September 2010 Archives
Researchers: Rep. Johnson giving ‘a voice to people who have none’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) today announced his bipartisan bill to address a growing problem of parasitic diseases – mostly in poor, minority populations along the U.S.-Mexico border, the rural South, Appalachia and distressed urban areas – passed the House of Representatives.
The legislation now goes to the Senate.
The “Neglected Infections of Impoverished Americans Act of 2010” – H.R. 5986 – would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress annually on the impact of these diseases, address their threat and make funding recommendations on how to eradicate them.
Some of the parasitic infections are spread by insects – such as Chagas disease or dengue fever. Others, such as toxocara and toxoplasmosis, are attained through contaminated animal feces, and still others thrive in soil, such as thread worms.
All of these neglected infections affect hundreds of thousands of mostly poor, minority residents with no health insurance. Infected people suffer from heart disease, lung ailments, birth defects, seizures, difficult pregnancies and child developmental problems as a result of these diseases.
“The first step is to raise awareness of these diseases,” said Johnson. “Today is an important step in recognizing the threat and moving toward a solution.”
In a paper published in 2008, Dr. Peter Hotez, a distinguished research professor at George Washington University, called the group of infections “a largely hidden burden of diseases” and reported on surprisingly high rates of parasitic infections among the poor, particularly among minority populations, in the U.S.
University of Georgia microbiologist Daniel Colley – director of the Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases – said, “Those afflicted with these diseases are impoverished, and have no voice or power. [This] is a strong first step in giving a voice to those so afflicted, and this will ultimately result in addressing these problems in our country.”
Dr. Hotez agreed. “Rep. Johnson is giving a voice to people who have none.”
Neglected Diseases Fact Sheet | Read about this legislation in Miller-McCune Magazine
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LILBURN, GA – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) was pleased Saturday, Sept. 25 to take part in Lilburn’s centennial birthday celebration and Greenway Trail ribbon cutting at City Park.
Rep. Johnson, who represents DeKalb, Rockdale and parts of Gwinnett County, offered Mayor Diana Preston, City Council and Lilburn residents a proclamation naming the city’s birthday – July 27 – as “Lilburn Day in the Fourth District.
Congressman Johnson also read a brief excerpt from H. Res. 1642, legislation he submitted that is an official recognition for the city of Lilburn from the House of Representatives.
The resolution is expected to pass later this year.
“I’m honored to be here today for your 100th birthday celebration and Greenway Trail ribbon cutting,” said Rep. Johnson. “I commend the mayor and this council for honoring the past while planning for the future.”
Mayor Preston introduced Rep. Johnson.
“Congressman Johnson and his office were instrumental in ensuring federal funds came to Lilburn to help recover from the floods last year,” said Preston. “We appreciate Congressman Johnson introducing this resolution recognizing our great city.”
Picture above: Congressman Johnson (GA-04) and his wife Mereda Davis Johnson offered Lilburn Mayor Diane Preston H. Res. 1642 – an official recognition of Lilburn’s 100th birthday from the U.S. House of Representatives – at City Park on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010.
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LITHONIA, GA – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) today visited and congratulated STAND Inc. [Standing to Achieve New Directions] for receiving a $300,000 annual grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
STAND – based on Covington Highway in Georgia’s 4th Congressional District – is one of the Metro Atlanta’s leading community-based organizations focused on HIV, domestic violence and substance abuse intervention and prevention services as well as comprehensive re-entry services for men,
The grant will be awarded Oct. 1 and run each year until 2015.
“STAND can point to many success stories, thanks to the excellent work they are doing in our community,” said Rep. Johnson, a strong supporter of funding for HIV prevention and awareness. “This award is well deserved – STAND’s work is helping people live healthier, happier and more productive lives.”
Charles Sperling, STAND’s founder and executive director, said the grant will go toward “Project Getting Connected 2 – which will buttress HIV testing and prevention efforts.
“We’re very happy with the award. This grant allows us to continue our now more than 10-year mission of providing critical HIV counseling and testing services in south DeKalb,” Sperling said.
“I want to thank Congressman Johnson and his office for assisting us, and we look forward to continuing to work to together in service to our community.”
Above: Congressman Johnson meets with members of STAND -- Standing to Achieve New Directions -- a non-profit on Covington Highway, which is receiving a $300,000 annual grant for HIV testing and counseling from the Department of Health and Human Services.
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“As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy, I applaud Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice on their settlement with Adobe Systems Inc., Apple Inc., Google Inc., Intel Corp., Intuit Inc. and Pixar regarding agreements amongst competitors not to compete for employees. This action reminds all of us that competition policy is not just about the lowest prices for consumers – it is about protecting the competitive process, which also includes competing to innovate and competing to attract the best and the brightest, especially in the high-tech marketplace. The agreements challenged today not only harm competition, but they limit opportunities for workers, which would be unacceptable at any point but is especially odious given the current state of our economy.
My Subcommittee has held a series of hearings on “An Antitrust System for the 21st Century,” most recently looking at “Competition in the Evolving Digital Marketplace.” It is imperative that we ensure that the antitrust laws are working properly in the high-tech field, and today’s settlement suggests that the enforcement agencies are doing their jobs. I encourage them to remain vigilant in their efforts to police this evolving marketplace.”
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WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) voted to spur economic growth and create 500,000 new jobs by encouraging the development of American small businesses.
The Small Business Jobs Act increases much-needed lending to millions of small businesses, and offers 8 new tax incentives to companies, so that they may expand, hire, and fuel the economy. It also keeps jobs in America by closing tax loopholes that reward corporations that ship jobs overseas.
“This bill will create jobs and help boost the quality of life in our communities,” said Johnson. “Small businesses are the economic engine that fuel job growth and will propel our continued recovery. This will give our small businesses the tax cuts and lending they need to be flexible and grow.”
The bill now goes to President Obama’s desk for his signature.
The Small Business Jobs Act will help the nation’s 27 million small businesses create new jobs and grow with $12 billion in tax cuts. It will make Main Street businesses more competitive with big corporations by leveraging up to $300 billion in private-sector lending for small businesses, along with state grants for small business lending.
With tax cuts and access to more capital, small businesses will be able to put more Americans back to work. The bill is fully paid for and will not add a dime to the deficit.
“In spite of rampant Republican opposition, obstructionism, and delay, we have passed a bill that moves America forward,” said Rep. Johnson. “While Congressional Republicans are fighting to protect big corporations, Big Oil, and Wall Street, we are fighting for Main Street and job creation. We won that fight today, and as a result, small business in Georgia will win, too.”
Even as Congressional Republicans stood at a small business in Virginia to introduce their new agenda that calls for tax breaks for America’s small businesses, they returned to Washington to vote against tax breaks for small businesses. Republicans have voted against 15 of the 16 tax breaks for small businesses this Congress has enacted.
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Cautions that insurance companies are still attempting to put ‘profits over people’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) praised the key provisions of the new Patient’s Bill of Rights that take effect on September 23 as part of historic health care reform passed by Congress this year, but he cautioned that some insurance companies are still attempting to put profits over people.
Health care reform, which was passed by Congress and signed by President Obama earlier this year, includes a Patient’s Bill of Rights.
Taking effect on September 23 are new rules prohibiting insurance companies from cancelling coverage when a consumer becomes sick; rules prohibiting the denial of coverage or restriction of benefits for children who suffer from a pre-existing condition; and rules prohibiting lifetime limits on coverage, helping prevent families from going broke or losing their home just because a loved one has an accident or becomes ill.
“The fact that some insurance companies are refusing to issue new child-only policies because the companies will no longer be able to deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions is not only brazen but based upon greed,” said Rep. Johnson.
“To make a business decision on the backs of children with pre-existing conditions is unconscionable. I hope insurance companies will honor their commitment and work with us to ensure that pre-existing condition exclusions for children will soon be a thing of the past.”
Johnson said, “Republican threats to dismantle the health insurance law is further proof that their agenda is a cynical ploy to protect profits over people.”
Other key provisions that take effect Sept. 23:
► Children up to age 26 can stay on parents’ health plan
► Patients have the right to key preventive services without deductibles or co-payments
► Patients have the right to both internal and external appeal if the patient’s health plan refuses coverage for treatment recommended by the patient’s doctor
► Patients have the right to choose their primary care doctor
► Patients have the right to access out-of-network emergency room care at in-network rates
To learn more about these provisions and other ways that health reform will help protect patients, please visit www.healthcare.gov.
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IRS Open House -- Tax Assistance to Veterans
Saturday, Sept. 25th
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The 2 offices in Georgia are:
Atlanta: (Koger) 2888 Woodcock Blvd. -- link to Google Maps
Atlanta, GA 30341
Located in DeKalb County near Chamblee Tucker Road and I-85 in Mercer University vicinity.
Smyrna: 1899 Powers Ferry Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30339
Trabajando para la Comunidad Latina
“Hecho en América” Ayuda a Mantener Dólares del Contribuyente en E.E.U.U.
Esta semana, el Congreso aprobó dos proyectos de ley adicionales como parte de la agenda, “Hecho en América” para promover la fabricación estadounidense y prevenir el envío de empleos al extranjero. El Acta de Promesa “Hecho en América” (H.R. 2039) y el Acta de Extensión Berry (H.R. 3116) requiere que el Congreso y el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional compren productos hechos en América. Ambos proyectos de ley ayudaran a las industrias de textil y de ropa, y harán los productos que compañías necesitan más baratos. Con la tasa de desempleo al 12% para la comunidad Latina, estos proyectos de ley ayudaran a los más de 5 millones de Latinos trabajando en las industrias de construcción y fabricación.
Trabajos Construyendo un Futuro de Energía Limpia
El jueves, la Cámara de Representantes aprobó el proyecto de ley, Programa de Ahorros de Energía para Áreas Rurales (H.R. 4785). Este programa ofrecerá préstamos de bajo-interés a familias que quieren renovar sus casas para reducir el uso de energía. Esta legislación ayudara a restaurar algunos de los 4.6 millones de trabajos en fabricación que fueron perdidos durante la recesión Bush, y reducirá la demanda de energía y pagos de servicios públicos. El Programa de Ahorros de Energía beneficiara a más de 340,000 empresas Latinas de construcción mediante la demanda para productos que ahorran energía, materiales, construcción, y servicios de instalación.
Celebrando la Herencia Hispana de Nuestro País
El Instituto del Caucus Hispano en el Congreso (CHCI) tuvo su conferencia anual para hablar sobre temas críticos afectando la comunidad Latina. Este año, los participantes incluyeron la Primera Dama Michelle Obama, las Secretarias Hilda Solis y Janet Napolitano, el Secretario Timothy Geithener, y los Congresistas de CHCI entre otros. El miércoles, el Presidente Obama dio el discurso principal durante la gala de CHCI, hablando sobre la inmigración, el cuidado de salud, y la economía. Los eventos de CHCI durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana celebran las contribuciones, luchas, desafíos, y triunfos de la comunidad Latina a través del país.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) echoed President Obama’s announcement that service members whose service was extended under stop loss orders in Iraq and Afghanistan have until October 21, 2010, to apply for retroactive pay.
Troops eligible for retroactive pay will receive $500 a month for each month their service was extended. The Defense Department estimates that while 145,400 troops are eligible and only 58,000 claims have been paid out thus far.
“We owe it to our brave men and women who serve this country to ensure they receive all the funds to which they are entitled,” said Rep. Johnson.
“In 2009, we passed legislation to compensate our service members for tours that were involuntarily extended in Iraq and Afghanistan. With the deadline fast approaching, I urge all eligible troops to submit their claims so that they can receive the retroactive pay they earned through their service. Working with our local veterans organizations, I want to make sure that all eligible service members here in Georgia get the benefits they have earned.”
In 2009, Rep. Johnson voted to pass HR 2346, the War Supplemental Appropriations Act, which established retroactive stop loss special pay (RSLSP). This allows troops whose service was involuntarily extended between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009 to file claims in order to receive retroactive pay if eligible. The deadline for submissions is October 21, 2010. The average benefit is $3,800.
For more information or to submit a claim, please visit www.defense.gov/stoploss.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy, today presided over a hearing focused on competition and the law in the evolving digital marketplace.
The hearing was the latest in a series of Courts and Competition Policy hearings Rep. Johnson initiated entitled “An Antitrust System for the 21st Century.”
“While these markets currently appear fluid and competitive, sustained anticompetitive behavior by companies with market power could potentially choke off competition, slowing innovation, and raising prices and reducing options for consumers,” said Johnson.
“Antitrust enforcement needs a balance, like holding the reins of a horse – hold them too tightly and the horse stops. Hold them too loosely and the horse goes out of control.”
The hearing touched on a host of issues - from application developer restrictions, to the advertising market, to potential harms and possible efficiencies from vertical acquisitions.
Underlying the hearing was what level of antitrust enforcement is appropriate in the emerging digital marketplace?
“In the current economic climate, it is more important than ever that we do everything we can to nurture competition without crushing the engines of commerce that drive our economy,” said Rep. Johnson.
“We’re here to partner with business, not be their nanny.”
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(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Hoy, el Congresista Hank Johnson (GA-04) hizo las siguientes declaraciones para celebrar el mes de la herencia Hispana, el que empieza el 15 de Septiembre y se extiende hasta el 15 de Octubre de cada año.
“Los valores Hispanos – la fe, la familia, y amor a la patria – son los valores Americanos. El sueño Hispano – la esperanza de un futuro prospero y mejor – es el sueño Americano. Durante el mes de la herencia Hispana, honramos a la comunidad Hispana y rendimos un homenaje a la extraordinarias contribuciones que la comunidad Hispana ha hecho a través de nuestra historia, y continua haciendo cada día.
“Económicamente, culturalmente, y políticamente, los Hispanos son una parte vital de nuestra nación. Como el grupo étnico de mayor crecimiento en nuestro país, los 48.8 millones de Hispanos hacen a los Estados Unidos una nación más fuerte. Durante varias generaciones, la vida Americana ha sido enriquecida por las contribuciones que hacen los hispanos al comercio, la educación, el gobierno, y las artes.
“En el último año y medio, el Congreso liderado por los demócratas ha estado trabajando para mejorar las vidas de las familias hispanas de este país – desde mejorando la economía, a pequeñas empresas, hasta haciendo más económica la educación universitaria, el cuidado médico, y ayudando a veteranos.
Desafortunadamente, aunque la comunidad hispana ha crecido y progresado, a muchas familias hispanas no les ha ido bien en los últimos años – gracias a las malas políticas económicas de la administración de Bush. Las políticas de la administración de Bush nos han llevado a la peor recesión económica desde la Gran Depresión – resultando en la pérdida de 8 millones de empleos estadounidenses. Debido a esta recesión, la tasa de desempleo para los hispanos esta en el 12%.
“Como el resultado de la recesión causada por Bush, cuando el Presidente Obama tomo su puesto, la pérdida de empleos alcanzaba los 700,000 empleos perdidos por mes. Desde ese tiempo, el Presidente Obama y el Congreso liderado por los demócratas han trabajado para sacarnos de esta enorme crisis en el que nos dejo el Presidente Bush. Recientemente, se ha reportado un crecimiento de trabajos en el sector privado durante ocho meses seguidos.
“Empleos son el tema principal para familias hispanas. En febrero del 2009, el Congreso promulgo la ley de reinversión y recuperación económica, la que otorga una reducción de impuestos del 98% a trabajadores estadounidenses; empezó a reconstruir nuestras carreteras, ferrocarriles, e infraestructura de agua; e invirtió en la creación de empleos en el sector de energía alternativa.
Nadie está satisfecho con la tasa en la que estamos creando empleos actualmente, pero economistas afirman que la economía estaría peor sin la ley de recuperación económica. La oficina del presupuesto del congreso dice que, hasta ahora la ley ha creado 3.3 millones de empleo.
“El Congreso liderado por los demócratas también ha promulgado legislación que crea inversiones para salvar los trabajos de 161,000; también provee ayuda para que los estados puedan adicionalmente salvar 158,000 empleos, incluyendo policías, bomberos, y trabajadores del sector privado; finalmente, cierra los canales legales que usan corporaciones para enviar empleos americanos al extranjero.
“Actualmente en este país hay 2.3 millones de negocios pequeños cuyos dueños son Hispanos. Uno de los enfoques del Congreso ha sido ayudar a que las empresas pequeñas se recuperen después de la devastadora recesión de Bush. El Congreso ha promulgado ocho reducciones de impuestos para empresas pequeñas, incluyendo un crédito tributario para los trabajadores quienes se encuentran desempleados, incentivos tributarios de bonos para promover nuevas inversiones, expandimos el límite de gastos que una empresa puede deducir de sus impuestos, también dimos la oportunidad de que los negocios puedan deducir perdidas de este año sobre ingresos de los últimos cinco años.
“Para muchos jóvenes Hispanos, una prioridad de este Congreso ha sido hacer más asequible la educación universitaria. El Congreso ha promulgado el paquete más grande de ayuda estudiantil en la historia – incluyendo el aumento de la beca Pell Grant de $5,550 en 2010 a $5,975 para el año 2017. Este aumento le ayudara al 37% de estudiantes Hispanos universitarios que reciben Pell Grants. Este proyecto también invierte $ 1 billón sobre los próximos 10 años para reforzar universidades que sirven a la población hispana, proporcionándole la ayuda y el apoyo que los estudiantes requieren para graduarse.
“Otro tema importante para familias hispanas es el cuidado médico. El proyecto de ley de cuidado médico económico pone a los pacientes – en vez de las compañías de seguro medico – a cargo de su cuidado médico. Esta ley promulga una carta de derechos para pacientes que toma efecto este año –prohibiendo que las aseguradoras se deshagan de personas cuando se enfermen, que discriminen contra niños con condiciones preexistentes, y que impongan límites sobre cobertura médica. El proyecto también proporciona créditos tributarios para que empresas pequeñas puedan proveer seguro medico a sus empleados; recorta los costos de medicamentos para mayores de edad deshaciéndose del hueco en la cobertura de Medicare; extiende la solvencia del fondo fiduciario de Medicare por 12 años. Esta legislación es vital para familias hispanas y personas de la tercera edad.
“Finalmente, el Congreso liderado por los demócratas ha promulgado legislación para mejorar las vidas de nuestros veteranos – incluyendo los 1.1 millón de veteranos hispanos. Por ejemplo, ha reforzado el cuidado médico para más de 5 millones de veteranos al invertir 11% mas para el cuidado médico, más gente para procesar reclamos de beneficios y mejorando las instalaciones.
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“Make it in America” strategy to help put Americans back to work
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With middle-class Georgians and small businesses back home in mind, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) voted today to boost the American manufacturing industry and help create jobs by requiring Congress and the Department of Homeland Security to purchase products made in America.
The two bills, the “Congressional Made in America Promise Act” and the Berry Amendment Extension Act, are part of the Democratic “Make it in America” national manufacturing strategy to create the high-skill, high-wage jobs of the future — promoting American competitiveness, innovation and exports.
“I’d love to see the words ‘Made in America’ more often in the products I buy, and I think Americans agree with me,” said Rep. Johnson. “We must put Americans back to work making the things we use in our everyday lives, and Congress should lead by example.”
The Congressional Made in America Promise Act Requires Congress to buy goods and services made by American workers for the first time since “Buy American” rules were instituted for federal agencies under President Roosevelt in 1933, including tighter Buy American requirements for items with the seal of Congress, the House, or Senate.
The Berry Amendment Extension Act bars the Department of Homeland Security from buying clothing, tents and other products that are not “grown, reprocessed, reused or produced” in America. For the last 60 years, the Berry Amendment has required the Defense Department and the Coast Guard to buy a range of domestically produced or grown items with 100 percent U.S. content, and today we are voting to cover the DHS.
The “Make it in America” strategy also includes:
-- Closing tax loopholes that encourage corporations to outsource U.S. jobs overseas.
-- Providing hometown tax credits to help small businesses hire new employees and sell their products and innovation overseas.
-- Boosting incentives to create American clean energy jobs like making state-of-the-art wind turbines and solar panels–paid for by ending corporate welfare to Big Oil.
-- Strengthening rules that U.S. and its contractors buy products made in America, especially to build transportation, energy, and communications infrastructure.
-- Demanding that China and other countries honor fair trade principles or lose American business.
-- Giving incentives to hire and re-train America’s returning veterans for new clean energy jobs.
-- Strengthening partnerships with businesses to retrain America’s workers for jobs of the future.
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Dear Friends,
Thanks to everyone who made the past month such a productive time in the District. I always enjoy seeing everyone and like you, spending some much-needed time with family. Here’s a brief review and a look forward at some upcoming events you and your family might like to attend.
FUNDS TO FIGHT FORECLOSURES: I’m pleased to announce that more than $7 million in Neighborhood Stabilization grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development is heading to DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. DeKalb County will receive $5.2 million and Gwinnett will receive more than $2 million. Rockdale County will be able to apply to the state to receive a share of the funds. Counties can use the money to buy foreclosed homes, stabilize home prices and invest in the revitalization of depressed neighborhoods.
The funding is the third round of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. DeKalb received $18.5 million, Atlanta received $3.9 million, Rockdale received $2.7 million and Gwinnett received $3 million in the first round. Georgia did not receive any Neighborhood Stabilization funds in Round 2.
For more on this program, click here.
JOB SEEKERS’ SITE: The U.S. Department of Labor launched a Web portal to help job seekers match their skills to new careers and find out what training is needed to transition into a new career. Visitors to the site can view local job postings and locate training and educational opportunities. For more, click here.
ONE DEKALB: The county Office of Neighborhood Empowerment (ONE), in conjunction with the Planning and Development Department, is offering classes on zoning and planning to help residents navigate county processes. The classes will be held at the Clark Harrison Building - Conference Room A, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue in Decatur. The inaugural class is limited to the first 40 neighborhood leaders who RSVP. For more information, call (404) 371-3689 or send an e-mail.
CHILDHOOD OBESITY: This September is our nation’s first Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Congress passed the measure because childhood obesity affects more than 30 percent of our children and can lead to a variety of health problems. Prevention of this growing epidemic begins at home. For more on fighting childhood obesity, click here.
BE PREPARED: September also marks National Preparedness Month. I encourage you to take some simple steps to prepare for emergencies in your home, business and communities. For more, click here.
FLOOD MITIGATION: Speaking of being prepared, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is making $1.2 million available to DeKalb County to help it acquire and demolish five homes that were damaged in a 2007 flood. Because the area where these homes were located is prone to flooding, the county will not rebuild on the properties.
WEATHERIZATION IN ATLANTA: Free home repairs are now available for low-income families living in the City of Atlanta through grants to the City of Atlanta by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. For more, click here. For residents in DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties, visit the Partnership for Community Action for more on weatherization efforts in your area.
PUTTING PEOPLE BACK TO WORK: I’m pleased to announce that Goodwill of North Georgia will receive nearly $300,000 to help train and find jobs for women, minorities, and disadvantaged persons in the highway construction workforce. For more, click here.
SOUTHERN STATES ENERGY GRANT: I’m also pleased to announce that Southern States Energy Board/Clean Coal and Energy Technology Collaboration Committee in Norcross will receive a $999,000 grant from the Department of Energy to advance opportunities for applied research and development, investment, international cooperation and technology design for coal in the Southern region. For more, click here.
EVENTS AROUND THE DISTRICT: Chamblee is holding its compost and recycle day on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 3210 Cumberland Drive. For more, click here. In Conyers, they’re offering a Citizens Police Academy this fall to local residents and business owners beginning October 7 at 6:30 p.m. For more, click here.
Doraville will hold its Movies Under the Stars at Honeysuckle Park on Saturday, Sept. 18. For more, click here. Pine Lake is celebrating its 10th annual LakeFest on October 2-3. For more, click here. Be sure to stop by Norcross for their Norcross Art Fest on Saturday, Oct. 2. For more, click here.
As always, thank you for your time, and have a great week.
Hank
Lithonia, GA - Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) se complace en anunciar hoy que él ayudó a conseguir más de $ 2 millones de dólares para proyectos de transporte en el área, incluido el Corredor I-20 Este en el sur de Dekalb, el BeltLine Atlanta y Jimmy Carter Boulevard sobre la I-85 en el Condado de Gwinnett.
Más de $ 1.2 millones de dólares serán para el Corredor I-20 Este para iniciar el trabajo ambiental en la primera fase de la expansión del corredor y $ 475.000 dólares se destinarán para el Beltline.
El representante Johnson también ayudó a obtener $500.000 dólares para reemplazar el puente existente que lleva a Jimmy Carter Boulevard sobre la I-85 y la reconstrucción de la intersección con la actual I-85 dentro y fuera de las rampas. El nuevo puente llevará 11 carriles, cuatro carriles más de ancho de los ya siete carriles existentes.
"La congestión del tráfico ha empeorado tanto que está afectando nuestro crecimiento, nuestra competitividad y nuestra calidad de vida", dijo el representante de Johnson. "Estas inversiones no sólo ayudaran a que la gente vuelva a trabajar, sino que crearan comunidades sostenibles, habitables que estarán mejor conectadas y serán más accesibles."
Los fondos provienen de las apropiaciones de los años fiscales 2009 y 2010. Los fondos para el BeltLine y los proyectos de I-20 provienen de la Administración Federal de Tránsito. Para el proyecto de la I-85 los fondos provienen de la Administración Federal de Carreteras.
El representante Johnson recorrió las tres áreas y proyectos con el presidente del Comité de la Casa de Representantes de Transporte e Infraestructura James Oberstar (D-MN) el 16 de agosto.
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VA CHALENG 2010. Friday, September 17, 9:00-12:00 at Atlanta VA Medical Center, Pete Wheeler Auditorium. Registration begins at 8:30. Valet parking available. Points of contact – Calvin Scott, 404-321-6111 ext 7437, or Mary Coens at ext 7436. For those who want to learn more about CHALENG (Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups), visit the VA website http://www1.va.gov/HOMELESS/chaleng.asp.
-- 2010 Atlanta VAMC Homeless Stand Down. Saturday, October 30 at Atlanta VAMC. See attached “Save the Date” email from point of contact Mary Lou Pittman, Chief, Voluntary Service, 404-728-7728.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement today on the ninth anniversary of September 11:
“Today is a day of deep reflection and remembrance as we honor the victims and heroes of that tragic morning nine years ago. I hope everyone takes some time to remember the nearly 3,000 American lives that were cut short that day and salute the firefighters, first responders and rescue workers who sacrificed their lives saving others.
For the victims, heroes and their families, let us never forget this fateful day, and let us refocus ourselves on what makes America unique and special in the world of nations – liberty and diversity, equality and the rule of law."
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LITHONIA, GA – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) is pleased to announce that more than $7 million in Neighborhood Stabilization grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development is heading to DeKalb and Gwinnett counties.
DeKalb County will receive $5.2 million and Gwinnett will receive more than $2 million. Rockdale County will be able to apply to the state to receive a share of the funds. Counties can use the money to buy foreclosed homes and renovate them.
“This is a prime example of putting Main Street before Wall Street and helping struggling communities get back on their feet,” said Rep. Johnson. “These are the kinds of investments we need to address the devastating impact of abandoned and foreclosed homes in our community.”
It’s part of $1 billion program nationwide. Altogether Georgia and 15 municipalities will receive $50 million in this round. The state of Georgia, which will take applications from cities and counties not on the list, received $18.7 million. The funds are appropriated from the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
The funding is the third round of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. In the first round, DeKalb received $18.5 million, Atlanta received $3.9 million, Rockdale $2.7 million and Gwinnett $3 million. Georgia – or any counties and cities in the state – did not receive any Neighborhood Stabilization funds in Round 2.
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