Rep. Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter for Friday, March 22, 2013

Dear friends,

This past week in Washington, we debated the budget. The American people want Democrats and Republicans to come together to solve our problems. I agree with Republicans that we must reduce the deficit and strengthen the middle class, and I believe we can do this. However, I disagree with Chairman Ryan and my Republican colleagues that we should do so on the backs of seniors and the middle class.

That’s why I voted against the Ryan-Republican budget, which is more of the same Romney/Ryan policies that the American people rejected last fall. Republicans call it a “path to prosperity,” but it is really a “main line to misery” – pain for the middle class, pain for working families and children, pain for seniors.

To see my floor speech, click the image or click HERE.

The GOP plan proposes – for a third consecutive year – to end the Medicare guarantee, raises costs for seniors, and undermines a key pillar of seniors’ health and economic security. I voted against it because it also attempts to repeal the protections in the Affordable Care Act while counting on the law’s savings and revenues to balance their budget.

Democrats know that a budget must be a statement of our values, and our budget advances our fundamental values of fairness, opportunity, and equality for all. I was proud to cast my vote for the Democratic alternative – proposed by Budget Committee Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen – that focuses on our core priorities: creating jobs, growing the economy, strengthening the middle class, and responsibly reducing the deficit.

Our plan puts 1.2 million more people to work this year than the GOP budget, invests in education, energy, research, and infrastructure, and keeps our promises to seniors.

I also sent a letter urging my colleagues to reinstate funds cut under the sequester that help soldiers and their families pay for college. It’s time for Republicans to abandon their ideological agenda and work with Democrats to make the American Dream a reality for all Americans.

ARTS COMPETITION: I’m looking forward to hosting this year’s 2013 Congressional Arts Competition. The annual event not only displays the community’s finest young artists but also awards $20,000 in college scholarships. Eligible high school students throughout the district, which include parts of DeKalb, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Newton counties, are encouraged to apply and display their talent in this year’s contest. For guidelines or for more information, click HERE.

MILLER GROVE BASKETBALL: I salute the 2012-2013 Miller Grove High School Boys basketball team. While balancing academics and other commitments, the Wolverine basketball team won a state championship. Even more impressive is the fact that Miller Grove boys won their fifth straight. Amazing! I am proud to represent such fine student athletes as they bring a sense of pride to DeKalb County, the state of Georgia and my district.

PRESIDENTIAL CITIZENS MEDAL: For more than 40 years, the Presidential Citizens medal has recognized Americans who have displayed exemplary service for their country or their community. To nominate someone for the 2013 Citizens Medal, click HERE. The deadline is March 31.

FREE TAX FILING: Tax day is right around the corner – that’s why I wanted to let you know about a free filing service available on the IRS website. It’s called Free File, and all taxpayers can use it for free. If your income is $57,000 or less, you are eligible to use Free File’s easy filing software. For more, click HERE.

SERVICE ACADEMY DAY: One of the many things my office does is help our students get into college at one of the Military Academies each year. A good way for students and parents to learn more is at our annual Academy Day at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. For more information or to register, click HERE. You will be redirected to Sen. Johnny Isakson’s page to register.

ACA ANNIVERSARY: When key parts of the health care law take effect in 2014, there’ll be a new way for individuals, families and small businesses to get health insurance. Whether you’re uninsured, or just want to explore new options, the Marketplace will give you more choice and control over your health insurance options. A new report shows that hundreds of thousands of people in Georgia are already benefiting from the Affordable Care Act. Saturday is the third anniversary of the law. For more, click HERE.

COVINGTON OFFICE: We are working with Covington Mayor Randy Johnston to provide office space at City Hall so our constituent services representatives can meet with Newton County constituents who need help with a federal agency – Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ services, IRS, etc. We’re still working on the details, but we hope to be up and running very soon.

RESOURCES THAT CAN HELP: The normal events of the week can be enough of a struggle—getting the kids off to school, paying the bills, making sure you have dinner on the table, and lots of things in between. But when times are tough or you’re facing unexpected expenses, caring for your family’s needs can seem overwhelming. Use these tips from USA.gov’s special Help for Difficult Financial Times section to find resources from the government that can make things a little easier. For more, click HERE.

GWINNETT IMMIGRATION MEETING: On April 4, I am participating in a town hall with state Sen. Curt Thompson and state Rep. Pedro Marin on immigration reform at Iglesia Cristiana Monte Sinai in Norcross. I’m committed to helping create a pathway to citizenship for outstanding young people, law-abiding immigrants and the next generation of innovators and job creators.

RARE ACT: I recently reintroduced the Resource Assessment of Rare Earths (RARE) Act, which directs the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct a three-year, comprehensive global mineral assessment of rare earth elements, which are critical to high-tech clean-energy and defense manufacturing. China has a monopoly right now on mining and production – I’m trying to change that. This week, I testified before the Natural Resources Committee in support of the RARE Act. For more, click HERE.

MOBILE PRIVACY: My concerns and corresponding legislation about privacy in the mobile-digital world are gaining national attention. As we expand the use of our of mobile devices as portable offices, media players, newspapers, GPSs, cameras, social network hubs and as our wallets and pocketbooks, the need for privacy and security are greater than ever. To read about my AppRights legislation, click HERE. To read about my concerns with Google’s policies, click HERE.

VA PARKING: The Atlanta VA Medical Center no longer has valet parking service. However, VA police will still provide on-site parking assistance and medical center staff will help disabled veterans in and out of their vehicles at the front entrance. Wheelchairs will be available in the parking decks for veterans who need them.

Remember, the Briarcliff parking location offers free parking and shuttle service to and from the medical center. For a map, click HERE.

As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.