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Rep. Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter for Nov. 15, 2013

November 15, 2013
e-Newsletters

Dear Friends,

As the holiday season approaches, I wanted to take time out to catch you up with what’s going on here in the Fourth District and in Washington, D.C. I was very fortunate to give keynote speeches at both the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce’s 20-year anniversary on Nov. 6 and at the DeKalb County Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 7.

 

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee since 2007, I’m inspired every day to work on behalf of all our military personnel and veterans. Ensuring that quality services are being delivered to each of you is one of my greatest joys as a public servant. I thank each of you for your service and can assure you that as long as I am in Congress, your needs will remain a priority for me and my staff.

LITHONIA CHAMBER CELEBRATES 20 YEARS: I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce’s 20th anniversary celebration on Nov. 6 at This Is It! Restaurant on Panola Road. After 20 years of committed service to businesses, large and small, this milestone makes the Chamber and the city of Lithonia justifiably proud.

The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce has provided for the small business community and its members through the years. Strong, healthy communities need thriving businesses, and I commend the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce for fostering success and opportunity. To view more photos, click HERE.

To see the Veterans Day celebration coverage, visit DCTV’s website live stream HERE.

ROCKDALE COALITION: I was pleased to participate in the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families’ first community resource networking event for elected officials earlier this month. It was an excellent opportunity for me to learn about the great work local social service programs and providers are doing as well as understanding where the gaps in services are in our communities. The Rockdale collaborative brings together individuals and community organizations to identify needs and share resources to address the most pressing issues. Keep up the great work! For more, click HERE.

STONE MOUNTAIN CID: The Stone Mountain Community Improvement District (CID) announced Ryan Hoyt as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Ryan is a Leasing Manager with Prologis in Atlanta. His commercial real estate leasing and asset management experience has accounted for more than 15 million square feet of industrial and office space throughout the metro area. Welcome Ryan. For more, click HERE.

POTUS ADDRESSES CANCELLED HEALTH POLICIES: This week, President Obama announced that insurers can offer consumers who buy private health insurance plans (people who get their insurance through their job, Medicare, Medicaid or the VA are not affected) the option to renew their 2013 health plans in 2014, without change, allowing them to keep their plans. Insurers must notify enrollees that they can purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, where they can potentially qualify for premium tax credits. And they must tell consumers what protections they are giving up to keep the plan they have. This fix will give consumers more information and choices, including keeping their old plans. I will continue to support the ACA and work with my colleagues to improve it, not tear it down. For more, click HERE (Preview)

NEA GRANTS: Applications are now being accepted for 2014-2015 Big Read grants. The Big Read, managed by Arts Midwest, provides nonprofit organizations nationwide with comprehensive resources to help inspire their communities to read and discuss a single book or poet’s body of work. Organizations interested in applying should visit The Big Read website for guidelines and application instructions. Eligible organizations may apply for a grant ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. All applications must be submitted electronically via eGrant on or before Tuesday, January 28, 2014.

FIGHTING FOR VICTIMS OF ABESTOS: This week, I voted against a bill that creates new barriers and delays for victims of asbestos, a known human carcinogen that has killed millions of people over the last several decades, in receiving compensation and justice from asbestos trusts. In some cases, the bill would delay compensation beyond the life of the person suffering from asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and other cancers. To watch the floor speech, click HERE.

AIRPORT SAFETY: Seeking to make airports around the nation safer for the general public and the law enforcement officers who patrol them, I introduced the “Airport Security Act of 2013” (H.R. 3484) this week. The bill would prohibit people other than local law enforcement and Homeland Security employees from carrying guns – concealed or otherwise – in airport terminals, lobbies, baggage claim areas, ticket counters and outside in pick-up and drop-off areas. With the recent shooting death of a TSA official at LAX, it defies logic that we would allow anyone other than law enforcement officials to carry a loaded gun within an airport. This bill is simply common sense.

MOUNTAIN VIEW: On Nov. 5, I visited Mountain View Personal Care Home in Decatur and presented a U.S. flag that was flown in their honor over the Capitol back in June. I took a tour of the facility, met with residents and board members. This is a wonderful jewel in the Fourth District.

VETERANS’ DENTAL CARE: Beginning today, the Department of Veterans Affairs is partnering with Delta Dental and MetLife to allow eligible veterans, plus family members receiving care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA), to purchase affordable dental insurance. More than 8 million veterans who are enrolled in VA health care can choose to purchase one of the offered dental plans. Participation will not affect entitlement to VA dental services and treatment. For more, click HERE.

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