February 2012 Archives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced he is cosponsoring H.R. 4098, the “Shield Our Streets Act,” which would allow local law enforcement agencies to hire new officers, rehire officers who have been laid off due to budget cuts and invest in new public safety equipment.

As a result of state cuts, local governments face dwindling law enforcement budgets and police department resources are being stretched thin in order to make up the difference. 

“During another difficult budget year at home, I want to ensure public safety officials in the district have the resources they need to protect citizens,” said Johnson, a member of the House Judiciary Committee. “I'm proud to stand with law enforcement officers who are on the front lines keeping our community safe.”

While DeKalb County has not yet cut officer positions during difficult budget tightening, DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis welcomed Congressman Johnson’s efforts to provide new federal funding to assist local law enforcement going forward.

“As a former county commissioner, Congressman Johnson knows all too well the importance funding local public safety,” said Ellis. “Protecting our citizens is the top priority of local governments, but it costs money. I look forward to supporting Congressman Johnson in his efforts to secure funding to keep our communities safe.” 

DeKalb District Attorney Robert James welcomed the possibility of additional grants.
“Congressman Johnson understands how crucial it is to take care of increased public safety needs,” said James. “The Shield Our Streets Act will be an essential means of getting more resources to fund crime-prevention programs and needed technology enhancements.”     

Ranking member Conyers urged the House Judiciary Committee to hold hearings on the legislation.

“Police officers are on the front lines in the fight against crime, and we need to do even more to ensure local law enforcement agencies are sufficiently staffed with officers and sheriffs,” he said. “Local governments also need the funding and flexibility to pay for crime fighting equipment and programs which they identify as priority needs.”  

The Shield Police Hiring and Public Safety Enhancement Grants: 

► The Shield Police Hiring Grants would establish an Attorney General grant program that would provide grants to law enforcement agencies that operate in Elevated Need Localities, which is defined as a county (or unit of local government) which (1) has a crime rate above the national average, and (2) has had budget reductions during the most recent 5-year period.   Grants would last for three years and may be extended by two years at the discretion of the Attorney General. $100 million for each fiscal year 2013 through 2018 are authorized to be appropriated for this program.

► The Shield Public Safety Enhancement Grants to provide grants to purchase public safety equipment, fund public safety programs, make infrastructure improvements for the purpose of enhancing public safety, purchase and install street lights to deter crime, fund activities related to crime labs, and fund public defender programs.  Non-profit organizations operating in Elevated Need Localities may also apply for grants under this program to fund initiatives designed to reduce crime in these jurisdictions. Grants would be for one year but may be extended at the discretion of the Attorney General. $100 million for each fiscal year 2013 through 2018 are authorized to be appropriated for this program.

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Dear Friends,

We all know small businesses are the driving force of job creation in our economy.  That’s why I’m pleased to announce that both the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Chamber of Commerce are supporting my “Help Entrepreneurs Create American Jobs Act” – H.R. 4032 – that I introduced this month.

The Entrepreneurs bill would permanently double the first-year startup expenses deduction from $5,000 to $10,000. It will also increase the ceiling at which deductions begin to phase out from $50,000 to $60,000.

The legislation is part of President Obama’s Startup America Agenda and is supported by all three major chambers of commerce in the Fourth District – the DeKalb, Conyers-Rockdale and Gwinnett chambers – and the Georgia and Metro Atlanta chambers as well.

Creating jobs and supporting American entrepreneurs should be our No. 1 priority in Congress. We must put party bickering aside and make it easier for Americans to start small businesses.

In his letter of support, President of DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Leonardo McClarty said the bill “encourages small business growth” and would mean “more job opportunities for a robust and talented labor pool” would help “small businesses stay competitive with larger companies” and bring “increased cash flow in our local economy.”

“DeKalb County and all metro Atlanta citizens need this (bill) now more than ever,” he said.

I pledge to continue pursuing policies that help put Georgians and Fourth District residents back to work. It’s why I introduced the Small Business Fairness bill, the Fair Employment Opportunity Act and why I’m proud that my RARE Act is part of leadership’s “Make It in America” agenda that boosts manufacturing and brings good-paying jobs back to America.

By leveling the playing field and focusing on an economy built to last, we can stop the widening gap between the rich and the poor and help workers, consumers and small businesses save our shrinking middle class.

PREVENTING FORECLOSURES: The federal government recently reached a nearly $26 billion deal with some of the nation’s largest banks to settle charges of systemic and widespread mortgage fraud. The settlement could bring significant relief to those in danger of losing their homes and also much needed stability to the long-suffering housing market. It is not a cure-all, but a good start. For more information on the 49-state, $25 billion settlement, click HERE.

WERE YOU FORECLOSED IN 2009-2010?: If your primary residence was involved in a foreclosure process between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010, you may qualify for a free Independent Foreclosure Review, which may qualify you for compensation or other remedies. For more information click HERE.

VETERANS HEALTH HANDBOOKS: Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs health care system are beginning to receive personalized booklets that explain their health care benefits, contact information, appointment scheduling information and more. For more, click HERE or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

HIRING VETERANS: As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I’m particularly concerned about joblessness and homelessness among veterans. It’s why I support President Obama’s $1 billion effort to develop a Veterans Jobs Corps with the goal of putting 20,000 veterans back to work over the next five years. For more, click HERE.

MOBILE CAREER CENTER: The DeKalb County Jobs Bus – a ONE DeKalb Works initiative that provides work readiness services such as resume writing, workshops, interviewing tips, computer access, printing, scanning and copying services and much more – will be at the Department of Family and Children Services, 178 Sams Street in Decatur 30030 on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia 30038 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 29.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS: I’m pleased to announce that the 2012 Congressional Arts Competition is back. Eligible high school students throughout the district, which include parts of DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Rockdale counties, are encouraged to apply and display their talent in this year’s contest. Entries must be designed according to the specifications in the competition guidelines, which can be found HERE.

OUR DEMOCRACY ISN’T FOR SALE: As negative Republican attack ads begin to fill our airwaves ahead of Super Tuesday, I want you to know that I am an original cosponsor of the new DISCLOSE Act, which will:

► Enhance disclosure of campaign funding by super PACs, corporations and outside groups
► Require super PACs, corporations and outside groups to stand by their ads
► Require corporations to disclose their campaign expenditures to their shareholders
► Require lobbyists to disclose their campaign expenditures

The American people have a right to know the source of the money that is being spent to influence the outcome of our elections. They should be told who is behind the millions of dollars in campaign ads and they should receive this information in a timely fashion. Secret money should not be able to drown out the voices of the American people and sell our Democracy to the highest bidder. For my Huffington Post op-ed, click HERE.

CONYERS ST. PATRICK’S BASH: The “World’s Fastest Growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade” will be held on Friday, March 16 at 4:30 p.m. in Olde Town Conyers. The parade is sponsored by the Conyers Main Street Program. For more, click HERE.

NORCROSS ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: The Norcross Antiques Road Show will be on Saturday March 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center 10 College Street, 30071. Get your treasures appraised and find out if it’s worth enough so you can retire! Last year’s event drew a huge good crowd, so this year it’s on a “first-come, first-serve basis” Doors to the Norcross Community Center (10 College St.) open at noon, although the actual road show begins at 1 p.m. For more, click HERE.

PASSPORTS DAY IN USA: If you, your family or friends are planning a trip abroad, learn more about travel requirements or to apply for your passport at Passport Day in the USA on March 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Atlanta Passport Agency, 230 Peachtree Street NW Atlanta, 10th floor 30303. For more, click HERE.

SOUTHEAST GREEN: Be sure to stop by Beth Bond’s SoutheastGreen.com to learn how to live a cleaner, greener life, get the latest environmental news and check out green events in your neck of the woods. For more, click HERE.

NEA GRANTS: The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is dedicated to advancing artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation across a broad spectrum of the arts, including arts education, theater, dance, music, museums, literature, design, media arts and much more. The NEA awards more than $130 million each year to arts organizations of all sizes. Arts organizations are eligible, but so are school districts, colleges and universities and state and local governments. Grant application deadlines are fast approaching. For more information, please visit: www.arts.gov or contact Paulette Suggs at (770) 987-2291 in my office.

As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.

Unemployment discrimination frustrates those looking for jobs: Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia introduced a bill to Congress to protect unemployed workers. However, the Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011, which would make it illegal for employers to discriminate against the unemployed, is being reviewed in committee.

See the full story at CBS Augusta, 12 On Your Side.

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Georgia Now Ground Zero for Super PACs and Citizens United: The "Nastiest Show on Earth" otherwise known as the "Slimary Process" -- the prolonged and agonizing Republican primary to select a presidential candidate -- is already being called the dirtiest of all time by political pundits and voters alike.

Read the full article in the Huffington Post.
 

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Secretary Panetta: Report will be provided to Congress in two weeks; Johnson follows up with letter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), co-chair of the U.S. House Rare Earth Caucus, today asked Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta for an update regarding a months-late Department of Defense report assessing the U.S. military’s dependence on rare earth elements and risks associated with the rare earth element supply chain. Currently, China accounts for 97% of global rare earth element production.
 

During a Wednesday hearing of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee at which Secretary Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey testified, Johnson requested a specific timeframe for delivery of the report, which Section 843 of the Fiscal Year 2011 National Defense Authorization required be provided to Congress in June 2011. 

Secretary Panetta responded that he expects the report to be delivered to Congress “within a couple of weeks.”

 | LINK: Video of the exchange between Congressman Johnson and Secretary Panetta |

Johnson followed up Wednesday afternoon with a letter to Secretary Gates.  The letter (link to .pdf) states, “I appreciate this good news and look forward to receiving the report according to that timetable.”

Co-chaired by Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-06), the U.S. House Rare Earth Caucus is comprised of Members of the U.S. House committed to securing U.S. supply of rare earth elements.  Critical to clean energy and defense manufacturing, rare earth elements are strategic minerals used to produce technologies such as wind turbines, advanced batteries, powerful magnets, and military radar systems.  Currently, China accounts for 97 percent of global rare earth element production and recently has restricted exports.

In 2011, Rep. Johnson introduced the Resource Assessment of Rare Earths (RARE) Act of 2011, cosponsored by Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Rep. Edward Markey (MA-07), which directs the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct a three-year global mineral assessment of rare earth elements.  One of 25 bills included in House Democrats’ “Make it in America” agenda, most of the RARE Act was included in the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2011 (H.R. 2011), which passed the Republican-controlled House Natural Resources Committee with bipartisan support in 2011.

The staff contact for rare earth policy in Congressman Johnson’s office is Jonathan Ossoff (jonathan.ossoff@mail.house.gov), Senior Legislative Assistant.

Current members of the Rare Earth Caucus include: Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-06), Rep. Robert E. Latta (OH-05), Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (MD-06), Rep. Paul A. Gosar (AZ-1), Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-21), Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01), Rep. Leonard Boswell (IA-03), Rep. Steve King (IA-05), Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA-2), Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02), Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Rep. Cynthia M. Lummis (WY-at large), Rep. Tom Latham (IW-04), and Rep. Don Young (AK-at large).

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2012_02_15_Johnson_to_Panetta_REE.pdf

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Member Hank Johnson (GA-04) made the following statement after the release of the FY2013 Department of Defense Budget:

“The new defense strategy and related provisions of the President’s Budget reflect this Administration’s hard work and forward thinking. The hysterical response to proposed changes from some in Congress is totally unfounded. There is no way a 1% reduction of the Pentagon’s base budget from 2012 to 2013 could mean the difference between the world’s greatest military and a hollow force.

“I believe there is room for further savings in the Department’s budget, though I strongly oppose across-the-board cuts by sequestration.”

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Help Entrepreneurs Create American Jobs Act.pdf

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA-04) introduced the Help Entrepreneurs Create American Jobs Act, H.R. 4032, which will double the tax cut for start-up businesses.

The bill is part of President Obama’s Startup America Agenda and is supported by all three major chambers of commerce in Johnson’s district – the DeKalb, Conyers-Rockdale and Gwinnett chambers.

Johnson’s bill would permanently double the first-year startup expenses deduction from $5,000 to $10,000. It will also increase the ceiling at which deductions begin to phase out from $50,000 to $60,000.

“Creating jobs and supporting American entrepreneurs should be our No. 1 priority in Congress,” said Johnson. “We must put party bickering aside and make it easier for Americans to start small businesses.”

In his letter of support, President of DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Leonardo McClarty said the bill “encourages small business growth” and would mean “more job opportunities for a robust and talented labor pool” would help “small businesses stay competitive with larger companies” and bring “increased cash flow in our local economy.”

“DeKalb County and all metro Atlanta citizens need this (bill) now more than ever,” said McClarty.

Congressmen John Lewis (GA-05), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), and Jim McDermott (WA-07) are co-sponsors of the bill. Among the organizations supporting the bill are The National Federation of Independent Business, The National Association for the Self-Employed and The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and The Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson released the following statement today on passage of the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act. The STOCK Act seeks to ban profiting from insider information by Members of Congress and staff as well as the other branches of government:

“I’m proud to support the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge or STOCK Act, which prohibits members of Congress, their staff, executive branch employees, and any other person from trading stocks based on information not available to the public. Although I have a few reservations about House Republican attempts to water down the bill, I trust the final bill will be improved and strengthened when it comes out of the conference committee.”

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Georgia Congressman earns an “A” protecting the environment despite the ‘most anti-environment session in U.S. House history’

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today that he earned a 94 percent voting record on The League of Conservations Voters (LCV) 2011 National Environmental Scorecard. The 2011 Scorecard works to turn environmental values into national priorities.

Johnson's 95 percent lifetime score is the highest among the 15 members of the Georgia Congressional delegation.

“Protection of our imperiled planet is a central challenge of our time,” said Johnson. “I’m very proud of my record.”

Last summer, Rep. Johnson, his Congressional Progressive Caucus colleagues and the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition (SEEC) held a mini-filibuster on the House floor to fight against the interior appropriations bill (H.R. 2584, FY 2012 Interior-Environment Appropriations Act) because it made draconian cuts to environmental programs and changed long standing policy for the betterment of polluters.

Johnson called the bill “nothing more than an attempt to remove 40 years of federal laws that protect our seas, air, land, and wildlife.” 

LCV agrees with Rep. Johnson, saying the 2011 Scorecard reflects the most anti-environmental session of the U.S. House of Representatives in history, featuring unparalleled assaults on our nation’s bedrock environmental and public health safeguards.
 
“In 2011, the House Republican leadership unleashed a truly breathtaking and unprecedented assault on the environment and public health, the breadth and depth of which have made the current U.S. House of Representatives the most anti-environmental in our nation’s history,” said LCV President Gene Karpinski.

“LCV is grateful to the Obama administration, allies in the Senate and House, and the millions of people across the country who helped to ensure that the House leadership did not succeed in gutting our nation’s cornerstone environmental and public health protections in 2011.”
 
For over 40 years, the National Environmental Scorecard issued by LCV has been the nationally accepted yardstick used to rate members of Congress on environmental, public health and energy issues.
 
The full 2011 National Environmental Scorecard can be found at www.lcv.org/scorecard

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Dear Friend:
 
I am pleased to announce that I am now accepting Fiscal Year 2013 appropriations requests for priorities in the Fourth Congressional District. Unlike previous years, I can now only accept programmatic and language requests. Requests for earmarks, or specific projects, will not be accepted. Please note that if the request was previously listed as a congressional earmark, it will no longer be considered.

As a reminder, the House Rules define an earmark as: a provision or report language included primarily at the request of a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Senator providing, authorizing or recommending a specific amount of discretionary budget authority, credit authority, or other spending authority for a contract, loan, loan guarantee, grant, loan authority, or other expenditure with or to an entity, or targeted to a specific State, locality or Congressional district, other than through a statutory or administrative formula-driven or competitive award process.”

What is a program or language request?

• Program Request: a request to fund a specific Federal program at a specified level—Example: Provide $5,000,000,000 for the National Cancer Institute.

• Language Request: a request to include specific bill or report language that does not direct funding to a particular entity but encourages, urges, or directs some type of action by an agency. Example: Committee encourages the Department of Education to study the impact of the availability of student loans on increases in enrollment rates.

The deadline for completed appropriations submissions is close of business on Friday, March 9. An electronic form must be received for each programmatic and language request.  Completed requests must be submitted by May 3 to receive full consideration.

Instructions:

• Download form: click here to access my Fiscal Year 2013 Appropriations Request Form and instructions. Please read all instructions carefully before completing the form.

• Fill out form completely and properly: Save it as 2013_form_YOUR-NAME.doc.

• Attach form to an e-mail to ga04.requests@mail.house.gov.

If you have any questions, contact Scott Goldstein in my Washington, DC, office at (202-225-1605) or e-mail (scott.goldstein@mail.house.gov).

I am committed to fighting for federal assistance that will improve the infrastructure, economic vitality and quality of life throughout our fourth district. That is why I am looking for your recommendations.  Appropriations requests should fill a clear and present need, have the ability to be administered competently, and must be supported by the local community. 
 
As you prepare your requests, it is important to keep in mind that my office will receive far more requests for assistance each year than can be funded. This will be a very tight budget year, so only a small percentage of requests submitted to the Appropriations Committee will receive funding.  Additionally, the amount that is approved by the Appropriations Committee is unlikely to match the requested amount.  That is why it is important that you also pursue grant and other federal, state and local assistance for which your project may be eligible. 

Again thank you for your interest in the Fiscal Year 2011 appropriations process.  Please visit my FY12 Appropriations website and send your completed forms to ga04.requests@mail.house.gov by close of business on Tuesday, March 20, 2012.

My office is here to assist you as you move through this process.  If you have any questions, you should feel free to contact Scott Goldstein in my Washington, DC, office.  You can reach him either by phone (202-225-1605) or email (scott.goldstein@mail.house.gov).

Thanks,

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Johnson: Rare earth elements critical to economic strength, national security – will use FY2013 Defense Authorization to advance U.S. policy

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) today announced he will serve as co-chair of the bipartisan U.S. House Rare Earth Caucus with U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-06).

The Rare Earth Caucus is comprised of Members of the U.S. House of Representatives committed to securing U.S. supply of rare earth elements.  Critical to clean energy and defense manufacturing, rare earth elements are strategic minerals used to produce technologies such as wind turbines, advanced batteries, powerful magnets, and military radar systems.

Currently, China accounts for 97 percent of global rare earth element production and in recent years has restricted rare earth element exports.  The Chinese monopoly is a strategic vulnerability for the United States that could undermine national security and competitiveness in the defense and clean energy sectors.

• READ: National Geographic reports, “China’s rare-earth minerals monopoly gives it key clean energy supply role” - http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/10/101001-energy-rare-earth-metals/

In 2011, Rep. Johnson introduced the Resource Assessment of Rare Earths (RARE) Act of 2011, cosponsored by Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Rep. Edward Markey (MA-07), which directs the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct a three-year global mineral assessment of rare earth elements.

One of 25 bills included in House Democrats’ “Make it in America” agenda, most of the RARE Act was included in the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2011 (H.R. 2011), which passed the Republican-controlled House Natural Resources Committee with bipartisan support in 2011.

• READ:  L.A. Times coverage of Rep. Johnson’s “RARE Act” - http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2011/03/rare-earth-elements.html

“A strong rare earth policy will reduce our dependence on supply from China and support American jobs,” said Johnson. “I look forward to building bipartisan support with Congressman Coffman to secure U.S. supply and promote domestic production of rare earth elements.”

Johnson, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, said he plans to use the FY13 National Defense Authorization Act to advance U.S. rare earth policy.  “We’ve got to move aggressively on rare earths, and the defense bill is a great vehicle for it,” said Johnson.

Current member of the Rare Earth Caucus include: Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-06), Rep. Robert E. Latta (OH-05), Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (MD-06), Rep. Paul A. Gosar (AZ-1), Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-21), Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01), Rep. Leonard Boswell (IA-03), Rep. Steve King (IA-05), Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA-2), Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02), Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Rep. Cynthia M. Lummis (WY-at large), Rep. Tom Latham (IW-04), and Rep. Don Young (AK-at large).

The staff contact for rare earth policy in Congressman Johnson’s office is Jonathan Ossoff (mailto:jonathan.ossoff@mail.house.gov), senior legislative assistant.

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Johnson helps constituents receive SS, VA benefits: Congressman Hank Johnson touted his office's work to help constituents this week, excited to pass the $5 million mark for benefits. Since he took office in 2007, Johnson has yielded $5,165,351.66 for more than 4,000 in need.

Read the full article in The Gwinnett Daily Post.
 

Dear Friends,        

It was great to see so many familiar and friendly faces at the DeKalb NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Rally in Stone Mountain on Jan. 16. Thank you to everyone who made it such a successful event. Honoring Dr. King is always a special day.

Here’s the latest from Washington, D.C., and the Fourth District.

SENIOR CONNECTIONS: On Saturday, March 3, registered dietitians will lead a 2-hour class at the Mack Love Community Center – “Truth & Consequences of Living with Diabetes” Workshop for Seniors. Participation is limited due to the interactive nature of the class. Registration is available online at www.seniorconnectionsatl.org or by reserving a seat via mail to: Diabetes Workshop, Senior Connections, 5238 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30341.    

VETERANS TO RECEIVE 2012 COLA: Veterans, their families, and survivors receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs saw a 3.6 percent increase in their compensation and pension benefits beginning January 1. The full rates are available online HERE.

SAVING VETERANS’ HOMES: Home loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to have the lowest serious delinquency and foreclosure rates in the mortgage industry. Veterans have also taken advantage of their home loan benefit in record numbers, as VA loan originations reached their highest total in eight years. For veterans and service members who have trouble meeting their mortgage obligations or anticipate problems in the near future, there's help. For more, click HERE.

SUMMER YOUTH JOBS: I support President Obama’s proposed $1.5 billion summer jobs for low-income youth 16-24 in the summer of 2012. For more, read about the program in On Common Ground News or click HERE.

STOCK ACT: I’m proud to support the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge or STOCK Act, which prohibits members of Congress, their staff, executive branch employees, and any other person from trading stocks based on information not available to the public. We need to come together to enact this bipartisan legislation and make sure the same rules that apply to people in the private sector apply to Congress.  For more, click HERE.

GABBY RETIRES: In my five years in Congress, I’ve never seen such an outpouring of genuine goodwill as I witnessed Jan. 24 for Gabby Giffords in her appearance at the State of the Union speech. I’ll never forget huddling with her against the bitter cold on that historic Inauguration Day on January 20, 2009.  Her strength and message of civility are an inspiration to the world. For more, click HERE.

THE CLASS ACT: I fought this week against efforts to repeal the CLASS Act, the first federal program to provide long-term health care for disabled seniors and support for their caregivers. This bill will allow individuals to live independently at home and in the community for as long as possible without impoverishing themselves. I know this legislation is ambitious and addresses a difficult problem, but we should fix the CLASS Act, not scrap it altogether. 

MORE HELP FOR TRANSPORTATION: Congratulations to Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Clark Atlanta and Spelman College, which will share $3.5 million DOT grant to study transportation systems, infrastructure needs and economic development.

RWJF AWARDS $2.77 M TO GEORGIA PROJECTS: I am pleased to announce that the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) – which works to improve the health and health care of all Americans and help our society transform itself for the better – awarded nine new grants totaling $2.77 million in Georgia in 2011. With these recent awards, 24 projects in Georgia are currently receiving a total of $16.74 million in RWJF support. For more, click HERE.

NOMINATE A CITIZEN HERO: Every year, in conjunction with the National Medal of Honor Day, three U.S. citizens are awarded “Citizen Service Before Self Honors” near the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery. Please help our nation’s greatest heroes find America’s unsung heroes. Nominate an honoree HERE today! The deadline is Feb. 10.

GETTING BACK ON THEIR FEET: Formerly Incarcerated Persons Effective Re-Entry Collaborative (FIP/ERC) is holding a town hall discussion on Feb. 25 at the Wesley Chapel Library from 2 to 4 p.m. This is a discussion for families impacted by incarceration. The library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur, 30034.

CONYERS PD OFFERS SPRING CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY: The Conyers Police Department (CPD) is preparing to once again offer a Citizens Police Academy for local residents and business owners in the community this spring. The CPD Citizens Police Academy will offer the 10-week academy on Tuesdays beginning March 20 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, click HERE.

As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.

Thanks,

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Originally established by African-American author and scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926, Black History Month is now celebrated every year in February and has come to symbolize the greatness of a people and their invaluable contributions to America:

“Black History Month is a chance for everyone to study and learn about the role African-Americans played in our history and contemplate their contributions to our future. Black history is American history – you can’t have one without the other.

I celebrate the past accomplishments of iconic historical figures such as Frederick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, W.E.B. DuBois, Shirley Chisholm and Thurgood Marshall.

But I also respect – beyond measure – people like my colleagues Rep. John Lewis, Rep. James Clyburn, Rep. John Conyers, Rep. Charles Rangel and Rep. Barbara Lee who are even now, along with President Obama, working to deliver on the promise of civil rights, equality, and justice so that everyone has an equal and fair shot at success and the American Dream. “

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Desde 2007, la oficina del Congresista ayuda a miles de residentes a  navegar los programas de vivienda, salud, Seguro Social, IRS y los beneficios para veteranos
 
ATLANTA, GA - Desde que asumió el cargo en 2007, el congresista Hank Johnson ha trabajado para asegurar más de $ 5 millones para sus constituyentes en busca de ayuda con las agencias federales desde sus oficinas en cuarto distrito Congresional de Georgia.

"Ayudar a los constituyentes a resolver problemas aparentemente insolubles es lo que mi oficina de distrito hace todos los días. Estoy orgulloso de que mi equipo ha sido capaz de ayudar a muchos  constituyentes  ha recibir el dinero y los beneficios que se les debe por parte del gobierno federal. Cuidar de nuestra casa primero es mi prioridad número uno”.

Johnson, cuyas oficinas de  Washington, DC y del distrito tienen una sólida reputación en toda Georgia y en la nación por sus servicios estelares para constituyentes, dijo que continuará poniendo a los constituyentes primero.

La oficina de Johnson ha ayudado a más de 4.000 constituyentes, quienes han llegado solicitando ayuda, a recibir $ 5, 165,351.66 desde 2007. Las siguientes son algunas de nuestras historias exitosas:

Asuntos de los Veteranos: la viuda de un veterano de la tercera edad,  quien estaba a punto de quedarse sin hogar, se puso en contacto con la oficina del Congresista Johnson. "Yo no tenía el dinero del alquiler y nadie quería ayudarme." Después de tres meses en los que la oficina de Johnson trabajó  en el caso con la Administración de Beneficios para Veteranos, la constituyente  recibió una suma de $ 12.762 y $ 1.056 por mes como ingreso. "Tú me has dado una vida libre de pagos."

Seguridad Social: Recientemente, el Congresista Johnson fue capaz de ayudar a un constituyente de Decatur en extrema necesidad, quien pidió asistencia para obtener beneficios del Seguro Social. Después de enviar una carta, la Administración de la Seguridad Social se pronunció a favor de la mujer y le concedió $46.000 dólares en beneficios retroactivos.

Servicio de Impuestos: Recientemente, el Congresista Johnson aclaró un problema para un constituyente de Conyers, que tenía 15 años de declaraciones de impuestos que necesitaban un ajuste. Su caso llevaba más de un año. Finalmente recibió $10.342 dólares.

Vivienda: Desde 2009, la oficina de Johnson ha ayudado a cerca de 1.000 habitantes con los remates  pendientes de sus hogares.

Ejemplo de ayuda para salvar una casa: Diez días después de que su casa fue embargada, una pareja de Stone Mountain pidió ayuda. A pesar de que había una modificación de préstamo temporal y hacían pagos regularmente, el banco ejecutó la hipoteca sin avisarles. El Congresista Johnson escribió al banco Flagstar, solicitando la reversión de la ejecución hipotecaria. En dos semanas, Flagstar rescindió la ejecución de la hipoteca, reintegro el préstamo, agregó el monto adeudado a la parte posterior del préstamo y redujo la tasa de interés hasta el 4,5% sobre una base permanente, a tasa fija.

Office Online: las oficinas de Johnson en Lithonia con oficinas satélites en Conyers y el centro comercial Northlake en Tucker están listas para ayudar a los residentes de Georgia del 4 distrito Congresional con sus problemas con agencias federales. Para obtener una lista completa de servicios, visite la sección de servicios al constituyente de Johnson en su sitio Web. [Http://hankjohnson.house.gov/services/assistance-with-federal-agencies.shtml]

Desde 2007, Johnson y su equipo han llevado a cabo decenas de reuniones, han manejado miles de piezas de correspondencia de constituyentes y  han participado en innumerables reuniones con los residentes del área para escuchar las preocupaciones y corregir los problemas que los residentes de Georgia tenían con el gobierno federal. A través de esta campaña de difusión, Johnson ganó más de $ 5 millones que el gobierno debía a ancianos, veteranos, familias y propietarios de pequeñas empresas.

El 4to Distrito Congresional de Johnson abarca más de 275 kilómetros cuadrados y más de 700.000 residentes de más de tres condados - DeKalb, Rockdale y Gwinnett.  El Congresista Johnson ha trabajado para ofrecer maneras fáciles para que los constituyentes  se mantengan involucrados y en  contacto:

► Reuniones: Desde que asumió el cargo en 2007, Johnson ha sostenido cientos de reuniones y ha participado en numerosos eventos de la comunidad para escuchar directamente de los constituyentes. En agosto del 2009, Johnson organizó una reunión sobre la reforma de salud que fue un modelo para la nación. Más de 3.000 personas asistieron. En 2009-10, Johnson realizó tres ferias de empleo en el lapso de 13 meses que sirvieron a más de 2.000 constituyentes, algunos recibiendo ofertas de trabajo durante la feria. En agosto de 2011, Johnson co-organizó una feria de trabajo con el congresista John Lewis. Más de 5.000 personas asistieron. Johnson ha celebrado cinco "reuniones telefónicas" con más de 100.000 habitantes desde 2009.

► Series Asociación Alianza de Aprendizaje (PALS): el congresista Johnson lanzó un programa único llamado PALS que educa a organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro y pequeñas empresas sobre la importancia de aprovechar las misiones para competir por fondos federales y las oportunidades de pequeños negocios. Además, conecta organizaciones sin fines de lucro y  pequeñas empresas con recursos federales, estatales y locales.

► Nominaciones a Academias Militares: Cada año, el Congresista Johnson tiene el privilegio de nombrar a un número limitado de estudiantes a cuatro de las cinco academias militares. El honor de asistir a una academia de servicio viene con la obligación y el compromiso de servir en el ejército durante un mínimo de cinco años después de su graduación. [Http://hankjohnson.house.gov/services/academy-nominations.shtml]

► Concurso de Artes: Cada primavera, escuelas secundarias del todo el país participan en una competencia de artes patrocinada por los miembros de la Cámara de Representantes de EE.UU.. El concurso de descubrimiento artístico está abierto a todos los estudiantes de secundaria en el Distrito 4. El ganador de la competencia de nuestro distrito, se mostrara durante un año en el Capitolio de los EE.UU.. [Http://hankjohnson.house.gov/services/artistic-discovery.shtml]

► Horarios de Oficina Móvil: Johnson tiene horario de apertura de oficinas en Conyers City Hall en la calle Scott y el centro comercial Northlake en Tucker dos veces al mes para los constituyentes  que no tienen tiempo para viajar a su oficina Lithonia.

► Sitio Web: Sitio Web de Johnson [http://hankjohnson.house.gov] es una ventanilla única para las actualizaciones de noticias, e-boletines de noticias, discursos, leyes, servicios para constituyentes, videos, fotos y el lugar en que los constituyentes pueden enviar un e-mail a su representante directamente. Johnson mantuvo correspondencia con más de 38.851 constituyentes a través de e-mails y cartas en 2010 y más de 24.349 electores en 2011.

► E-Newsletter: El Congresista Johnson envía actualizaciones regulares a más de 12.000 constituyentes a los suscriptores de su boletín electrónico. Para aquellos interesados en inscribirse para estas actualizaciones, visite [https://hankjohnsonforms.house.gov/enews.shtml].

► Medios de Comunicación Social: Al Congresista Johnson también se puede acceder a través de Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Congressman-Hank-Johnson/115356957005] y Twitter [http://twitter.com/RepHankJohnson].

► Oficinas: Para las reuniones cara a cara y ayuda con las agencias federales, el Congresista Johnson y su equipo están disponibles en tres oficinas en Georgia (Lithonia, Conyers y Tucker) y en Washington, DC, Edificio Longworth 1427. En Georgia, llame al 770-987-2291 y en Washington, llame al 202-225-1605. Por favor llame con anticipación o para concertar una cita o solicitar una reunión en línea en [https://hankjohnsonforms.house.gov/meeting-request.shtml].

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Since 2007, Congressman’s office helps thousands of residents navigate housing, health care, Social Security, IRS and veterans benefits
 
LITHONIA, GA – Since taking office in 2007, Congressman Hank Johnson has worked to secure more than $5 million for constituents seeking help with federal agencies from his offices in Georgia’s 4th Congressional District.

“Helping constituents solve seemingly intractable problems is what my district office does every day. I’m proud that my staff has been able to help so many constituents receive the money and benefits due them from the federal government. Taking care of home first is my number one priority.”

Johnson, whose Washington, D.C. and District offices have a strong reputation throughout Georgia and the nation for stellar constituent services, said he will continue to put constituents first.

Johnson’s office has helped more than 4,000 constituents who have reached out for help receive $5,165,351.66 since 2007. The following are some success stories:

Veterans Affairs: An elderly veteran’s widow, who was on the verge of being homeless, contacted Congressman Johnson’s office for help. “I did not have the rent money and anyone to help me.” After three months of Johnson’s office working the case with the Veterans Benefits Administration, the constituent received a $12,762 lump sum and $1,056 a month as income. “You have given me a bill-free life.”

Social Security: Recently, Congressman Johnson was able to assist a constituent from Decatur in dire need, who asked for help obtaining Social Security benefits. After an inquiry was sent, Social Security Administration found in favor of the woman and awarded her $46,000 in retroactive benefits.

Internal Revenue Service: Recently, Congressman Johnson cleared up an issue for a constituent from Conyers who had 15 years of tax returns that needed an adjustment. Her case was held over a year. She finally received $10,342.

Housing: Since 2009, Johnson’s office has helped nearly 1,000 residents deal with pending foreclosures of their homes.

Example of helping save a home: Ten days after their home was foreclosed, a Stone Mountain couple called for help. Although they had a temporary loan modification and made regular payments, the bank foreclosed on them without notice. Congressman Johnson wrote the bank FlagStar, requesting a reversal of the foreclosure. Within two weeks, FlagStar rescinded the foreclosure, reinstated the loan, added the past due amount to the back of the loan and reduced the interest rate to 4.5% on a permanent, fixed rate basis. 

Online Office: Johnson’s offices in Lithonia with satellite offices in Conyers and Northlake Mall in Tucker stand ready to assist residents of Georgia 4th Congressional District with their federal agency problems. For a full list of services, visit Johnson’s constituent service section of his Web site. [http://hankjohnson.house.gov/services/assistance-with-federal-agencies.shtml]

Since 2007, Johnson and his staff have held dozens of town halls, handled tens of thousands of pieces of constituent correspondence and engaged in countless meetings with area residents to hear concerns and correct problems Georgia residents had with the federal government. Through this outreach campaign, Johnson secured more than $5 million the government owed seniors, veterans, families and small business owners.

Johnson’s 4th Congressional District encompasses more than 275 square miles and more than 700,000 residents over three counties – DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett. Congressman Johnson has worked to offer easy ways for constituents to stay engaged and keep in contact:

► Town Halls: Since taking office in 2007, Johnson has held hundreds of meetings and participated in a host of community events to hear directly from constituents. In August 2009, Johnson held a town hall on health care reform that was a model for the nation. More than 3,000 people attended. In 2009-10, Johnson held three jobs fairs in the span of 13 months that served more than 2,000 constituents, with some receiving job offers on the spot. In August 2011, Johnson co-hosted a jobs fair with Congressman John Lewis. More than 5,000 people attended. Johnson has held five “telephone town halls” with more than 100,000 residents since 2009.

► Partnership Alliance Learning Series (PALS): Congressman Johnson launched a unique program called PALS that engages nonprofits and small businesses on the importance of leveraging missions to compete for federal grants and small business opportunities. It also connects nonprofits and small businesses to federal, state and local resources.

► Academy Nominations: Each year Congressman Johnson has the privilege of nominating a limited number of students to four of the five service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. [http://hankjohnson.house.gov/services/academy-nominations.shtml]

► Arts Competition: Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in the 4th District. The over-all winner of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. [http://hankjohnson.house.gov/services/artistic-discovery.shtml]

► Mobile Office Hours: Johnson holds open office hours at Conyers City Hall on Scott Street and Northlake Mall in Tucker twice a month for constituents who may not have time to travel to his Lithonia office.

► Web site: Johnson’s Web site [http://hankjohnson.house.gov] is a one-stop shop for news updates, e-newsletters, speeches, legislation, constituent services, videos, photos and place where constituents can e-mail their representative directly. Johnson corresponded with more than 38,851 constituents through e-mail and letters in 2010 and more than 24,349 constituents in 2011.

► E-Newsletter: Congressman Johnson sends regular updates to more than 12,000 constituents from his office for subscribers of his e-newsletter. For those interested in signing up for these updates, visit [https://hankjohnsonforms.house.gov/enews.shtml].

► Social Media: Congressman Johnson can also be reached through Facebook  [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Congressman-Hank-Johnson/115356957005] and Twitter [http://twitter.com/RepHankJohnson].

► Offices: For face-to-face meetings and help with federal agencies, Congressman Johnson and his staff are available at three offices in Georgia (Lithonia, Conyers and Tucker) and in Washington, D.C., Longworth Building 1427. In Georgia, call 770-987-2291 and in Washington, call 202-225-1605. Please call ahead or for an appointment or request a meeting online at [https://hankjohnsonforms.house.gov/meeting-request.shtml].

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