, a better nation and world,” said Johnson.

“We honor his mission with a day of remembrance, but also a day of service. It is an honor to serve in the same city as Dr. King did so many years ago. And it is with great reverence that I visit Stone Mountain today – a place so prominent in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.”

Johnson attended the morning ecumenical services at Ebenezer and later travelled to Stone Mountain for the parade and rally.

“Dr. King died fighting for workers’ rights,” said Johnson. “We must all take a few minutes to remember the man marched for all of us – in the name of decency and promise for everyone.”

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WASHINGTON – Wednesday, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) released the following statement regarding a magnitude 7.0 earthquake (on the Richter scale) that occurred in Haiti on Tuesday. The earthquake’s epicenter was 14 miles outside of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital city:   

“My heart goes out to the Haitian people as they deal with the terrible aftermath of this devastating earthquake,” said Johnson.

“Already one of the poorest nations on earth, the beleaguered nation of Haiti will require the assistance of the United States in the coming hours, days and weeks. My office is monitoring the situation closely and will do whatever we can to assist in recovery efforts.”

Americans seeking information regarding the status of family members in Haiti should contact the U.S. State Department and American Citizen Services at 1-888-407-4747.

Those interested in helping with a contribution should CLICK HERE for information from the U.S. State Department.

Stay tuned here for more information, and follow Rep. Johnson on Twitter.

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U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson represents the 4th Congressional District of Georgia, which includes parts of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties in metro Atlanta. He serves as Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy.

WASHINGTON – Wednesday, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) released the following statement regarding a magnitude 7.0 earthquake (on the Richter scale) that occurred in Haiti on Tuesday. The earthquake’s epicenter was 14 miles outside of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital city:   

“My heart goes out to the Haitian people as they deal with the terrible aftermath of this devastating earthquake,” said Johnson.

“Already one of the poorest nations on earth, the beleaguered nation of Haiti will require the assistance of the United States in the coming hours, days and weeks. My office is monitoring the situation closely and will do whatever we can to assist in recovery efforts.”

Americans seeking information regarding the status of family members in Haiti should contact the U.S. State Department and American Citizen Services at 1-888-407-4747.

Those interested in helping with a contribution should CLICK HERE for information from the U.S. State Department.

Stay tuned here for more information, and follow Rep. Johnson on Twitter.

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U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson represents the 4th Congressional District of Georgia, which includes parts of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties in metro Atlanta. He serves as Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy.

PARTNERSHIP ALLIANCE LEARNING SERIES (PALS) – Today (Friday, Feb 19), Congressman Johnson's small business initiative will help local small businesses navigate Small Business Administration resources, learn how to partner with financial institutions, and procure government contracts.

The event is being held at DeKalb Technical College's Clarkston, GA, campus, in the Conference Center at the back of campus, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

DeKalb Technical College
495 North Indian Creek Drive
Clarkston, Georgia 30021

Click HERE for a map.

Please call Congressman Johnson's office with any questions:  (770) 987-2291
 

Dear Friends,

With a new year comes fresh hope and the promise of a better year ahead. I’m energized and excited about 2010 and the possibilities it holds for all of us for a healthy, happy New Year. 

FREE CANCER SCREENINGS – Part of the promise of the new year is promising to take better care of yourself and your loved ones. That’s why I support “ZERO - The Project to End Prostate Cancer” in their effort to help stamp out this disease. ZERO is holding free screenings at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and the Mall at Stonecrest on Sunday, Jan. 17 and Monday, Jan. 18. For more on these free screenings, click here. The Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia are also holding free screenings in the parking lot outside Kroger on Highway 138 in Conyers on Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SPEAKING OF HEALTH CARE – As the House and Senate reconcile the historic health care bill, I’m urging leadership – if the final healthcare bill has no public option – to include a repeal of the current antitrust exemptions. This would help eliminate collusion by insurance companies that has resulted in ever higher rates and the denying of claims. Asking health insurance companies to play by the same rules as every other corporation in America is a common sense reform with broad support across the many ideologies. Please send me your thoughts.

JOBS IN THE FOURTH – To better serve constituents of Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District, I’m featuring as many available government positions as possible as part of this e-letter. The IRS opportunity below is the third in a series of federal jobs I want to bring to your attention. I am also posting this information on my Website under “Hot Topics: Jobs for the Fourth District.” I hope you find this useful.

IRS HIRING – The Internal Revenue Service is seeking an Equal Employment Specialist in Atlanta. The specialist would develop and support Federal Equal Opportunity Recruitment, Affirmative Employment, Special Emphasis Programs, Diversity, Persons with Disabilities, and Prevention of Sexual Harassment. Specialists also administer the EEO Complaints Program, and provide service, guidance and training to employees and to managers on all EEO process matters. For more information or to apply, click here.

EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER – I’m pleased to announce that the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plans to award Georgia more than $6 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) for Fiscal Year 2010. DeKalb, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties will receive nearly $1.8 million. These funds provide supplemental funding to shelters, soup kitchens and food banks. One-month awards for rent, mortgage and utility assistance are also available. The funds are used to help individuals and families with non-disaster, temporary emergency needs. For more on this program, click here.

PARTNERSHIP ALLIANCE LEARNING SERIES (PALS) – I have two important PALS initiatives coming up to help non-profits and small businesses connect to a myriad of resources that will help them achieve their missions. My first meeting is Friday, Feb. 5, 2010 at DeKalb Technical College at 9 a.m., where we’ll have resources available for non-profits and 501(c)(3) organizations to help them grow and succeed. On Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 – also at DeKalb Tech at 9 a.m. – our small business initiative will help local small businesses navigate Small Business Administration resources, learn how to partner with financial institutions and procure government contracts. For more information, call PALS coordinator Paulette Suggs in my Tucker office at 770-939-2016. Sign up for these meetings on my Web site.

FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS – I’m very proud that six District Four residents have been awarded Fulbright awards for 2009-10 to study, lecture, teach or conduct research abroad. Congratulations to Ari Levine of Decatur, who will be traveling to China; Kelly McCray of Decatur will be working in Thailand; Bret McKee of Tucker is going to Germany; Durba Mitra of Decatur will be working in India; Stone Mountain’s Leslie Reed will be studying in Germany; and Thomas Rotnem of Decatur is going to Latvia. For more on the Fulbright, click here.

WINTRY WEATHER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds people to be ready for winter storms and extreme cold. You should practice your family’s preparedness plan and make sure the contacts in it are up to date. For more information and winter preparedness tips, click here.

HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT – I was recently awarded a 100 percent score by Environment America, a leading environmentalist advocacy group, for my pro-environment voting record in 2009. I supported legislation to establish a cap-and-trade climate change mitigation policy, invest $80 billion of Recovery Act funds in clean energy and green transportation and protect more than 2 million acres of public lands and national treasures. I’m very proud of my record on the environment. For more on this report, click here.

FOURTH DISTRICT SCHOOLS – According to U.S. News & World Report study, Redan High School in DeKalb County is one of the best high schools in America for providing services to its students. And in Rockdale County, Conyers Middle School was once again named a Georgia Lighthouse School to Watch for their outstanding academic achievement. Congratulations to both schools!

CONSTITUENT SERVICE – Lastly, I’d like share with you one of the many positive stories coming out of the great work my staff conducts on the behalf of constituents. Two years ago an Army veteran was on the verge of being evicted from the two-bedroom apartment she shared with her four children. But today, thanks to the dogged determination of our Veterans Affairs Specialist based in Tucker, she and her kids are in a four bedroom house with a yard. Through the Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) voucher program, our staff member was able to help the veteran improve her living situation. The Army veteran in turn called our staff member “the person who has impacted my life the most this decade.” This is what serving the community is all about. I am so happy that my staff is always working hard to assist the citizens of the Fourth in many and sundry ways.

Thank you for taking the time to read this e-letter. Until next time, be safe and have a great start to your New Year!
 

PARTNERSHIP ALLIANCE LEARNING SERIES (PALS) – Rep. Johnson has two important PALS initiatives coming up to help non-profits and small businesses connect to a myriad of resources that will help them achieve their missions.

The first meeting is Friday, Feb. 5, 2010 at DeKalb Technical College at 9 a.m., where Johnson will have resources available for non-profits and 501(c)(3) organizations to help them grow and succeed.

On Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 – also at DeKalb Tech at 9 a.m. – Johnson's small business initiative will help local small businesses navigate Small Business Administration resources, learn how to partner with financial institutions and procure government contracts. For more information, call PALS coordinator Paulette Suggs in our Tucker office at 770-939-2016. To sign up for the the nonprofit meeting, click here. To sign up for the the small business meeting, click here.

 

Environment America awards 100 percent rating for consistent green voting record

 - Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) was awarded a 100 percent score by Environment America, a leading environmentalist advocacy group, for his pro-environment voting record in 2009.

“These members received 100 percent scores for consistently voting to protect the environment,” said Environment America’s Washington, D.C. director, Anna Aurilio.

According to Environment America, Rep. Johnson took the pro-environment position on every relevant vote in 2009.  Rep. Johnson supported legislation to establish a cap-and-trade climate change mitigation policy, invest $80 billion of Recovery Act funds in clean energy and green transportation and protect more than 2 million acres of public lands and national treasures.

“Protection of our imperiled planet is a central challenge of our time,” said Johnson. “Our work now ensures the future of our planet for our children’s generation and future generations to come. I’m very proud of my record.”

You can view Environment America’s 2009 legislative scorecard by CLICKING HERE.

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Environment America awards 100 percent rating for consistent green voting record

 - Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) was awarded a 100 percent score by Environment America, a leading environmentalist advocacy group, for his pro-environment voting record in 2009.

“These members received 100 percent scores for consistently voting to protect the environment,” said Environment America’s Washington, D.C. director, Anna Aurilio.

According to Environment America, Rep. Johnson took the pro-environment position on every relevant vote in 2009.  Rep. Johnson supported legislation to establish a cap-and-trade climate change mitigation policy, invest $80 billion of Recovery Act funds in clean energy and green transportation and protect more than 2 million acres of public lands and national treasures.

“Protection of our imperiled planet is a central challenge of our time,” said Johnson. “Our work now ensures the future of our planet for our children’s generation and future generations to come. I’m very proud of my record.”

You can view Environment America’s 2009 legislative scorecard by CLICKING HERE.

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