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Constituent Corner

· Latvian Visit

This week, I had the honor of being the first Member of Congress to speak to the Latvian Parliament in its 85 years of existence. I was able to represent our country on behalf of the Iraqi people in thanking them for all of their help in Iraq.

I believe that Latvia can understand the plight of the Iraqi people wanting to be free, as they were once oppressed under the rule of the former Soviet Union. Had the United States turned away and not seen the atrocities that were committed against their people, it is hard to believe that I would have been able to speak to their free and independent parliament.

I am happy to have Latvia as an ally in helping Iraq to strengthen as a sovereign nation.

· Iraqi Constitution

The Iraqi parliament agreed to a compromise to their upcoming constitution to include support from all of the ethnic groups.

I am pleased that an agreement between all of the Iraqi ethnic groups has been reached before Saturday’s vote on a constitution. Earlier this year, the Iraqi people showed their real desire for a democracy, and I hope that this election will show the same. I have met and discussed this process with candidates and members of the National Assembly, and I remain optimistic that Iraq will continue moving forward towards our ultimate goal of self-governance.

· Energy Tips

The U.S. Department of Energy is providing multiple sources on how to conserve energy. A new source has just been brought to my attention which will customize energy needs to your personal circumstances. Please visit this personal “Energy Audit” at http://hes.lbl.gov.

Another source is self described as an “unbiased guide to the myriad of energy options.” On top of advice, they offer a shop where one can purchase energy-saving bulbs, appliances, gadgets, and more. This site is located at http://energyguide.com.

Keep in mind that saving energy saves you money. Many of us believe that if your phone charger is plugged in without a phone on it, it isn’t using energy. That is actually incorrect. Phantom energy is used by anything that is plugged in. Remember to unplug any unused appliances or electrical cords, and it will save you a little by the end of the year.

For the latest information on how to save energy, please visit www.energysavers.gov.

· Wetlands Conservation

Last year, on Earth Day, President Bush announced his new Wetlands Initiative. This program will go above and beyond the “no net loss” programs of the past, with a plan to actually increase the quality and quantity of these areas.

I am happy to announce that the initiative is progressing well and the goals have almost all been met.

For more information on this conservation initiative, please visit www.coastalamerica.gov.

· Flu Shots

According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines, the flu shots should be given to the following individuals:

Ø Persons aged >65 years with or without comorbid conditions (comorbid conditions are chronic medical issues, for example- Diabetes, Kidney disease, Heart Disease, Asthma, Cancer or Immunocompromised states);

Ø Residents of long-term—care facilities;

Ø Persons aged 2-64 years with comorbid conditions;

Ø Children aged 6-23 months;

Ø Pregnant women;

Ø Health-care personnel who provide direct patient care;

Ø Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children aged <6 months.

For more flu information, please visit www.cdc.gov.

· Hurricane Housing

The National Multi Housing Council (NMHC) and the National Apartment Association (NAA), in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has created a national registry of housing for hurricane victims. They have located tens of thousands of units all over the country, many of which are close to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Most are waiving any type of application fees and deposits, and many are offering significant discounts or even free rent to vistims.

Please notify anyone that you may know who has been affected by these disasters. They may check the registry at www.hurricanehousing.net.

· Fire Grants

I am pleased to announce grants, through the Unites States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), received by local area fire departments in the 19th Congressional District.

The Edwardsville Fire Department has received a grant for $80,100 to buy a vehicle exhaust removal system. This system will rid the fire station of soot and toxic fumes caused by the emergency vehicles. This will improve the health of all who work and visit the station.

Also, the Taylorville Fire Department will receive $45,711 for operations and safety. These funds can be used to support training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

I congratulate these men and women, and thank them for keeping our communities safe. For more information regarding these grants, please visit www.firegrantsupport.com.

· Model United States House of Representatives

The American Youth Scholarship Foundation has just announced the inaugural year of the United States Model House of Representatives program. This program will be held at the United States Capitol Complex April 17-21, 2006. It will include many prominent speakers and receptions held by the Republican National Committee, Democratic National Committee, and several other organizations.

Only one student will be selected from each Congressional District, so the competition will be rigorous. All applications are requested by November 18, 2005.

I encourage all qualified young people to apply for this great event. For information, please visit www.aysf.org.

· Lake Land College Technology Center

The Western Region Advanced Technology Center proposed by Lake Land College has received $575,000 in federal funds through the Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations FY 2005 Omnibus.

This center should benefit local employers and employees by providing training for good-paying, local jobs in health care and manufacturing. The employees will get the qualifications needed for these great jobs, and the employers will be receiving a highly qualified workforce.

For more information on Lake Land College please visit http://www.lakeland.cc.il.us/indexf.cfm.

· Education Grant

Rend Lake College will be receiving a $27,631 grant through the U.S. Department of Education’s Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program. This grant is for the Rend Lake Children’s Center, which currently serves 64 children ages six weeks to five years of age. This is not just a state licensed center, but also accredited, so parents can feel safe that their children are in a great care facility while trying to get ahead and attend college classes.

For more information about the grant, please visit www.ed.gov.

For more information about the center, please visit www.rlc.cc.il.us/.

· Loans for Local Hospital

Richland Memorial Hospital will benefit from as $2.8 million Community Facility Direct Loan. This loan is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development. They will also receive a $1 million Community Facility Guaranteed Loan.

These loans will be combined with $2 million in hospital funds to construct a new ten bed women’s center to provide ob/gyn services in the region. Obstetrics and Gynecology are one of the most needed services in the area, so I am happy that this hospital was able to receive this loan.

To find out more about these loan, please visit www.usda.gov.

For more information on the hospital, please visit www.richlandmemorial.com.

· National Cyber Security Month

October is National Cyber Security Month and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is notifying everyone of a new national consumer education campaign and the availability of resources for safe computing practices.

OnGuardOnline is the name of the program and it combines information from cyber-security experts, online marketers, consumer advocates and federal officials.

Please visit www.OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.

· Do Not Fax Registry

Many of you know about the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 and the National Do-Not-Call Registry. Now you may have found yourself receiving junk faxes at work and at home. Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, you are protected from unwanted faxes as well.

Just like with the Do-Not-Call Registry, if you register your phone number, or in this case your fax number, companies are not allowed to solicit you by phone or fax. Keep in mind that if the individuals calling or faxing have an “established business relationship” with you, they are allowed to continue to do so unless specifically asked not to.

For more information on the National Do-Not-Call Registry, please visit www.donotcall.gov. For specific information on battling junk faxes, you may visit www.junkfax.org.

· New “Traveling Help Desk” Dates

On Thursday, October 20, 2005, Steve Tomaszewski of my Collinsville district office will be available to help the residents of Greenfield and Elsah. In Greenfield, he will be at the Greenfield City Hall on 512 Chestnut Street from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. In Elsah, he will be in the Elsah Village Hall on 51 Mill Street from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

On Thursday, October 27, 2005, Dora Rohan of my Collinsville district office will be available to help the residents of Clay City and Willow Hill. In Clay City, she will be at the Clay City Village Hall on 140 South Main Street from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. In Willow Hill, she will be in the Willow Hill Township Building on 101 South Cumberland from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Appointments are not necessary, so feel free to drop by at any time. For more information, please visit my web page at www.house.gov/shimkus/helpdesk.shtml. I hope you stop in to see us!

Anticipated Action on the House Floor Next Week

· Congress will be in session next week from Monday through Friday.

· Keep an eye on the Office of the Clerk’s web site for upcoming legislation: http://clerk.house.gov/legisAct/index.html. This site provides up-to-date information on House legislative schedules.

Did You Know?

· White House Cornerstone Laid

On October 13, 1792, the cornerstone was laid for the future residence of the President of the United States of America. Under the direction of Irish American architect James Hoban construction of the neoclassical White House began at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, a site chosen by President George Washington. Many years later, in 1800, President John Adams and his family became its first inhabitants.

Later, in 1814, during the War of 1812, the White House was burned by British soldiers. Its shell was rebuilt, enlarged, and painted white to cover the smoke-stained stone. The White House was finished finally in the 1820’s. It is the oldest federal building in the nation’s capital.

For more information, please visit www.whitehouse.gov/history.

Thank you for the interest in my newsletter! Remember to tell your friends about it as well--they can sign up on my web page at http://www.house.gov/shimkus.

Sincerely,

Congressman John Shimkus

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