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Rep. Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter for Friday, January 18, 2013

January 18, 2013
e-Newsletters

Dear friends,

President Obama announced a series of proposals this week to prevent and reduce gun violence, implementing 23 executive actions and calling on Congress to take a series of steps to ban military-style assault weapons, limit high-capacity assault magazines, strengthen our background check system and address a series of other challenges.

President Obama’s proposals reflect a prudent and comprehensive approach to reduce gun violence in our country. The President’s executive orders are a necessary part of the solution, but alone are not sufficient.

It’s time Congress did its part now to strengthen background checks, close the gun show loophole and take the most dangerous assault weapons and large capacity magazines out of the hands of those in greatest danger of doing harm to others. I look forward over the several weeks to examine the president’s proposals – and the proposals of others – to help develop a comprehensive set of policies that both respect peoples’ 2nd Amendment rights and help keep our communities safe from gun violence.

INAUGURATION & MLK DAY: As we gather Monday to honor the work of Dr. King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, we pause to reflect on the struggle against prejudice, hatred and intolerance. While we have made great progress, we know there is “A Mission Still to Fulfill.” Once again, we rededicate ourselves to keeping the dream alive and fostering peace and equality.

It is not lost on me that as we celebrate the accomplishments of Dr. King this weekend we also inaugurate in Washington, D.C., our great President Barack Obama to his second term. Never has an American embodied so perfectly the teachings and aspirations of Dr. King as has President Obama.

This year, MLK Day commemorations will coincide with the Presidential Inauguration, so President Obama is asking all citizens to join him in participating in a National Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 19. Additionally, he is encouraging people to pledge a commitment to serve after MLK Day throughout 2013. For more, click HERE.

HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS: The U.S. Department of Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, Making Home Affordable and Hope Now are holding a Help for Homeowners event on Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Cobb Galleria. If you’re struggling to make your mortgage payments, please call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673) or visit MakingHomeAffordable.gov.

APPRIGHTS: This week, I released the discussion draft of the APPS Act, a bill to increase consumer privacy on mobile devices, via AppRights.us.

AppRights is a web-based legislative project launched in July 2012 that opened a public conversation about how Congress can help ensure the privacy and security of mobile device users.

For more on the project or to join the online mobile privacy discussion: visit https://www.AppRights.us and to interact via Twitter (@AppRightsUS) and Facebook.

ROCKDALE SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS: The deadline for The Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families’ scholarships – established to recognize outstanding community service in Rockdale ­– are fast approaching. For more information or to apply to Rockdale Coalition John K. Morgan Scholarship Fund, click HERE. For the Rockdale Coalition F. William Hughey Community Service Award, click HERE.

LIVVY’S LOVE FUN RUN/WALK: On Sat., Jan. 19, the second annual Livvy’s Love Fun Run/Walk, honoring the life of Olivia Hayes, is being held at Stone Mountain Park. Funds raised for the non-profit benefit youth development grants and scholarships. For more, click HERE.

CLARKSTON COMMUNITY CENTER: Congratulations to the Clarkston Community Center (CCC), which has been chosen by the Intercultural Relations department of Georgia State University as an organization recipient of the Hosea Williams Award for Community Activism. The CCC will receive the award on Thursday, January 24 and participate in a full day of celebration and learning around the work of Dr. King. For more, click HERE.

SNELLVILLE ENTREPRENEURS: The City of Snellville is doing some great work promoting economic growth through their successful Entrepreneur Summits. For more information, take a look at their Snellville Business Toolbox HERE. The Toolbox is a one-stop-shop for any entrepreneur, potential entrepreneur, or existing business looking for resources to start, sustain or grow a business. To sign up for Snellville’s e-letter, click HERE.

MLK CELEBRATION AT NEWTON HIGH SCHOOL: This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20, in Porter Memorial Auditorium at Newton High School. The keynote speaker will be the honorable state Rep. Pam Dickerson. For more, click HERE.

THE VENERABLE JOHN EVANS: Congratulations to DeKalb NAACP President John Evans, who turns 80 on Jan. 29. As the President and CEO of Operation Lead, his work for the NAACP and his myriad of other contributions to our communities, John’s lifetime achievements will be celebrated on Friday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Porter Sanford Center. Congrats John, and Happy Birthday! For more, click HERE.

As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress. Have a great MLK holiday, and please volunteer some time in your community this weekend. … and GO FALCONS, BEAT THE 49ERS!