As mentioned in last month's email update, the House
of Representatives has created new rules in regards to the way we
are allowed to send out email updates. In order to comply, each office
must compile a list of constituents who have requested their updates.
Please respond to this email and confirm that you would like to be
included on the email update list by writing, "Please sign me
up for email updates." You must also type out your name and
address. Unfortunately, even if you have done this before, you must
resubmit your request. You may also visit my Web site and sign up
for the update there.
Currently, there are a set of guidelines that Members of Congress
use for large communications called "franking." In the
past, email and postal mail followed the exact same rules. The
new rule that I was referring to allows for Members of Congress
to use their email communications more freely and quickly to correspond
with constituents while still adhering to the guidelines set up
with franking.
Please rest assured that your personal information is only for
me to continue communicating with you. I could not, nor would not,
send or sell your information to any outside person or group. The
reason you have been asked for confirmation of your wanting to
receive these email updates is simply to allow for an update of
my records and to follow a new House of Representatives rule regarding
emailing constituents.
Thank you in advance for signing up!
Following Alcoa's announcement that Intalco will remain open,
but that 200 jobs will be lost at the Ferndale plant, I have been
working hard to ensure those workers who lost their jobs have the
resources they need to get back on their feet.
I recently convened a meeting with representatives from Whatcom
Community College, Bellingham Technical College, the local Machinists
Union, and Worksource, an organization working to assist laid-off
workers. At this meeting we discussed retraining and educational
opportunites as well as work options for those who have been laid
off. While we continue to work to keep the Intalco plant open and
get those laid off workers rehired, I can only imagine the difficulty
immediately facing many families. It is critical that we continue
providing retraining and educational opportunites to laid off workers,
offering them the best possible assistance and opportunies to re-enter
the workforce.
As you may be aware, an agreement between investor-owned utilities,
public utilities, and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)
has been created that could lead to an electricity rate decrease
of over 7 percent. Should all parties sign the agreement, BPA will
refund a check, to all customers including Alcoa, equal to a 7.49
percent rate decrease retroactively to October 1, 2003. I will
continue to work hard to ensure that all parties sign the agreement,
the rate decrease is refunded, and that the Intalco plant stays
open.
On Veterans Day we honor all the men and women who have dutifully
served to protect our country and our families. Today, our women
and men in uniform are engaged in the war on terrorism and in Iraq.
They remind us of all those who have answered the call to defend
our security and our freedoms throughout our history. I want to
thank all of our veterans and their families for the sacrifices
they have made.
Currently, I continue to fight to end the unfair "Disabled
Veterans Tax" once and for all. Disabled veterans are denied
the retirement pay they deserve -- losing dollar for dollar what
they receive in disability compensation. As you may know, the Republican
leadership has recently announced plans to bring legislation to
the House floor addressing the Disabled Veterans Tax as part of
the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004. The compromise
plan calls for funding for retirees whose injuries are severe enough
to qualify for compensation. Unfortunately, the plan would leave
out 480,000 veterans and would take entirely too long to implement.
This legislation is a step in the right direction, but drastically
falls short of providing veterans with the full funding of concurrent
receipt that they indisputably deserve.
In addition, I was one of the first Members of Congress to sign
onto a discharge petition to force a vote on H.R. 303, the Retired
Pay Restoration Act of 2003, which would end this unfair treatment
of our disabled veterans. A majority of House Members must sign
the petition to bring the measure up for a vote. To date, 200 Democrats,
two Republicans, and one Independent have signed the petition -
meaning we are only 15 Members short of the 218 needed.
Also, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to attend
one of my three upcoming forums focused on veterans issues and
concurrent receipt.
Saturday, November 8th - American Legion Post #129, 690 Southeast
Barrington Drive, Oak Harbor, 3:30 until 4:30.
Monday, November 10 - Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2100, 2711
Oakes, downtown Everett, 11:30 until 12:30
Tuesday, November 11th, Veteran's Day - American Legion Post #91,
721 E. Fairhaven, Burlington, 2:00 until 3:00
Two weeks ago I flew home to tour areas affected by the flooding.
I joined local elected officials, emergency personnel, the National
Guard and Governor Locke toured flood-damaged areas of Skagit and
Snohomish Counties. I met with many residents whose homes and property
were severely damaged. I cannot say enough about the efforts of
the over 2,000 volunteers and emergency crews who worked to protect
Burlington, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley, and helped protect
lives and property throughout the state. I also cannot thank enough
the Red Cross and relief personnel for their efforts to take care
of the basic needs of residents in Northwest Washington. In addition,
county officials and first responders deserve much thanks for their
effective emergency planning and quick execution to protect lives
and property.
As you may know, Governor Locke requested that President Bush
declare a federal disaster area for the Washington state counties
hit hard by the flooding. Governor Locke requested federal assistance
for 15 counties, including Snohomish, Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan,
King and Island counties. In the days and months ahead, I will
do everything I can to ensure that the president and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency continue work to help residents in
Washington state.
To report flood damage, contact the following county offices:
Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management at 425-423-7635.
Skagit County Department of Emergency Management at 360-428-3250.
Whatcom County Division of Emergency Management at 360-676-6681.
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