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Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter (May 28, 2010)

May 28, 2010
e-Newsletters



Dear Friends,

While Memorial Day is a chance for us all to spend time with family and friends, we must not forget that it is first and foremost an occasion to honor those who serve, those who have served, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Too often, we overlook the tremendous sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families. Too often, our government has failed to honor its commitments to those who are fighting for us and those who have fought for us. I’m proud of the positive steps we’ve taken in Congress to improve health care, pay and facilities for active duty military personnel and veterans. But there is much more to be done. Those brave men and women serving and those who have returned home need our love and support. To see how you can help veterans in a meaningful way, visit the Veterans Empowerment Organization of Georgia today.

HONORING VETERANS – I was pleased to take part in the DeKalb Veterans Advisory Board’s Memorial Day event on Monday in Decatur. I was honored to offer a proclamation and to be introduced by Ray Jones, who has done so much for veterans in the Fourth District. I look forward to attending Rockdale County and Gwinnett County events this weekend to recognize our military families.

A CHIEF RETURNS – This Memorial Day, we praise and honor the work of Doraville Police Chief and Army Col. John King, who has recently returned from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan where he trained Afghan police. Before his tour in Afghanistan, he spent a year in Iraq. Chief King led the Doraville Memorial Day ceremony this week. I’m so pleased he’s returned safe and sound to DeKalb County. Welcome back, Chief King!

MARTA TRANSIT TOUR – As the newest member of the powerful House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I was eager to take a public transportation tour with MARTA GM-CEO Dr. Beverly Scott last weekend. It was a pleasure meeting constituents on the bus from the Panola Road Park & Ride to the Indian Creek Station and the train to Decatur. Much of MARTA’s planned expansions are in our district, and I look forward to providing federal support for those projects. I won a seat on the Transportation Committee so I could fight for serious federal investment in our transit infrastructure. The people of metro Atlanta need jobs and they share a vision of an efficient, prosperous, green future. I'm ready to fight for those jobs and that vision. Click here to read more about the tour.

HUD, HOMES AND STABILIZATION – I’m proud to have voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which funded the Neighborhood Stabilization Programs fighting foreclosures in all three counties. It was encouraging to go on the BeltLine tour with HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and Mayor Kasim Reed on May 21 to see these dollars in action. For more information, click here.

A HELPING HAND – For residents struggling to pay their mortgage, who have been evicted or had their power cut off, the Georgia Fresh Start Program – funded by the Recovery Act, which has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars for job creation and economic recovery in the Fourth Congressional District – might be able to help.

This one-time, non-recurring benefit is available if your income is 300 percent below the poverty level. Families in the metro Atlanta counties who need assistance with the Fresh Start program may now contact United Way to apply by dialing 211.

AIRPORTS AND GUNS – I recently introduced the Airport Security Act of 2010, which would ensure that only law enforcement officers are permitted to carry guns in our airports. Contrary to what some folks are saying, this is not an attack on some state lawmakers who want citizens to be able to carry concealed firearms in non-secure areas of our airports, but a common sense measure to help keep our nation’s airports safe. As the Airports Council International wrote officials at Hartsfield-Jackson: “There is no justification for permitting firearms at any airport.” For more on this, click here.

OSHA GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE – On Thursday, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the availability of about $8 million designed to support and assist organizations in establishing or expanding their capacity to address occupational safety and health problems, and provide training, education and related assistance to educate workers and employees. For more information, click here.

ROCKDALE AND RUBBER DUCKIES – Please keep June 24 on your calendars to participate in the Rockdale Senior Services Rubber Ducky Race –their 6th annual fundraiser. Proceeds benefit senior services in Rockdale, including Meals on Wheels, health and wellness programs and transportation vouchers. For more information, click here.

A SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESSES – SunTrust Bank of Atlanta received the Export Lender of the Year Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration during celebration of National Small Business Week. SunTrust was recognized for their commitment to delivering vital financial assistance to American small businesses.

CHAMBLEE FARMERS MARKET – Chamblee, which has made great strides these past few years remaking itself, is trying to launch a Saturday morning Farmers Market that will sell flowers, food and produce. To learn more on how to get involved, click here.

NORCROSS, TOO – If you get a chance, stop by the Whistle Stop Farmers Market in Norcross on June 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. It’s one of the great markets in metro Atlanta. And if you see Mayor Bucky Johnson, tell him I said hello. Also, don’t forget the Bowl for Chiefs event to benefit the Gwinnett County Police Chiefs’ Association on Saturday, June 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. For more, click here.

RACE FOR THE CURE – I want to applaud my D.C. staff – aka Team Hank – for taking part June 5 in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure on the National Mall. To donate in the fight against breast cancer, click here – put your cursor over “Donate” and click “Find a participant/team.” Click the “Search for team” button and enter “Hank Johnson.” Our team name is “Hank Johnson” and our team captain in Sascha Thompson. Go Team!

CLARKSTON AND THE WORLD CUP – Georgia’s most diverse city is hosting a World Cup party like none other. The World Cup, which will be held in South Africa from June 11 to July 11, will be broadcast daily in the newly renovated Clarkston Community Center’s Angora Hall. Weekend soccer tournaments at the Center are on tap and food from around the world will be served. Not all matches will be broadcast, so click here for more information.

SOLUTIONS, NOT POLITICS – Citizens for Global Solutions, which addresses climate change, prohibits torture and ensures protection of human rights around the globe, just recognized my work on these issues and awarded me an “A” for my stance on the environment and human and civil rights. For more, click here. Thank you!

HURRICANE SEASON – With hurricane season just around the corner, I would like to remind you that by visiting www.Ready.gov, individuals and communities can obtain information on how to prepare themselves and their families with disaster kits and family emergency plans.

As always, I appreciate your thoughts and concerns. I have a busy schedule of Memorial weekend events throughout the district, so I hope to see you there. Thanks,


May 28, 2010

Vol. 46


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About This E-Newsletter

  • HONORING VETERANS
  • CHIEF KING RETURNS!
  • MARTA TOUR
  • HUD HELPING
  • A HELPING HAND
  • AIRPORTS AND GUNS
  • OSHA GRANTS
  • ROCKDALE SENIORS
  • SALUTING SMALL BIZ
  • CHAMBLEE MARKET
  • NORCROSS TOO
  • TEAM HANK
  • CLARKSTON & WORLD CUP
  • SOLUTIONS, NOT POLITICS
  • HURRICANE SEASON

    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.
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    My Staff

    Arthur D. Sidney, Chief of Staff
    Kathy Register, District Director

    District
    Shy Armstrong
    Peter Butts
    Katie Dailey
    Betty Dixon
    Eric C. Hubbard
    Ray Khalfani
    Andy Phelan
    Carole Mumford
    Dori Scales
    Paulette Suggs

    Washington, D.C.
    Scott Goldstein
    Jocelyn Griffin
    Jonathan Ossoff
    Mark Perkins
    Ebony Simpson
    Oliver Spurgeon, III
    Elisabeth Stein
    Sascha Thompson
    Marybeth Williams