April 2010 Archives

‘Jobs are the No. 1 priority in our community’:

 NORCROSS, GA – More than 500 residents particpated in Rep. Hank Johnson's (D-GA) second job fair in the past year.

On Friday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Johnson and his staff held their 2010 Career Expo at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church at 182 Hunter Street in Norcross, 30071.

“We’ve made great progress in the past several months as the economy has begun to turn around,” said Johnson, who represents parts of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties.

“From jobs to average household wealth, manufacturing to consumer spending – even the housing market – the positive trends keep pouring in. But more must be done. Jobs are the No. 1 priority in our community.”

Federal and state agencies were on hand and résumé and interviewing experts helped job seekers prepare for their next job.

Attendees also learned how to get a job with the federal government, learned about Georgia’s Work Ready Program, the GI Bill and on-the-job training for veterans, special tips for the over 55 job seeker and learned about jobs of the future.

There was also a symposium on returning to the community after incarceration, counselors on hand for résumé writing 101, how to prepare for an interview and green jobs training opportunities.

Event program: In addition to the agencies listed on the program, Comcast Cable, Regions Bank, Devry University, Suniva, Georgia Army National Guard (177 positions), DeKalb Workforce Development, Homeland Security, Social Security, the DeKalb Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Department of Labor will be in attendance.

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Congressman also moves to save taxpayers billions of dollars by cutting government waste:

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) voted today against giving himself an automatic pay increase. In 1989, Congress approved a process that provides lawmakers with automatic pay raises unless they vote specifically to reject it.

“The American people aren’t getting raises this year and neither should we,” said Rep. Johnson. “I’m focused on putting people back to work, not making more money."

Congressman Johnson also voted today to save U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars by cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse in military procurement. The bipartisan IMPROVE Acquisition Act will reform the defense acquisition system to save American taxpayers $135 billion over the next five years and make sure that the men and women who are risking their lives to safeguard our country get the proper equipment they need to do their jobs and protect themselves on the battlefield.

“We are making sure our men and women in uniform get the equipment they need when they need it," said Rep. Johnson.  "At the same time, we are eliminating wasteful and inefficient spending to save taxpayer dollars.”

A second measure, the bipartisan Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act, targets nearly $100 billion a year in improper government payments that result from poor oversight on the part of federal agencies. This legislation improves transparency in government agencies, prevents improper payments, requires agencies to recover overpayments, and holds top managers at agencies accountable for improper payments or overpayments.

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TUCKER, GA. -- Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), who represents parts of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties, invites all Fourth District students interested in the Service Academies to attend Academy Day on Saturday, May 8 at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Due to strict regulations regarding access to the base, you must register by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 30 by visiting www.isakson.senate.gov/academies.html or by calling Nancy Brooks at 770-661-0999.

Congressman Johnson will host the event along with Georgia Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss. Come out and hear first hand from Academy representatives what going to college at one of the Service Academies is all about and how it sets you for a lifetime of success and adventure.

There are five service academies --Three reside within the Department of Defense:
• U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York
• U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
• U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs

One resides within the Department of Transportation:
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York

One resides within the Department of Homeland Security:
• U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut

For more information on Academy nominations, click here.

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Dear Friends,

Less than two years ago, we were on the brink of a second Great Depression. Today, we are seeing signs of a slow but steady economic recovery. Just this week, Georgia's Labor Department announced a substantial reduction of unemployment in metro Atlanta.

We have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Fourth District job creation.  And there are signs of progress.  But we're not out of the woods yet.  Without a sustained effort to create jobs and reform the broken financial system, our gains will be short lived.

To help Fourth District residents who are looking for work, planning a new career or seeking guidance in their job search, I’m hosting an important event next week.

The 2010 Job Fair and Career Expo will be held on Friday, April 30 at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church.

WHAT:  2010 Job Fair and Career Expo
WHERE:  Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 182 Hunter Street, Norcross (CLICK HERE FOR A MAP)
WHEN:  Friday, April 30, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

For directions, a map and more info, visit my web site. Call Peter Butts in my Lithonia office at 770-987-2291 if you would like information over the phone.

For Rockdale and South DeKalb residents, look for another job fair in your neck of the woods soon.
2010 Job Fair & Career Expo resources:

● How to find a job with the federal government
● Learn about the Georgia Work Ready Program
● GI Bill and On-the-Job-Training for Veterans
● Special Tips for the over 55 job seeker
● Returning to the community after incarceration
● Counselors on hand for résumé writing 101
● How to prepare yourself for an interview
● Green jobs training opportunities
 

Congressman marks American progress on 40th annual Earth Day:

WASHINGTON – On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Rep. Hank Johnson announced that his District and D.C. offices were recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives for "greening" the U.S. Capitol and the State of Georgia by reducing electricity usage, reducing waste, and increasing recycling.

Thirty-three Democratic and 17 Republican offices received the same honor. In just the last few years the “My Green Office” program, which Rep. Johnson is a leader, has saved more than 481,650 kilowatts of electricity and 204,020 pounds of landfill waste across Capitol Hill.

All of Rep. Johnson’s offices in Washington, D.C. and the Fourth Congressional District recycle all paper, plastic, newspapers, aluminum, toner cartridges and glass, use smart power strips, Energy Star appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs.

“Since 2008, my staff and I have tried to lead the way toward a greener Congress,” said Johnson. “I’m proud we were one of just 50 offices recognized for our commitment to the environment.”

Rep. Johnson lauded recent steps taken by Congress to invest in a clean energy economy that will create jobs, reduce American dependence on foreign oil, improve Americans' health and mitigate the effects of man-made climate change.

Johnson recently visited Norcross, GA, solar panel manufacturer Suniva, which has announced that it is hiring thanks to $5.7 million in Recovery Act tax credits.

“If we don't invest in clean energy today, China and the rest of the world will overtake us,” said Rep. Johnson. “The United States can and must be the world's leading producer of clean energy.”

For more on Rep. Johnson’s efforts to “Green the Capitol” click here.

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Votes to strengthen Vet medical services

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) voted to ensure that veterans and their families get the care and support they need and deserve after they put their lives on the line defending our country. The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act will reform and improve veterans’ health services by supporting wounded veterans and their families and caregivers, expanding care for female veterans, improving mental health services, and increasing access to health care for veterans in rural areas.

“This Congress made a promise to leave no veteran behind, and every day we continue to fulfill that promise,” said Rep. Johnson. “It is our duty to serve the brave men and women in uniform that serve our country.”

To address the unique needs of the growing number of returning women soldiers, this bill will improve health services for almost 2 million female veterans. With this legislation, the VA will be able to provide care for female veterans’ newborns for the first time in history. It will also improve access to care for veterans in rural areas, ensure that the VA can better treat veterans suffering from mental health issues, and provide the VA with resources to learn more about the tragically high suicide rate among veterans. This legislation will also support family members and caregivers who look after our injured veterans to bring them the relief they deserve.

The bill passed today builds on a record of accomplishments for veterans and troops over the last three years under the Democratic-led Congress – including the new G.I. Bill to provide returning troops with the promise of a college education; historic investments in veterans’ health care and providing that funding one year in advance to prevent political or legislative delays; expanding economic opportunities for returning soldiers and improving care for those with PTSD.

“Our soldiers serve with honor and when they come home, they deserve the best services we can offer,” said Rep. Johnson. “That’s why we’ve made historic investments to improve veterans’ health care, raised our troops’ salaries and helped smooth their transition back from the battlefield. This bill will ensure that we can address the changing medical needs of our veterans and that all our veterans have full access to quality health care.”

It is supported by a broad coalition of veterans groups including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Wounded Warriors Project and the National Military Family Association.

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Legislation – spurred by ‘Snyder case’ – would strengthen democracy, fair access to courts:

 Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District and serves as Chairman for the Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy of the Judiciary Committee, introduced H.R. 5069 – the “Fair Payment of Court Fees Act of 2010.”

Congressman Johnson introduced today the “Fair Payment of Court Fees Act of 2010,” which would allow litigants greater access to the courts to pursue their cases without fear of excessive court penalties.

A recent case led to a national outcry after a federal court ordered the father of a fallen soldier, Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder of Westminster, Md., to pay more than $16,000 to members of the Westboro Baptist Church, who picketed Snyder’s funeral because they believe that military deaths are punishment for the United States’ tolerance of homosexuality.

Snyder’s father, Albert Snyder, successfully sued the church but later lost on appeal and was forced to reimburse the church for a portion of the fees incurred due to the litigation.

“The family of Matthew Snyder – a hero who died in service to his country in Iraq – was forced to pay a portion of the other side’s legal fees simply because the lower court judgment was reversed,” said Johnson. “That’s simply not fair.”

Currently, provisions in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, while well intentioned to discourage abuses to the appeal process and encourage settlement, create a blanket policy to discourage pursuit of justice through the appeals process.

"That policy quite simply goes too far, creating unfair results, and inevitably will prevent litigants from pursuing legitimate appeals or encourage the parties to settle when they want a court to hear the case,” Johnson said.

“The bill I have introduced today will prevent similar injustices by giving courts discretion to evaluate whether the payment should be waived in the interest of justice including instances where constitutional or other important precedent are at issue.  Strict application of the Rules has been detrimental to the public interest. So this legislation would allow our Judges to use their discretion to determine when these fees should be waived. Our courthouse doors must remain open to pursue legitimate claims.”
 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the country marks Equal Pay Day on April 20, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) says that more must be done to close the wage gap that still exists between women and men.

“Forty-seven years have passed since President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law in 1963,” said Rep. Johnson.  “And yet, in many cases, there is still not equal pay for equal work in this country.” 

In 1963, when the Equal Pay Act was signed, women who worked full-time, year-round made 59 cents on average for every dollar earned by men.  In 2008, women earned 77 cents for every dollar earned by men.  That is progress – but it is slow progress.  It means that the wage gap has narrowed by less than half a cent per year. For women of color, income disparity is particularly striking. African-American women earned only sixty-nine cents on average for every dollar earned by men in 2008; Hispanic women, fifty-nine cents.

Women have fared better in Georgia than in many other states, with those working full-time, year-round jobs earning 81.4% of what their male counterparts earn annually – approximately three percentage points above the national average. Nonetheless, wage inequality between men and women across education levels remains high. The average woman in Georgia must receive a bachelor’s degree before earning as much as the average Georgia male with a high school diploma.

“Achieving equal pay for women is one of the top priorities of the 111th Congress,” said Rep. Johnson, who supported the Fair Pay Act. “In January 2009, the Congress sent to the President’s desk the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act – and it became the first major bill signed into law by President Obama, a week after he was inaugurated as our new President.”

The Lilly Ledbetter Act restores the right of women and other workers to challenge unfair pay in court.  Specifically, it rectifies the May 2007 Ledbetter v Goodyear Supreme Court decision that overturned precedent and made it much more difficult for workers to pursue pay discrimination claims.  The bill simply restores the longstanding interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and other discrimination statutes, thereby protecting women and other workers.

“The enactment of the Lilly Ledbetter Act was a major victory for America’s women,” stated Rep. Johnson.  “However, the Senate should also now pass and send to the President’s desk the Paycheck Fairness Act, which the House passed in January 2009.”

The Paycheck Fairness Act gives teeth to the Equal Pay Act of 1963.  It closes numerous loopholes in the Equal Pay Act and stiffens penalties for employers who discriminate based on gender.  It protects employees from retaliation for sharing salary information with their co-workers, with some exemptions.  And it creates initiatives to provide negotiation skills training programs for girls and women.  Just because gender-based pay discrimination is illegal, does not mean it is no longer a great concern.

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LITHONIA, GA – Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA), who represents parts of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties, has named Atlanta attorney Martin D. Chitwood to the congressional Georgia Judicial Review Committee.

Replacing former state Sen. David Adelman, who is now U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore, Chitwood is the lead partner in Chitwood Harley Harnes LLC in Atlanta.

“Martin has served as lead or co-lead counsel in more than 40 class actions nationwide and has been instrumental in recovering billions of dollars for investors and other class members,” said Congressman Johnson, a former attorney and magistrate judge. “He is widely considered the plaintiffs’ lawyer in Georgia and has been recognized as a Georgia “Super Lawyer” by Law and Politics each year since 2004.”

Chitwood will serve on the state’s Democratic congressional delegation’s twelve-member panel that screens applicants and recommends nominees for federal district judge, prosecutor, and marshal vacancies in the state.

“It’s an honor to serve my state and nation is this capacity,” said Chitwood, who has served by appointment as a Georgia’s Special Assistant Attorney General. “I appreciate Congressman Johnson’s faith that I will serve the people and judicial system of Georgia with diligence and distinction.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) urged Georgians to take advantage of the 25 different tax cuts in the Recovery Act – part of the more than $800 billion in tax cuts for working families and small businesses that this Congress passed since last year. 

Unlike the Bush tax cuts that focused on the wealthy, this Congress has enacted more than $800 billion in broad-based tax cuts for working American families. Measures passed by Congress include a mix of job-creating tax incentives to spur hiring of out-of-work Americans, tax credits and accelerated write offs for small businesses.

Bruce Bartlett, President Reagan’s domestic policy advisor, noted that “federal taxes are very considerably lower by every measure since Obama became president.”

“Most people don’t realize that tax cuts are the biggest individual piece of the Recovery Act,” said Rep. Johnson. “President Obama and Congress gave 95 percent of working Americans one of the largest tax cuts in history through the Recovery Act. And as you file your 2009 income taxes, you may qualify for a series of other generous tax cuts – for example, you could save money for attending college, making energy-saving home improvements, purchasing a home for the first time, or buying a new car. I encourage all the residents of the Fourth District to take advantage of these and other tax cuts as they are filing their 2009 taxes. And if you missed out on any of these tax cuts, there is still time to amend your 2009 return to get the full benefits of the Recovery Act.”

Taxpayers in District Four and across the country can claim a variety of benefits on their 2009 tax returns, including:

• The Making Work Pay tax credit – Ninety-five percent of working families are already receiving the Recovery Act’s Making Work Pay tax credit of $400 for an individual or $800 for married couples filing jointly in their 2009 paychecks – and will continue to see these benefits in 2010. In District Four, 239,000 families are benefiting from the Making Work Pay tax credit.

• Tax credits for college expenses – Families and students are eligible for up to $2,500 in tax savings under the American Opportunity Credit as well as enhanced benefits under 529 college savings plans, which helps families and students pay for college expenses. More than four million additional students will be able to attend college thanks to this tax credit, 120,000 here in Georgia.

• The First Time Homebuyers tax credit – First time homebuyers can get a credit of up to $8,000 for homes purchased by April 30, 2010 under the First Time Homebuyer tax credit. In Georgia, 70,000 households have already taken advantage of the First Time Homebuyers tax credit.

• Tax credits for energy efficient renovations – Taxpayers are eligible for up to $1,500 in tax credits for making energy-efficient improvements to their homes, such as adding insulation and installing energy efficient windows.

• The vehicle sales tax deduction – Taxpayers can deduct the state and local sales taxes they paid for new vehicles purchased from Feb. 17, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2009 under the vehicle sales tax deduction.

• Expanded family tax credits – Moderate income families with children may be eligible for an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit and the additional Child Tax Credit.

• Tax-free unemployment benefits – Thanks to the Recovery Act, individuals who received unemployment insurance in 2009 do not have to pay taxes on the first $2,400 of such earnings.

To find out what tax cuts you may qualify for, check the White House online tax calculator by clicking here.

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Dear Friends,

It’s been a refreshing but busy work period – and it was good to see everyone. Whether it was Stan Watson’s breakfast meeting at New Piney Grove Baptist Church in south DeKalb, Lynwood Park United Church of God in Christ in Brookhaven or the Embry Hills Branch Library opening near Chamblee, it was a pleasure to get a chance to visit with constituents and hear your concerns.

And what I’m hearing more than anything is that people are concerned about the economy, jobs and what that might mean for them and their families.

JOHNSON’S CAREER EXPO – It’s one of the reasons I’m holding a career expo on Friday, April 30 at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church at 182 Hunter Street in Norcross 30071. We’ll have federal and state agencies on hand and résumé and interviewing experts to help you prepare for your next job. Please bring your résumé and dress for success. Check my Web site for updates.

FIRE GRANTS IN THE FOURTH – With all the budget trouble local and state governments are having, keeping up with public safety funding can be difficult. So I was thrilled to learn this week that DeKalb County Fire Rescue is receiving $158,000 in Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Fire Administration grants for operations and safety training. Congratulations DeKalb Fire Rescue!

RECOVERY ACT HELPS US GO GREEN – More than 60 communities in Georgia – including three in the Fourth District – have earned $13.3 million in Recovery Act (ARRA) grants to conduct energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. It’s part of more than $180 million the state has received under ARRA to weatherize homes, make local state agencies and businesses more efficient and reduce consumption. Decatur, which will partner with Chamblee and Dunwoody, will receive $500,000 to install energy efficient lighting and HVAC upgrades. Rockdale County will receive $300,000 for training and education and Doraville will also receive $300,000 to retrofit buildings and conduct energy audits.

SPEAKING OF GOING GREEN – I want to congratulate my offices for being honored at the upcoming Green Expo for our efforts to Green the Capitol and the District. Since 2009, we have been making an effort to reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink the way we use resources both in our Washington, D.C., and the District offices. Our office is one of 50 selected from more than 500 being honored for our good stewardship of the environment. For more, click here.

FUNDS FOR PDK, LETTER TO THE FAA – I’m pleased to report that $650,000 from the Department of Transportation has been provided to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport so it can rehabilitate taxiways A and K. It’s part of more than $11 million Georgia is receiving for its commuter airports. I also want you to know that I have written Federal Aviation Administration’s J. Randolph Babbitt to express my concerns about the proposed modifications to Hartsfield-Jackson’s airspace that could adversely affect residents in and around PDK.

HELP WITH HOUSING – It’s good to see that the DeKalb County Housing Authority received more than $42,000 under the Family Self-Sufficiency Program to help struggling families achieve economic independence. These kinds of programs are vital to help citizens get back on their feet during these difficult economic times.

FIXING FLOODED ROADS, BRIDGES – I was relieved in late March to hear that the Federal Highway Administration is sending $15.3 million to Georgia to help rebuild our roads and bridges in the aftermath of the worst flooding in half a century last September.

WHITE HOUSE GARDEN TOURS – This year they’re scheduled for April 17 and 18, and the usual rules apply for attending (tickets are distributed on the day of the tour – first come, first serve). For more information, click here.

CARING FOR OUR ELDERS – Thanks to nearly a $1 million grant from the federal Department of Health and Human Services, older Georgians with chronic diseases can learn how to manage their conditions and take control of their health. The Communities Putting Prevention to Work Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will allow the Georgia Department of Human Services - Division of Aging Services, to provide self-management programs to older adults with chronic diseases build statewide delivery systems and develop the workforce that delivers these programs. For more, click here.

CULTIVATING THE ARTS & HUMANITIES – I’m pleased to announce two awards – one from the National Endowment for the Arts – a $15,000 award for the Georgia Shakespeare Theater – and the other a $2,500 grant to the DeKalb Library Foundation for a President Lincoln traveling exhibit.

EXTENDING SMALL BUSINESS LOANS – Congress passed and President Obama signed into law legislation extending through April the U.S. Small Business Administration’s ability to provide enhancements in its two largest small business loan programs. The enhancements, first made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, include a higher guarantee on some SBA-backed loans and fee relief. The SBA estimates the $40 million extension will support about $1.4 billion in small business lending. For more, click here.

As always, I appreciate your thoughts, input and feedback. Thanks,

Hank
 

LITHONIA, GA – Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA), who represents parts of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties, today urged residents to mail their 2010 Census forms by April 16.

Those who do not have a form should call one of the phone numbers below to request delivery of one. Forms are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian.

“It’s not too late,” said Rep. Johnson. “Please, take a few minutes to fill out the form and put it in the mail. This count is critical to our communities to receive the funding we need for our schools, libraries, community centers and so many other important programs that all rely on Census results.”

As of April 12, counties that make up the Fourth District were lagging – DeKalb had just a 62 percent response rate, Rockdale 64 percent and Gwinnett at 64 percent.

It costs the government just .42 cents to receive a questionnaire back in the mail, but cost taxpayers $57 if a census taker has to go out to a house to collect the same information. If every household mailed back their census form, taxpayers could reduce the cost of the census and save $1.5 billion.

English - 1-866-872-6868
Chinese: 1-866-935-2010
Korean: 1-866-955-2010
Russian: 1-866-965-2010
Spanish: 1-866-928-2010
Vietnamese: 1-866-945-2010
TDD (Telephone Display Device for the hearing impaired):
1-866-783-2010

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The Department of the Navy is reviewing the impacts associated with the Marines’ relocation to Guam and has initiated an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  A study indicated a peak impact would be reached in 2014, which includes almost 80,000 additional personnel beyond the current Guam population of 180,000. In assessing the ability of Guam to support this peak expansion, the Environmental Protection Agency was very critical and rated the DEIS as Environmentally Unsatisfactory because: (1) the project will result in unsatisfactory impacts to Guam's existing substandard drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, which may result in significant adverse public health impacts; and 2) the project will result in unacceptable impacts to 71 acres of high quality coral reef ecosystem in Apra Harbor.

“I wasn’t suggesting that the island of Guam would literally tip over,” said Johnson. “The subtle humor of this obviously metaphorical reference to a ship capsizing illustrated my concern about the impact of the planned military buildup on this small tropical island.

With the addition of 8,000 Marines and their dependents – an additional 80,000 people during peak construction on the tiny island – could be a tipping point which could adversely affect the island’s fragile ecosystem and could overburden its stressed infrastructure. Having traveled to Guam last year, I saw firsthand how this beautiful – but vulnerable island – could easily become overburdened, and I was simply voicing my concerns that the addition of that many people could tip the delicate balance and do permanent harm to Guam.”

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