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Dear Friends,
I know many of you are watching Washington this week as debate continues on raising the debt ceiling. There are three proposals on the table right now to solve this manufactured crisis – Speaker Boehner’s plan, Sen. Reid’s and no action.
As I write things are changing quickly, but I wanted to let you know where I stand. I do not support Mr. Boehner’s proposal because the cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are too drastic. He is also attaching a balanced budget amendment to the bill that even Republican Sen. John McCain called "bizarro" and "worse than foolish."
I reject no action because default on the debt is not an option. And I’m concerned Mr. Reid’s plan requires the middle class to bear the burden of cutting the deficit and asks nothing of millionaires, billionaires and Big Oil.
I support President Obama’s efforts for a balanced approach that will raise the debt limit, while making difficult cuts and raising new revenue by closing tax loopholes and ending special interest tax breaks.
It’s unfortunate that Speaker Boehner twice walked out on negotiations with the White House, and Tea Party Republicans are unwilling to compromise.
There are other proposals, and I still hope we can reach a deal. It’s possible that President Obama could be forced to use the 14th Amendment as a failsafe to prevent a national default – especially if Congressional Republicans continue to refuse to negotiate a balanced solution. Some scholars, and former President Clinton, say the Constitution gives the President’s authority to raise the limit unilaterally.
While we should be talking about jobs, instead we are being held hostage by ideologues hell bent on using any means at their disposal to ensure President Obama only has one term in office.
If you think this is just rhetoric, read what Republican Jim Ramstad, who represented Minnesota’s Third Congressional District from 1991 to 2009, said in a letter to the editor:
“Flat-earthers in Congress are playing with fire on the debt-ceiling controversy, and the American people are about to get burned. Their denial of economic reality is both outrageous and dangerous.
The United States simply cannot default on its obligations and risk a financial system disaster. I plead with my former colleagues to wake up before they bring our country to its knees and do irreparable harm.
It's time for reasonable heads to prevail and for Congress members to reach a bipartisan, pragmatic compromise before it's too late.”
Amen.
 CBC JOBS FAIR: The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressman John Lewis and I are teaming up to host a job fair and readiness workshop on Thursday, Aug. 18 at Atlanta Technical College from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are working to have more than 50 private and public employers on hand.
As part of the CBC’s “For the People” jobs initiative, Congressman Lewis and I hope to encourage the House of Representatives to pass critical jobs legislation that we have introduced to address the unemployment crisis.
With the unemployment rate at 9.8 percent nationwide and more than 16 percent in the African American, Hispanic and Asian communities, it has become clear that it is time for immediate and sustained action to provide hard working Americans with economic opportunity. Everyone from the Fourth District is welcome. As more details become available, I will post them on the Hank’s Job Center page of my Web site. To learn more, click HERE.
CBS: THE EARLY SHOW: I appeared this week on CBS’ national program ‘The Early Show’ because of my legislative work  to combat discrimination against unemployed Americans in jobs postings and hiring practices. In March, I introduced The Fair Employment Act of 2011, which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect against discrimination on the basis of unemployment status. Recently, my colleague Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) and I introduced The Fair Employment Opportunity Act. This bill would fine employers and employment agencies who discriminate against unemployed job-seekers by refusing to consider them for employment. To watch the CBS story, click HERE.
REMEMBERING PRINCIPAL JACKSON: I was saddened to hear about the sudden death of Meadowcreek High School Principal Bob Jackson this week. I had the pleasure to meet Principal Jackson on several occasions, and I was always struck at how dedicated he was to his school and students. To the Jackson family, the Meadowcreek family and to everyone whose lives were touched by this outstanding educator, my sincerest and most humble condolences. Bob will be deeply missed. To visit his online Guestbook, click HERE.
 Hank participates in an Education Roundtable earlier this year with Principal Jackson (center), Rep. Rob Woodall, Gwinnett County Schools Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks and Sen. Johnny Isakson.
ROCKDALE HUMANITIES AWARD: I am pleased to announce that Rockdale County has earned a National Endowment for the Humanities Small Grants to Libraries award to bring the traveling exhibit the “King James Bible: Manifold Greatness” to the Nancy Guinn Library. Congratulations Rockdale County!
WALK OF HEROES: I urge everyone to take some time to visit The Walk of Heroes, the Veterans War Memorial in Conyers. It doesn't have to be Memorial Day, Veterans Day or the Fourth of July for you to honor our veterans. For more information, click HERE.
WORLD HEPATITIS DAY: I was pleased to appear at the White House on July 28, in recognition of World Hepatitis Day, where I spoke about my personal battle with the disease.
I came forward and publically disclosed my illness in the hope my story would provide others suffering from hepatitis with the confidence to speak out and educate the community about this illness. Hepatitis is a silent killer and I urge everyone to get tested. Treatment is available, but you must be proactive – ask to be tested – it could save your life. I am one of many, many examples of those who have overcome this virus.
In addition to President Obama declaring the first World Hepatitis Day to shine light on this issue, superstars Greg Allman and Natalie Cole were featured in an historic concert in New York City titled “Tune In to Hep C."
OAKHURST HEALTH FAIR & FAMILY DAY: On Saturday, July 30 the Oakhurst Medical Center is holding a Back to School, Health & Wellness Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their Stone Mountain facility, 770 Village Square Drive. To learn more about Oakhurst, click HERE. For more on the Fun day, call Brenda Jackson at 770-808-0114.
CONSUMER PROTECTION: The Consumer Financial Protection Agency that was created under the Wall Street Reform Act opened for business July 21. The central mission of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans – whether they are applying for a mortgage, credit card or using any number of other consumer financial products. To learn more, click HERE.
 SOUTH RIVER SAVIORS: The South River Watershed Alliance (SRWA) is launching its South River 2020 project at its regularly scheduled meeting on Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. The South River 2020 initiative will not only improve water quality within the South River and its tributaries, but improve the recreational value of the waterway and the health of surrounding communities. For more information on the SRWA, call Doug Denton at 404-931-5008.
REDAN NATURE PRESERVE: I applaud DeKalb County and the army of dedicated community volunteers led by Calvin Sims Sr. for their work on the Redan Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center on Redan Road. The goal of the center is to conserve a beautiful nine-acre natural environment and rural farm history, educate school children and adults on environmental science, solar energy and wind energy technology. To learn more, click HERE. To get involved, contact Mr. Sims at 770-879-1176.
URBAN FORESTS: Thanks to the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Urban and Community Forest Grant Program, Decatur and Doraville will be receiving grants this year to invest in one of our greatest assets – trees. Trees provide improved air and water quality, positive impacts on human health, increased economic value and energy conservation. For more, click HERE.
GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: It’s now easier for small-business owners to harness the power of direct mail to drive traffic, attract new customers and increase revenue. That’s because the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) introduced Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), a simple, low-cost service that allows local businesses to market to every address in their neighborhoods without the need to rent or purchase mailing lists. For more information, click HERE.
PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES: The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign, in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council, is launching new web tools that will make it easier for individuals and organizations throughout the nation to join the 2011 National Preparedness Month (NPM) coalition and pledge their support to help prepare their families, businesses and communities for emergencies of all kinds. For more, click HERE.
 FACE TIME ON FACEBOOK: Please stop by my Facebook page. Friending me on Facebook is also a great way to keep track of upcoming events and news from D.C. and the District.
As always, I appreciate your time and comments. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.
Thanks,
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July 29, 2011
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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
Glenn Miles
Jonathan Ossoff
Mark Perkins
Ebony Simpson
Oliver Spurgeon, III
Sascha Thompson
Marybeth Williams
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CBC JOBS FAIR: The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressman John Lewis and I are teaming up to host a job fair and readiness workshop on Thursday, Aug. 18 at Atlanta Technical College from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are working to have more than 50 private and public employers on hand.
Hank participates in an Education Roundtable earlier this year with Principal Jackson (center), Rep. Rob Woodall, Gwinnett County Schools Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks and Sen. Johnny Isakson.
SOUTH RIVER SAVIORS: The South River Watershed Alliance (SRWA) is launching its South River 2020 project at its regularly scheduled meeting on Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. The South River 2020 initiative will not only improve water quality within the South River and its tributaries, but improve the recreational value of the waterway and the health of surrounding communities. For more information on the SRWA, call Doug Denton at 404-931-5008.
FACE TIME ON FACEBOOK: Please stop by 
