Rep. Johnson surpasses $5 million mark in constituent services

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 more than $5 million for constituents seeking help with federal agencies from his offices in Georgia’s 4th Congressional District.

“Helping constituents solve seemingly intractable problems is what my district office does every day. I’m proud that my staff has been able to help so many constituents receive the money and benefits due them from the federal government. Taking care of home first is my number one priority.”

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.

Johnson’s office has helped more than 4,000 constituents who have reached out for help receive $5,165,351.66 since 2007. The following are some success stories:

Veterans Affairs: An elderly veteran’s widow, who was on the verge of being homeless, contacted Congressman Johnson’s office for help. “I did not have the rent money and anyone to help me.” After three months of Johnson’s office working the case with the Veterans Benefits Administration, the constituent received a $12,762 lump sum and $1,056 a month as income. “You have given me a bill-free life.”

Social Security: Recently, Congressman Johnson was able to assist a constituent from Decatur in dire need, who asked for help obtaining Social Security benefits. After an inquiry was sent, Social Security Administration found in favor of the woman and awarded her $46,000 in retroactive benefits.

Internal Revenue Service: Recently, Congressman Johnson cleared up an issue for a constituent from Conyers who had 15 years of tax returns that needed an adjustment. Her case was held over a year. She finally received $10,342.

Housing: Since 2009, Johnson’s office has helped nearly 1,000 residents deal with pending foreclosures of their homes.

Example of helping save a home: Ten days after their home was foreclosed, a Stone Mountain couple called for help. Although they had a temporary loan modification and made regular payments, the bank foreclosed on them without notice. Congressman Johnson wrote the bank FlagStar, requesting a reversal of the foreclosure. Within two weeks, FlagStar rescinded the foreclosure, reinstated the loan, added the past due amount to the back of the loan and reduced the interest rate to 4.5% on a permanent, fixed rate basis.

Online Office: Johnson’s offices in Lithonia with satellite offices in Conyers and 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 $5 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, Johnson has held hundreds of meetings 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. In August 2011, Johnson co-hosted a jobs fair with Congressman John Lewis. More than 5,000 people attended. 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 engages nonprofits and small businesses on the importance of leveraging missions to compete for federal grants and small business opportunities. It also connects nonprofits and small businesses to federal, state and local resources.

► Academy Nominations: Each year Congressman Johnson has the privilege of nominating a limited number of students to four of the five service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. [/serving-you/military-academy-nominations]

► Arts Competition: Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in the 4th District. The over-all winner of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. [/services/artistic-discovery.shtml]

► Mobile Office Hours: 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 and letters in 2010 and more than 24,349 constituents in 2011.

► 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 .

► 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 .

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