Congressman Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter for Sept. 29, 2016

October 3, 2016

Dear Friends,

I voted this week to fund the government until after the Nov. 8 General Election. While it wasn’t everything I had hoped for, it does provide $1.1 billion for address the Zika crisis and increased funding for our military and veteran caregivers, which strengthens the support for America’s Hidden Heroes. I also feel confident that Congressional leaders smoothed over a final impasse by committing to include financial help for Flint's contaminated water system in subsequent legislation expected to clear in the lame-duck session after the elections. For more, click HERE.

NEW RULES PROTECT SENIORS: The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services issued a rule this week to prohibit nursing homes that do business with Medicare or Medicaid from inserting forced arbitration clauses into their patient contracts. This rule is a watershed moment in the protection of consumer rights. Last year, I called on the agency to strengthen the rule, so I’m pleased they have listened to our input. For more, click HERE.

ELECTION SECURITY & INTEGRITY: This month, I introduced the “Election Infrastructure and Security Promotion Act” that requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designate our voting systems as critical infrastructure and the “Election Integrity Act,” which will limit the purchase of any new voting systems that do not provide durable voter-verified paper ballots. In the wake of the DNC server hack and well-documented efforts by states to suppress the vote, citizens are rightly concerned. We must work to reduce the vulnerability of our crucial voting systems, protect the security and integrity of our electoral process, and ensure all Americans have the opportunity to vote. For more, click HERE.

UNDERWATER HOMEOWNERS: The state Department of Community Affairs is putting federal funds to work to help underwater homeowners – residents who owe more on their mortgages than the homes are worth – keep their homes. Homeowners in Conyers, Covington, Decatur and Stone Mountain are some of the hardest hit in the state. The program provides up to $50,000 to people who are underwater on their mortgages. For more, click HERE.

TAX SIMPLIFICATION: I’m honored to report that my bipartisan “Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act” passed the House of Representatives last week. The bill – with 179 House colleagues in support on both sides of the aisle – streamlines the state income tax code across the country by setting a 30-day threshold before non-resident state income taxes take effect for employees who must travel for work. I hope the Senate takes up the legislation immediately so we can send it to the President's desk for his signature. For more, click HERE.. For more, click HERE.

REPORT CONFIRMS NEED FOR MY BILL: The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights issued a report that found the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Final Coal Ash Rule disproportionately impacts low-income and communities of color and places the burden of enforcement on these communities. The findings support the need for my bill, the Coal Ash Landfill Safety Act of 2016 (CALSA). CALSA would protect citizens from dangerous coal ash being disposed in municipal landfills, which are not equipped to handle the toxic substance, and requires the EPA to re-examine its rules to determine if such criteria are as protective of health and the environment. For more, click HERE.

USDA GRANTS IN DISTRICT 4: I’m pleased to report that Global Growers Network in Stone Mountain will receive U.S. Department of Agriculture grants to help protect food safety and fund the Clarkston Food Initiative. Federal grants are an important way for us to work with local partners to improve the quality of life for our constituents. For more, click HERE.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MUSEUM: It was the thrill of a lifetime to attend the grand opening of The National Museum of African American History & Culture on Sept. 24. At the same time, I know that our great country has a long way to go to fulfill the promise that all people are created – and treated – equal. As Atlanta Journal-Constitution talented staff writer Ernie Suggs said in a recent column, “This wondrous new museum is America. But Charlotte and Ferguson and Tulsa are America, too.” Well said. To read more on Suggs’ thoughts , click HERE. Photo above: With pre-eminent scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. during the opening ceremony.

FUNDS FOR COVINGTON: Federal funds are also being put to good use in Covington, where a community drainage project will receive $500,000 in Community Development Block Grants. It’s a great example of how our federal and state governments work together for the betterment of our state and communities.

FIGHT MEDICARE FRAUD: Medicare fraud wastes a lot of money each year and results in higher health care costs and taxes for everyone. Con artists commit Medicare fraud by getting people’s Medicare number. You can help fight Medicare fraud in 2 simple steps: Never give your Medicare number to get a free offer or gift; and Always check your Medicare statement for errors, like equipment or services you never got. Protect your Medicare by protecting your Medicare number. For more, click HERE.

FOR YOUR/MORE INFORMATION:

Housing Help | Jobs Center | Healthcare | Small Businesses

As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Please remember you can reach me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and now on Tumblr as well as e-mails, phone calls and letters. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.

Issues:Armed Services and Veterans AffairsConsumer ProtectionEconomy and JobsEducationEnergyEnvironmentHealth CareJustice & Court ReformNational Security and Foreign PolicySeniors and Social Security