Dear Friends,
I want to wish everyone a joyous holiday season! Here’s the latest from Washington, D.C., and Georgia's Fourth District.
TAX CUTS, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE & JOBS: I'm still in Washington working to prevent a $1,000 tax hike on 160 million middle class Americans, extend unemployment insurance benefits, and prevent a major pay cut to doctors who treat patients on Medicare.
After a year of gridlock, brinkmanship, manufactured crises, and one of the worst Congresses in history, it’s time to put our nation first and do what an overwhelming majority of Americans want – prevent a tax hike on the middle class and get Americans back to work. Families shouldn’t need to worry this holiday season that their taxes will go up Jan. 1.
I'm still hopeful Congress will come together and do what's best for America's families.
RELIEF FOR CHRONICALLY ILL SENIORS: This month, I introduced my bipartisan “Part D Beneficiary Appeals Fairness Act,” which would give seniors on Medicare Part D who rely on ‘specialty tier’ drugs an appeals process when dealing with the high costs of these prescriptions. To read about it in On Common Ground News, click HERE.
THE IRAQ WAR IS OVER: After 8 years of war, our forces are coming home with honor. To read my full statement, click HERE.
NO TO INDEFINITE DETENTION OF AMERICANS: Last week, I opposed provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act that would authorize indefinite detention of Americans and tie the hands of domestic law enforcement in terrorism cases. Constituents sent me here to provide for the common defense, yes. But they also sent me here to safeguard their liberty. For more, click HERE. To watch part of my floor, please click the video below.
 THE RIGHT TO VOTE: Attorney General Eric Holder, the nation’s top law enforcement officer, has promised extra scrutiny for new voting laws in order to maintain civil rights protections. To read my piece on this issue in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click HERE.
FOR VETERANS: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is making $100 million in grants available to community agencies that will work to prevent veteran homelessness. Groups have until Feb. 15 to apply. For more, click HERE. Veterans now have on-demand access and can download official data about their military training and experience, which can be used to help them find jobs. For more, click HERE.
NEW BUSES: I’m pleased to announce that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is making a $4 million grant available to MARTA for 10 new buses to replace older models.
TUCKER TITLETOWN: Congratulations to Head Coach Franklin Stephens and the entire Tucker Tigers football family for wining their second state championship. Go Tigers! For more, read about the big win in CrossRoadsNews and The Champion.
DISTRICT 4 SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE: Congratulations to Pine Street Elementary in Rockdale County and Oak Grove Elementary in DeKalb County, which were named 2011 Schools of Excellence by the Georgia Department of Education. Both schools will be honored at a special banquet in February and will receive a cash award of $1,000 from Georgia Natural Gas. Read about Pine Street in the Rockdale Citizen and Oak Grove in the AJC.
HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to let little things slip through the cracks. Use these tips from the Federal Citizen Information Center to help you avoid some of the most common holiday accidents. For more, click HERE.
In this season, more than ever, please keep our military personnel overseas, and our first-responders here at home and their families in your hearts and prayers. They give their all for us and we must never forget their sacrifice.
Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year to you and yours!
| December 20, 2011 
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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. This mailing was prepared and sent at taxpayer expense.
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
Carole Mumford
Andy Phelan
Dori Scales
Paulette Suggs Washington, D.C.
Scott Goldstein
Jocelyn Griffin
Glenn Miles
Jonathan Ossoff
Mark Perkins
Ebony Simpson
Oliver Spurgeon, III
Sascha Thompson
Marybeth Williams |
