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 superPACs, 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.
| February 28, 2012 
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My Staff Arthur D. Sidney, Chief of Staff
Kathy Register, District Director
District
Shy Armstrong
Peter Butts
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 |
