Rep. Johnson surpasses $3 million mark in Constituent Service

Since 2007, Congressman’s office helps thousands of residents navigate housing, health care, Social Security, IRS and Veterans benefits

LITHONIA, GA – Since taking office in 2007, Congressman Hank Johnson has worked to secure $3,168,602.38 for those seeking help from his offices in Georgia’s 4th Congressional District.

“Helping my constituents navigate the federal bureaucracy is one of the most important things I do,” Rep. Johnson said. “When I first ran for office in 2006, I promised I would take care of home first. I’m here to ensure that constituents receive the money and benefits due them from the federal government.”

Johnson, whose Washington, D.C. and District offices have a strong reputation throughout Georgia and the nation for stellar constituent services, said he will continue to put constituents first.

“As always, I value constituents’ input and welcome their comments. Being District 4’s representative in Washington is a singular honor, and I appreciate helping constituents above everything else. Listening to residents and bringing their concerns to Washington is why I’m here.”

Johnson’s office has helped more than 3,500 constituents receive $3,168,602.38 since 2007. The following are some success stories:

Veterans Affairs: One homeless South DeKalb veteran contacted Congressman Johnson’s office after more than 14 years of being unable to collect his disability benefits. After six months of Johnson’s office working the case with the Veterans Benefits Administration, the constituent received more than $350,000. He is no longer homeless and continues to receive full disability benefits from the VA.

Social Security: Recently, Congressman Johnson was able to assist a constituent from Decatur who asked for help obtaining Social Security benefits. After an inquiry was sent, Social Security Administration found in favor of the man and awarded him $53,682 in retroactive benefits.

Internal Revenue Service: Recently, Congressman Johnson cleared up an issue for a constituent who had an issue with the IRS. For six years, the constituent had problems getting her tax refund. Johnson’s office worked on the case for more than two years, and eventually helped the constituent get more than $34,000 in tax refunds.

Housing: Since 2009, Johnson’s office has helped more than 650 residents deal with pending foreclosures on their homes.

Additional Agencies: Johnson’s offices in Lithonia, Conyers and soon in Northlake Mall in Tucker stand ready to assist residents of Georgia 4th Congressional District with their federal agency problems. For a full list of services, visit Johnson’s constituent service section of his Web site. [/services/assistance-with-federal-agencies.shtml]

Since 2007, Johnson and his staff have held dozens of town halls, handled tens of thousands of pieces of constituent correspondence and engaged in countless meetings with area residents to hear concerns and correct problems Georgia residents had with the federal government. Through this outreach campaign, Johnson secured more than $3 million the government owed seniors, veterans, families and small business owners.

Johnson’s 4th Congressional District encompasses more than 275 square miles and more than 700,000 residents over three counties – DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett. Congressman Johnson has worked to offer easy ways for constituents to stay engaged and keep in contact:

► Town Halls: Since taking office in 2007, he launched “Congress on Your Corner,” and participated in a host of community events to hear directly from constituents. In August 2009, Johnson held a town hall on health care reform that was a model for the nation. More than 3,000 people attended. In 2009-10, Johnson held three jobs fairs in the span of 13 months that served more than 2,000 constituents, with some receiving job offers on the spot. Johnson has held five “telephone town halls” with more than 100,000 residents since 2009.

► Partnership Alliance Learning Series (PALS): Congressman Johnson launched a unique program called PALS that teaches nonprofits and small businesses how to join forces to compete for federal grants and small business opportunities. It also connects nonprofits and small businesses to federal, state and local resources.

► Mobile Office Hours: We need to explore this – regular events at libraries and public offices throughout the region. Johnson holds open office hours at Conyers City Hall on Scott Street and Northlake Mall in Tucker twice a month for constituents who may not have time to travel to his Lithonia office.

► Web site: Johnson’s Web site https://hankjohnson.house.gov is a one-stop shop for news updates, e-newsletters, speeches, legislation, constituent services, videos, photos and place where constituents can e-mail their representative directly. Johnson corresponded with more than 38,851 constituents through e-mail in 2010 alone, and average about 3,000 a month.

► E-Newsletter: Congressman Johnson sends regular updates to more than 12,000 constituents from his office for subscribers of his e-newsletter. For those interested in signing up for these updates, visit https://hankjohnsonforms.house.gov/enews.shtml.

► Social Media: Congressman Johnson can also be reached through Facebook and Twitter .

► Offices: For face-to-face meetings and help with federal agencies, Congressman Johnson and his staff are available at three offices in Georgia (Lithonia, Conyers and Tucker) and in Washington, D.C., Longworth Building 1427. In Georgia, call 770-987-2291 and in Washington, call 202-225-1605. Please call ahead or for an appointment or request a meeting online at https://hankjohnsonforms.house.gov/meeting-request.shtml.

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