|
Dear Friends,
I want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. I’ve been back in town this week meeting with constituents, and I’m looking forward to spending some time with my family as well.
You’ve no doubt heard talk of the “Super Committee” and its recent failure to reach an agreement on the federal budget.
Here’s the bottom line.
This past summer some in Congress put the full faith and credit of the United States of America at unnecessary risk by refusing to raise the debt ceiling, which would allow Treasury to pay previously incurred debt.
As an unfortunate result of Congress’ failure to act responsibly, the nation’s credit rating was downgraded.
The final agreement to raise the debt ceiling established what became known as the “Super Committee,” which was charged with identifying at least $1.2 trillion in additional debt reduction over 10 years.
Earlier this week, this committee announced that it was unable to reach an agreement. Congress will now spend the next year negotiating the exact distribution of spending cuts and tax increases worth at least $1.2 trillion or face broad, automatic cuts across many federal programs.
You should take some comfort in knowing that under the current framework, Social Security, veterans' benefits, and most programs supporting low-income Americans will be exempted from those automatic cuts.
Rest assured, I will continue to fight for a balanced approach. I agree with President Obama: it is impossible for us to solve our budgetary challenges as long as some in Congress fight any tax increases for the wealthiest Americans.
We can’t solve our problems unless sacrifice is shared fairly. I will stand with President Obama as he fights for a fair solution that doesn’t hurt those struggling to make ends meet while leaving the wealthiest and most powerful untouched.
In the mean time, my focus remains creating jobs for my constituents and accelerating economic recovery. That is why I continue to call on my colleagues to pass President Obama’s jobs bill, which includes my proposal to ban hiring discrimination against the unemployed. And I will work to see that Congress passes an extension of the Payroll Tax cut, which is set to expire at the end of the year. Its expiration would raise taxes on the average American household by $1,000. I know families can’t afford that right now.
ARABIA MOUNTAIN: Congratulations to the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area for being the inaugural recipient of the “Great Place” designation by the Atlanta Regional Commission. For more, click HERE.
HELPING VETERANS: The Atlanta Regional Commission earned a $420,000 grant to improve the veterans’ transportation call center, and the Department of Veterans Affairs expanded clothing eligibility requirements for veterans with prosthetics and orthopedic devices or skin condition medications. For more, click HERE.
PROTECTING CONSUMERS: The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has created a new consumer assistance Web page that allows users to submit questions and complaints about health and retirement plans. For more, click HERE.
ONLINE JOB CENTER: Since 2009, my office has held four jobs fairs throughout the district. Our in-person job fairs have been a huge success, but I wanted to provide a tool constituents could use to help them find work year round. So I launched a one-stop jobs Web portal. Helping my constituents in these difficult times is my top priority. To visit the jobs site, click HERE.
PREVENTING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: Congratulations to the Center for Pan Asian Community Services in Atlanta for receiving a $300,000 grant to help fund an emergency shelter for abused women.
HONORING OFFICER WILSON: I was saddened to hear of the tragic death of Doraville Police Officer Robert “Shane” Wilson, who I honored from the House floor last week.
 As always, I appreciate your time and welcome your feedback. Please have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.
|
November 23, 2011
CLICK HERE TO VISIT CONGRESSMAN JOHNSON'S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE!
About This E-Newsletter
This is an informational e-mail sent to residents of Georgia's Fourth Congressional District. If you would prefer not to receive future mailings, please click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page. This mailing was prepared and sent at taxpayer expense.
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
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
|
