Dear Friends,
Every rational American understands the need to pay our national debt. I stand ready to vote on a clean debt ceiling bill that does not have Draconian cuts to our social safety net attached to it.
Like many of my Democratic, Congressional Black Caucus, Hispanic Caucus and Asian Caucus colleagues, I’m disappointed that some have used this debate as a distraction from the real crisis Americans continue to face every day— joblessness. We must reduce the deficit with a fair and balanced approach that includes both revenues and spending cuts.
Until we achieve such a plan, we must raise the debt ceiling to give the markets certainty, avoid financial disarray and prevent irresponsible cuts.
It’s possible that President Obama will be forced to use the 14th Amendment as a failsafe to prevent a national default – especially if Congressional Republicans continue to refuse to negotiate a balanced solution. Congress can deal with the necessary issue of cutting the nation’s debt and deficit spending in the regular order of business instead of the Republicans’ path that is holding the nation hostage.
House Republicans have failed to lead, and failure is not an option for our country at this late hour. Their intransigence leaves the President to take whatever action is within his power to avoid this disastrous default.
We all agree that we have to responsibly to reduce the deficit but not on the backs of hard-working American families, all while protecting special interests and the wealthiest Americans. People of color, seniors, working families and children heavily rely on vital programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Deep cuts to these critical programs would devastate our community.
Now is the time for real work to be done not the time for ideological wars. It is time to cut the political games and work to create jobs.
CBC JOBS FAIR – The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressman John Lewis and I are teaming up to host a job fair and readiness workshop on Thursday, Aug. 18 at Atlanta Technical College from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are working to have more than 50 private and public employers on hand with jobs.
As part of the CBC’s “For the People” jobs initiative resolution and nationwide tour, Congressman Lewis and I hope to encourage the House of Representatives to pass critical jobs legislation – CBC members, including my office – have introduced collectively more 40 job creation bills to address the unemployment crisis.
With the unemployment rate at 9.8 percent nationwide and more than 16 percent in the African American, Hispanic and Asian communities, it has become clear that it is time for immediate and real action to provide hard working Americans with real economic opportunity. Everyone from the Fourth District is welcome. As more details become available, I will post them on the Hank’s Job Center page of my Web site. To learn more, click HERE.
CBS: THE EARLY SHOW – I appeared this week on CBS’ national program ‘The Early Show’ for my legislative work to combat discrimination against unemployed Americans in jobs postings and hiring practices.
In March, I introduced The Fair Employment Act of 2011, which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect against discrimination on the basis of unemployment status. More recently, my colleague Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) and I introduced The Fair Employment Opportunity Act, which would fine employers and employment agencies who discriminate against unemployed job-seekers by refusing to consider them for employment. To watch the piece, click HERE.
REMEMBERING BOB JACKSON – I was saddened to hear the sudden death of Meadowcreek High School Principal Bob Jackson this week. I had the pleasure to meet Principal Jackson on several occasions, and I was always struck at how dedicated he was to his school and students. To the Jackson family, the Meadowcreek family and to everyone whose lives were touched by this outstanding and principled educator, my sincerest and most humble condolences. Bob will be deeply missed. To read his obituary, click HERE. To visit his online Guestbook, click HERE.
Hank participates in an Education Roundtable earlier this year with Principal Jackson, Rep. Rob Woodall, Sen. Johnny Isakson and Gwinnett County J. Alvin Wilbanks.
SPEAKING OF SCHOOLS – Congratulations to Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Samuel King, who has a new contract through June 2014. For more, click HERE.
SOUTH RIVER SAVIORS – The South River Watershed Alliance (SRWA) is launching its South River 2020 project at its regularly scheduled meeting on Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. The South River 2020 initiative will not only improve water quality within the South River and its tributaries, but improve the recreational value of the waterway and the health of surrounding communities. For more information on the SRWA, call Doug Denton at 404-931-5008.
ROCKDALE HUMANITIES AWARD – I am pleased to announce that Rockdale County has earned a Small Grants to Libraries in the amount of $2,500 for their King James Bible, Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible project. Congratulations Rockdale County!
WORLD HEPATITIS DAY – I was pleased to appear at the White House on July 28, in recognition of World Hepatitis Day, where I spoke about my personal battle with the disease. I know first-hand the pain and suffering it causes not only the patient, but the family as well. I came forward and publically disclosed my illness in the hope my story would provide others suffering from hepatitis with the confidence to speak out and educate the community about this illness. Those suffering from this virus should not be stigmatized or marginalized. You can live productive and normal life – even as you battle this disease. I am one of many, many examples of those who have overcome this virus.
CONSUMER PROTECTION – The Consumer Financial Protection Agency that was created under the Wall Street Reform Act opened for business July 21. The central mission of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans—whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products. To learn more, click HERE.
PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign, in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council, is launching new web tools that will make it easier for individuals and organizations throughout the nation to join the 2011 National Preparedness Month (NPM) coalition and pledge their support to help prepare their families, businesses and communities for emergencies of all kinds. For more, click HERE.
ROCKDALE HUMANITIES AWARD – I am pleased to announce that Rockdale County has earned a Small Grants to Libraries in the amount of $2,500 for their King James Bible, Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible project. Congratulations Rockdale County!
GROWING YOUR BUSINESS – It’s now easier for small-business owners to harness the power of direct mail to drive traffic, attract new customers and increase revenue. That’s because the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) introduced Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), a simple, low-cost service that allows local businesses to market to every address in their neighborhoods without the need to rent or purchase mailing lists. For more information, click HERE.
REDAN NATURE PRESERVE – I applaud DeKalb County and the army of dedicated community volunteers led by Calvin Sims Sr. for their work on the Redan Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center on Redan Road. The goal of the center is to conserve a beautiful nine-acre natural environment and rural farm history, educate school children and adults on environmental science, solar energy and wind energy technology. To learn more, click HERE. To get involved, contact Mr. Sims at 770-879-1176.
URBAN FORESTS – Thanks to the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Urban and Community Forest Grant Program, Decatur and Doraville will be receiving grants this year to invest in one of our greatest assets – trees. Trees provide improved air and water quality, positive impacts on human health, increased economic value and energy conservation. For more, click HERE.
FACE TIME ON FACEBOOK – Please stop by my Facebook page to see the photos from Help for Homeowners. Friending me on Facebook is also a great way to keep track of upcoming events and news from D.C. and the District.
As always, I appreciate your time and comments. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.
Hank