Hank Johnson E-newsletter (March 26, 2010)
Dear Friends, I was truly gratified to be a part of the House of Representatives and to cast 1 of the 216 votes needed to bring about fundamental change in the health care system. I can't thank my constituents enough for allowing me to represent them in Congress – to cast a “yes” vote at this time of profound change that will save lives and have a positive impact on our quality of life. This historic bill will be remembered with Social Security, Medicare, Civil Rights and the GI Bill as evidence of American progress and humanity. It protects Americans from health insurance company abuses, reins in spiraling insurance rates, insures 32 million more Americans and is projected to reduce the deficit substantially over the next two decades. It is our responsibility to protect hard-working Americans and their children. No family should go bankrupt because of illness. Now we have honored our obligation with this historic vote. For more information on what measures take effect immediately, how the Fourth District residents will benefit and how seniors, veterans, children and everyday Georgians have more security under this law, click here. JOHNSON'S CAREER FAIR - Although health care gets most of the headlines, jobs and the economy have always been my top priority. It's why I'm holding a career fair on Friday, April 30 at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church at 182 Hunter Street in Norcross 30071. We'll have federal and state agencies on hand and résumé and interviewing experts to help you prepare for your next job. Please bring your résumé and dress for success. Check my Web site for updates. JOBS IN THE FOURTH – While more than $200 million in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds have been invested in the Fourth District, much work remains. It is why I support the “Local Jobs for America Act” that directly addresses the needs of the chronically unemployed. I also voted to pass the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act (H.R. 4849), a bill to create jobs—with bipartisan provisions to spur investment in local rebuilding projects and a range of bipartisan proposals to help our small businesses grow, hire and continue to fuel our economy. I'll also be working to increase funding for Jobs Corps in 2011. RECOVERY FUNDS FOR SCHOOLS – So far, Recovery funds have provided funding for more than 14,300 jobs in Georgia. But with our school system budgets facing huge deficits, I was pleased that an additional $416 million is now available for Georgia under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. To date, Georgia has received $2.5 billion through the Recovery Act. FIGHTING TOBACCO USE AMONG YOUTH – I'm pleased to report that a $3.2 million Health and Human Services grant funded by the Recovery Act was awarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the DeKalb County Board of Health to fight tobacco use among teenagers. Ensuring the health and welfare of our children is the most important thing we do as a nation and society. The care of health-related diseases due to tobacco use costs the United States more than $100 billion a year and our business bear most of that burden. Any investments we can make to prevent young people from starting such a terrible habit are well worth it. When children make healthy choices, we all win. GI JOBS TRAINING – Most veterans know that they can use the G.I. Bill to pay for the cost of education, but many are unaware that they can also receive these same tax-free benefits for On-The-Job or Apprenticeship Training programs. While in the program, eligible participants can receive monthly education benefits from the Veterans Affairs in addition to their salary as an income supplement. For more, click here. HEALTH CARE SERVICES – On Saturday, March 27, the Georgia Free Clinic Network will host a one-day free clinic for Georgians who do not have access to health insurance. Held at the Georgia International Convention Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the event will include diabetes screening, high blood pressure checks, flu vaccinations, HIV testing, glaucoma screening, massage therapy, mental health services and pap smear examinations that will be provided all day. For more information, click here. ARTS COMPETITION – I'm looking forward to my 2010 Congressional Arts Competition, an annual event displaying the community's finest artistic talent. 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. To get your school signed up and for student releases, click here. VIDEO CONTEST AT USA.GOV – Enter USA.GOV's video contest for a chance to win $2,500. USA.gov is loaded with opportunities to make your life easier, with information on student aid, passports, housing assistance, Social Security, answers to your tax questions and more. Your video should be 30-90 seconds long. Judging is based on your video's message, entertainment value and creativity. To enter, see USA.gov/contest for full contest rules.q PAGING ALL PAGES – Our office was selected to nominate a page for the June 2010 Summer Session, which begins on Sunday, June 6th and lasts through Friday, July 2nd. Applications can be found on my Web site. The official application will need to be submitted in order to qualify for consideration. This application will need to be filled out by the applicant and their parent/guardian. The page program requires that all applicants be at least 16 years old but no older than 17. PASSPORT FEES – Passport fees are likely to increase later this spring. If you and your family are planning a trip out of the country and need passports, take some time this Saturday, March 27, to visit a location nearest you before fees go up. No appointment is necessary. Click here to see the office closest to you. FEDERAL AID WORKSHOP IN STONE MOUNTAIN – The Georgia Department of Human Services will join community partners to hold a Stimulus Workshop at Victory for the World Church in Stone Mountain on Monday, March 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The program will include information about assistance for childcare services and job training and employment assistance. Victory for the World Church is at 1170 North Hairston Road in Stone Mountain, GA 30083. EXPORTS AND JOBS – Last month, I was pleased to join Commerce Secretary Gary Locke at the UPS facility in Doraville to support a renewed effort to increase jobs through exports. So I was pleased to hear recently that the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. supported total exports of more than $2.5 million in the Fourth District for December 2009. Thank you. I look forward to reconnecting with many of you during my upcoming district work period.
| March 26, 2010 Vol. 40
About This E-Newsletter
This is an informational e-mail sent to residents of Georgia's Fourth Congressional District. If you would prefer not to receive future mailings, please click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page. My Staff Arthur D. Sidney, Chief of Staff District Washington, D.C. |
