CONGRESSMAN HANK JOHNSON
Georgia's Fourth Congressional District

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Early Voting Opportunities In the 4th Congressional District

Posted by: Office Staff (October 20, 2008, 09:23 PM)

Early Voting Opportunities

In the 4th Congressional District

 

 

DEKALB COUNTY

404-298-4020

 

VOTE EARLY “Absentee-in-Person”

September 22-October 31, 2008

Monday-Friday, 8:00 am- 7:00 pm

Memorial Drive Complex (across the street from jail)

4380 Memorial Drive

Suite 300

Decatur, GA 30032

 

ADVANCE VOTING

October 27 – October 31, 2008

Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

 

Decatur

330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.

Room A

Decatur, GA 30030

 

Lithonia

Lithonia Middle School

2451 Randall Ave.

Lithonia, GA 30058

 

Northlake

DeKalb Co. Fire HQ

1950 W. Exchange Pl.

Tucker, GA 30084

 

 North DeKalb

Liane Levetan Park at Brook Run

4770 N. Peachtree Rd.

Dunwoody, GA 30338

 

 South DeKalb

South DeKalb Senior Center

1931 Candler Rd.

Decatur, GA 30030

 

 

ROCKDALE COUNTY

 

770-785 -5947

 

VOTE EARLY “Absentee-in-Person”

 

September 19 – October 24, 2008

Monday- Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm.

 

October 25, 2008

Saturday – 9:00 am-1:30 pm

 

ADVANCE VOTING

October 27-28, 2008

Monday – Tuesday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

October -29- 31, 2008

Wednesday-Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

1400 Parker Road

Conyers, GA

(enter Lobby B and follow the signs)

 

 

GWINNETT COUNTY

 

678-226-7210

 

VOTE EARLY “Absentee-in-Person”

 

September 22-October 31, 2008

Monday – Friday 9:00 am-4:30 pm

 

Elections Office

455 Grayson Hwy, Suite 200

Lawrenceville, GA

 

ADVANCE VOTING

October 27 – October 31, 2008

 

Snellville

3035 Betheny Chuch Road

Snellville, GA 30039

 

Norcross

5220 Singleton Road

Norcross, GA 30082

 

Verify your registration at

www.sos.georgia.gov/elections/polllocater

 

Voting Requirements: Valid Photo ID

 

General Election – Tuesday November 4, 2008

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From Speaker Pelosi: Our Record

Posted by: Office Staff (October 20, 2008, 08:34 PM)

From the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi…..

America faces daunting challenges—and clear choices. The worst financial crisis since the Great Depression  imperils our nation’s vitality and the economic security of every American. America’s brave men and women are still fighting a costly war in Iraq while focus needs to be intensified on Afghanistan and terrorism around the globe.

The 110th Congress has begun to move America in a New Direction.

Toward energy independence and clean, renewable energy and an energy efficient future.

To an America more competitive in a global economy, creating high tech and green jobs here at home.

Putting our troops and veterans first.

Working to make college, energy, health care, and home ownership more affordable for every American. Beginning to change the way we do business in Washington and restore fiscal responsibility and accountability to government.

The New Direction Congress has enacted into law key legislation to rebuild our economy, strengthen our national security, care for America’s children and families, protect our planet, and restore accountability—with significant bipartisan support more than 70 percent of the time.

Here is the summary of legislative actions in the 110th Congress:


ECONOMIC RECOVERY:

Economic Rescue Plan with key taxpayer and homeowner protections SIGNED INTO LAW

Recovery Rebates to jump-start economy, help Americans with rising costs SIGNED INTO LAW

Extended Unemployment benefits for 3.5 million Americans SIGNED INTO LAW

First increase in the minimum wage in a decade SIGNED INTO LAW

Saving 380,000 good-paying jobs by meeting shortfall in Highway Trust Fund SIGNED INTO LAW

Authorizing completion of key highway projects, creating 40,000 good-paying jobs SIGNED INTO LAW

Farm Bill with historic new investments in nutrition, energy, and conservation, and launching reforms to farm

payments to reflect farmer need VETO OVERRIDDEN BY CONGRESS, ENACTED INTO LAW

Terrorism risk insurance extension, aiding economic growth SIGNED INTO LAW

Curtailing tax loopholes for companies that ship American jobs off shore SIGNED INTO LAW

Making CEO pay subject to shareholder approval PASSED HOUSE


HOUSING FORECLOSURE CRISIS:

Comprehensive housing foreclosure crisis bill, preventing families from losing their homes and their neighbors

from losing value in their homes, and creating a federal backstop and tough, independent regulation of

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which hold half the nation’s mortgage debt SIGNED INTO LAW

Helping states/localities purchase foreclosed homes, stabilizing communities SIGNED INTO LAW

Tax credit for first-time homebuyers, and property tax deduction for non-itemizers SIGNED INTO LAW

Reform of the Federal Housing Administration, expanding access to affordable mortgages, and to “reverse

mortgages” for seniors who need equity from their homes SIGNED INTO LAW

Stopping tax on “income” when lender forgives part of mortgage in foreclosure SIGNED INTO LAW

Creating an Affordable Housing Trust Fund for rental housing SIGNED INTO LAW


EDUCATION AND COMPETITIVENESS:

Largest college aid expansion since the first GI Bill in 1944, cutting college loan rates in half SIGNED INTO LAW

Uninterrupted access to low-cost student loans, despite credit crunch SIGNED INTO LAW

Giving colleges incentives to rein in tuition increases and expanding college access for low-income students SIGNED INTO LAW

Cleaning up abuses in the student loan industry SIGNED INTO LAW

Innovation agenda creating a math/science teacher corps; doubling research funding SIGNED INTO LAW

Head Start preschool improved and expanded SIGNED INTO LAW

Extended tax cut for innovative research & development SIGNED INTO LAW

Key investments in education VETOED BY PRESIDENT



REDUCING TAXES:

A tax cut for 19 million middle-income American families facing the AMT in 2007 SIGNED INTO LAW

A tax cut for 25 million middle-income American families facing the AMT in 2008 SIGNED INTO LAW

Internet tax moratorium extension SIGNED INTO LAW

Extended tax cuts for homeowners, families, college students, teachers SIGNED INTO LAW


AMERICAN WORKERS:

Minimum wage increased for the first time in a decade SIGNED INTO LAW

Reversing Supreme Court decisions that had weakened Americans with Disabilities Act SIGNED INTO LAW

Extending & improving help for workers who lose jobs to foreign competition PASSED HOUSE

Strengthening the Equal Pay Act by providing more effective remedies PASSED HOUSE

Rectifying a Supreme Court decision to allow workers to pursue pay discrimination claims PASSED HOUSE

Prohibiting employment discrimination based on sexual orientation PASSED HOUSE

Collective bargaining rights for first responders PASSED HOUSE

Free choice for workers to choose their own bargaining representative PASSED HOUSE


AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE:

Health care coverage for 10 million American children VETOED BY PRESIDENT

Expansion of life-saving stem cell research to cure or prevent chronic diseases VETOED BY PRESIDENT

Key investments in health care VETOED BY PRESIDENT

Ensuring 44 million American seniors and people with disabilities have access to doctors they know and

trust VETO OVERRIDDEN BY CONGRESS, ENACTED INTO LAW

Ban on genetic information discrimination in health coverage SIGNED INTO LAW

Ending discriminatory treatment of mental health care coverage SIGNED INTO LAW

Medicare required to negotiate cheaper drugs for seniors and disabled Americans PASSED HOUSE

Blocking $18 billion cut in health care for low-income children & seniors SIGNED INTO LAW

Making America healthier with FDA regulation of tobacco PASSED HOUSE

NATIONAL SECURITY

9/11 Commission terrorism recommendations given force of law SIGNED INTO LAW

Investments to begin to fix the military readiness crisis SIGNED INTO LAW

Iraq benchmarks, progress reports required SIGNED INTO LAW

Providing for responsible redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq VETOED BY PRESIDENT

Extending ban on torture to U.S. intelligence personnel VETOED BY PRESIDENT

Tighter foreign investment rules, after Dubai Ports scandal SIGNED INTO LAW



TROOPS AND VETERANS:

New GI Bill to give free college education to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans SIGNED INTO LAW

Largest veterans’ health care funding increase in history SIGNED INTO LAW

Wounded Warrior Act, improving health care after Walter Reed scandal SIGNED INTO LAW

Major pay raise for troops in both FY2008 and FY2009 SIGNED INTO LAW

Tax relief for military families SIGNED INTO LAW


ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND GLOBAL WARMING:

Landmark Energy Independence law: first new fuel efficiency standards in 32 years, historic commitment to

renewable American bio-fuels SIGNED INTO LAW

Historic new support for non-food bio-fuels in the Farm Bill VETO OVERRIDDEN BY CONGRESS, ENACTED

INTO LAW

Tax incentives to invest in clean, renewable energy and create hundreds of thousands of green jobs SIGNED

INTO LAW

Comprehensive Energy Security & Consumer Protection Act PASSED HOUSE

Making Big Oil pay its fair share for taxpayer-owned resources and transition to energy independence

Protect consumers by releasing oil from the government stockpile and increasing home heating

assistance

National Renewable Electricity Standard (15�y 2020)

Responsible compromise on off shore drilling and increased American production

Standards for more efficient homes and buildings

Reduced transit fares and expanded service

Further close “Enron-like Loophole” to curb excessive petroleum speculation PASSED HOUSE

Holding OPEC and Big Oil accountable for price fixing; cracking down on price gouging PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE

Greening the Capitol, making Congress carbon neutral ENACTED BY HOUSE


REBUILDING AMERICA:

Aid to the Gulf Coast recovering from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita SIGNED INTO LAW

Major new commitment to flood control & environmental restoration projects VETO OVERRIDDEN BY CONGRESS, ENACTED INTO LAW

Omnibus Public Lands Bill, with new protections for national parks, wilderness, historic sites, trails, and water resources from coast to coast SIGNED INTO LAW

Modernizing and improving Amtrak and other inter-city passenger rail for energy

efficiency SIGNED INTO LAW


CONSUMER PROTECTION:

Most sweeping FDA drug safety provisions in more than a decade SIGNED INTO LAW

Banning toxic toys and children’s products from China and other countries and toughening enforcement of the Consumer Product Safety Commission SIGNED INTO LAW

Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights PASSED HOUSE

Passenger Bill of Rights for airline travelers PASSED HOUSE


FIGHTING CRIME:

Improved background checks for gun purchases SIGNED INTO LAW

5,200 New Border Patrol Officers over two years SIGNED INTO LAW

Saved the critical COPS program, proposed for elimination by the President SIGNED INTO LAW

Reauthorized and strengthened Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) for local law enforcement, which thePresident had proposed eliminating SIGNED INTO LAW

Tools and resources to prevent and prosecute hate crimes PASSED BY HOUSE


FISCAL DISCIPLINE:

Pay-as-you-go budget discipline ADOPTED IN HOUSE RULES

A fiscally responsible budget that balances by 2012 and invests in key priorities PASSED BY HOUSE AND SENATE, NO PRESIDENTIAL ACTION REQUIRED

Cracking down on “no-bid” contracts PASSED BY HOUSE AND SENATE

Prohibiting profiteering by U.S. contractors operating in war zones PASSED BY HOUSE

Requiring mandatory fraud reporting for U.S. contractors PASSED BY HOUSE


RESTORING ACCOUNTABILITY:

Widely-acclaimed landmark lobbying and ethics reform SIGNED INTO LAW

New historic independent Office of Congressional Ethics ADOPTED IN HOUSE RULES

Banning pensions for Members of Congress convicted of certain crimes SIGNED INTO LAW

Strengthening Freedom of Information Act for government transparency SIGNED INTO LAW

U.S. Attorney appointments depoliticized SIGNED INTO LAW

Reducing enormous backlog in passport processing SIGNED INTO LAW

Closing off shore tax loopholes for federal contractors SIGNED INTO LAW

Strengthening independence of federal Inspectors General SIGNED INTO LAW

Whistleblower protections strengthened PASSED BY HOUSE AND SENATE

Holding private security firms in war zones accountable for criminal actions PASSED BY HOUSE

Withholding federal contracts from tax-delinquent companies PASSED BY HOUSE

Requiring more transparency by companies that rely on federal contracts PASSED BY HOUSE

Requiring standards for the preservation of White House and federal agency e-mails PASSED BY HOUSE

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Photos from CBC Issue Forum

Posted by: Office Staff (October 10, 2008, 03:35 PM)

The following photos are from Hank's September 27 CBC issue forum, "21st Century Strategies to Create Safer Communities."

































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Photos from August 15 SBA Event

Posted by: Office Staff (September 08, 2008, 03:42 PM)

Congressman Hank Johnson, a member of the House Small Business Committee, hosted a free Small Business Day & Town Hall on Thursday, August 14, at DeKalb Technical College.

This event was held in conjunction with:

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration
  • DeKalb Small Business Development Center
  • DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
  • Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce
  • DeKalb Office of Economic Development
  • Rockdale Chamber of Commerce
  • Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce
Workshops included Procurement, Starting a Small Business, Hiring a Small Business attorney, Financial Management, and Strategic Planning.

The Small Business Town Hall, moderated by Producer/Journalist Ray Metoyer, features panelists:
  • Rep. Hank Johnson, Member, House Small Business Committee
  • Mary McClanahan, GA Economic Development Dept., Governors Office
  • Terri Dennison, Georgia Small Business Administration
  • Roger Campos, Minority Business Roundtable
  • Allan Adams, SBDC








 

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Photos from Jamaal Addison Post Office Dedication

Posted by: Office Staff (September 08, 2008, 03:05 PM)

Hank Johnson, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, lead the designation event for the Specialist Jamaal RaShard Addison Post Office (Lithonia Post Office) on August 2, 2008.

The Congressman introduced and passed the bill renaming the Post Office to honor all Georgians killed in Iraq but named it for Specialist Addison because he was the first Georgian slain.

Specialist Addison died on March 23, 2003 when his convoy was ambushed. A former honor student at Lakeside High School in Tucker, he served with the 507th Army Ordnance Maintenance Company in Fort Bliss, Texas.









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Photos from June 14 State Association of Letter Carriers Convention

Posted by: Office Staff (June 19, 2008, 04:46 PM)








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Photos from June 7 Pleasant Hill Fellowship Breakfast

Posted by: Office Staff (June 19, 2008, 04:43 PM)







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Photos from April 12 Homeowners Summit

Posted by: Office Staff (June 03, 2008, 09:44 AM)









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Photos from Education Forum: Making Education a Priority Among Black Males

Posted by: Office Staff (June 02, 2008, 05:24 PM)





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Photos from 2008 Congressional Art Competition

Posted by: Office Staff (June 02, 2008, 04:40 PM)

Photos from the 2008 Congressional Art Competition


The winner



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Photos from Academy Day 2008

Posted by: Office Staff (June 02, 2008, 04:02 PM)

Hank's nominees have been accepted into the service academies as follows: Robert Roundtree and Tori Preston, US Naval Academy, Annapolis; and Colin Robert Davis, US Military Academy, West Point.

Students interested in attending one of our nation's service academies for the Class of 2013 may learn about the nomination process and download the application by visiting my website.   CLICK HERE for  more information.

The deadline for submission is October 27, 2008. Contact Katie Dailey at 770-939-2016 if you have any questions.

Thanks to all the parents and students who came out to this year's Academy Day at Dobbins ARB! Hank, Mereda, and staff had a great time meeting so many promising young Georgians.  Enjoy the photos.







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Photos from 2008 voters' education workshop

Posted by: Office Staff (June 02, 2008, 04:00 PM)









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Photos from Memorial Day 2008

Posted by: Office Staff (June 02, 2008, 03:48 PM)


Honor guard


Johnson staffer Katie Dailey points to the memorial brick of a family member



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Photo from one-day delegation to Haiti

Posted by: Office Staff (June 02, 2008, 11:42 AM)

Hank visited Haiti on Friday, May 16, for a single-day Congressional delegation to examine that country's dire poverty crisis and ensure that U.S. aid is effectively assisting the many destitute Haitians who are struggling to survive every day.

Haiti is one of the world's poorest countries. An estimated 80% of the population lives below the poverty line amid widespread unemployment; more than two-thirds of the workforce are jobless. As global food prices have risen dramatically over the past year, many Haitians' struggles to survive have become more dire.

The U.S. Government is Haiti's largest donor and has provided over a billion dollars over the last 15 years to reduce poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, and crime. Hank and his colleagues flew to Haiti to ensure that American aid was reaching its targets and effectively easing the lives of the poorest Haitians. (Click here for more information regarding U.S. assistance to Haiti.)

Below is a photo of Hank (far left) and his Congressional colleagues with Haiti's President, René Preval (center, with white beard).



Accompanying Hank on the delegation were Congressman André Carson, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congressman Keith Ellison, Congressman Al Green, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Congressman Gregory Meeks, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Congresswoman Diane Watson, and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard.

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Education forum transcript summary

Posted by: Office Staff (May 14, 2008, 11:56 AM)

Congressman Johnson’s March 29 education forum featured two panels.  The first approached the issues at hand – black males, education, and the achievement gap – from the micro perspective.  The second approached from a macro perspective.  These summaries are derived from transcripts taken at the event.

Micro Panel (LINK):
  • Why isn't education a priority among some black males? (GO)
  • How can we market education to young people? (GO)
  • How can we encourage involvement in after-school, extracurricular, and mentoring programs? (GO)
  • How should families and communities provide the foundations for a child’s education? (GO)
Macro Panel (LINK):
  • How do we begin a discussion of black men and education at the macro level? (GO)
  • How can we inspire and encourage young people to pursue and value education? (GO)
  • Education and educational institutions can provide young Americans with a sense of inclusion. How important is that and how can we promote it? (GO)
  • Audience question: Most people drop out because of difficult tests like the graduation test and the SAT. They leave school once they realize they won’t pass these tests. Some say the tests have no purpose. Why should we have them? (GO)
  • Audience question: What does it take to become a CEO? (GO)
  • Audience question: My son is so bright but he cannot pass standardized tests. The mentality of failing is devastating our kids. It is killing a generation of males. They would rather walk away and be cool than take the test and risk failure. (GO)
  • Roland Martin’s closing comments (GO)


MICRO PANEL, hosted by Ms. Karla Winfrey

* Karla Winfrey, host – Emmy-award winning television journalist
* Shirley Franklin, Mayor of Atlanta
* Dr. Anthony Tricoli, President of Georgia Perimeter College
* Judge Greg Adams, fmr. Chief Judge, DeKalb Cty. Juvenile Courts 
* Malik Salaam, social activist & artist 
* Orie Ward, President of Phoenix Enterprises 
* David Schutten, President of Organization of Educators 
* Keisha Hansen, Prevention/Intervention Specialist at Lakeside High School 

Q: Why isn’t education a priority among some black males? 

* Many high school seniors do not believe post-secondary education is accessible to them.

* Some black males don’t see the benefits of education.

* Even those who are aware that college is accessible may not be connected with the right role models. We need a mentoring program that reaches into middle school.

* We desperately need more mentors. We have to challenge every male to go into a school to mentor younger men.

* 93% of youths in DeKalb County stay out of legal trouble. Let’s not forget to focus on the fact that most kids are choosing to do the right thing.

* Kids are discouraged. They have low GPAs and feel like they can’t compete. They get stuck in a mentality of failure.

 Q: How can we market education to young people?

* Kids will never believe in the system until they see that the system believes in them. We have chronic shortages of educational resources. It is hard to market the notion that there are opportunities when there are not.

* We have to give voice to people who understand that education is possible and valuable. We should involve the entire university system in a mentoring program to get young people who are succeeding in touch with young people who need guidance.

* Young people respond when we communicate on their level. Kids detect insincerity, and they will only respond to the words of their elders if they are approached by a role model who has a respectful, open mind. 

Q: How can we encourage involvement in after-school, extracurricular, and mentoring programs? 

* Mandatory community service programming is a huge plus.

* The home environment is critical. Parents have to encourage involvement and service and get themselves involved in their children’s education.

* Some of the kids most in need of these programs have already been in trouble. We have to welcome kids who have had trouble back into the schools. Einstein was a terrible student as a child.

* We all have to get involved. We have to own this effort ourselves. The jail on Memorial Drive has 3600 beds, and the majority of those sleeping there are dropouts. We need to take ownership and responsibility for our own people, our own communities. 

Q: How should families and communities provide the foundations for a child’s education? 

* In a community with fewer resources, we can promote the idea of manhood. That’s a foundation that can only be built for young men by other men.

* Education for black Americans cannot be discussed without a discussion of the black family. Women are critical. Many of the most successful social movements in our nation’s history were pioneered by women, and we won’t make the changes we want until women get the respect which is their right.

* Take ten minutes a week to mentor a child.

* Everything starts at home. Read with your child. Emphasize the importance of education. We have to follow our words with participation and action, or nothing will change.

 

 MACRO PANEL, hosted by CNN’s Roland Martin

* Roland Martin, host – CNN host and commentator, syndicated columnist
* Kevin Liles, Executive VP, Warner Music Group; fmr. President, Def Jam Recordings 
* Frank Ski, V-103 WVEE Radio 
* Armstrong Williams, syndicated columnist and radio host 
* Dr. Walter J. Broadnax, President of Clark Atlanta University 
* Roberta Shields, President of the Ludacris Foundation 
* Shelley Winter, radio host, WAOK 1350AM Atlanta 

Q: How do we begin a discussion of black men and education at the macro level? 

* A good education depends upon a solid family unit. We have an obligation to provide that foundation for our children, but we also have an obligation to provide that foundation as a community for children whose parents aren’t as supportive as they need to be.

* Young men need to understand the criminal justice system – how to interact with law enforcement and the nature and extent of our rights as citizens. Young men need to know that they will be tried as an adult at 17. What seems like harmless mischief will land you a hefty sentence.

Q: How can we inspire and encourage young people to pursue and value education? 

* Following the civil war, freed slaves walked to Atlanta to pursue higher education. They understood its value and what it could do to improve their futures and the futures of their families. Strong, mature men led these charges.

The same thing happened in the 1960s and 1970s. There was a sense of purpose, of challenges that needed to be met. When we talk about fraternity membership, we’re talking about meeting challenges. When we talk about achieving a college degree, we’re talking about meeting challenges. We have to return to the fundamentals. Meeting challenges – rising to the occasion – is what it means to be a man. We have to rejuvenate that ethic.

* Many young people today equate money with success. While we should remind them that happiness and fulfillment are not tied exclusively to material wealth, they also need to be aware that, if wealth is their goal, education is the surest means to it.

* A lot is made of the connections between hip-hop music, youth culture, and the prevalence of delinquency and criminality among young black males. Artists and record labels do have some responsibility to provide role models with values beyond women, money, luxury, and the “thug life.”

The other side of the same coin: today’s young people connect so strongly with music because they are so open. Today’s kids communicate rapidly, constantly. Just check out MySpace or Facebook. They put their expressions out to the world, like musicians. They want to communicate, not just receive lectures; we have to talk with them, not at them. Take a step back and let them tell you who they are.

Q: Education and educational institutions can provide young Americans with a sense of inclusion. How important is that and how can we promote it?

* Many black men who arrive on college campuses are looking for a deeper form of inclusion. Faculty and staff reach out to create relationships, and a new kind of family forms on campus. That’s the kind of supportive space all young adults, male and female, need as they take their first steps to complete independence. Professors and administrators are like surrogate parents to these kids.

* The Junior College system was created to provide more young adults – even those who have struggled as adolescents, either disciplinarily or academically – with that supportive academic environment. 

Audience question: Most people drop out because of difficult tests like the graduation test and the SAT. They leave school once they realize they won’t pass these tests. Some say the tests have no purpose. Why should we have them? 

* Challenges frighten us. But if we can get over the hurdles, at the end of the day that is a victory, that makes us stronger people. Life is a challenge.

* The real world tests us every day. Be proud of who you are and become determined to succeed – don’t run away from a challenge. There’s nowhere you can run where you won’t be faced with tests of one kind or another. 

Audience question: What does it take to become a CEO? 

* Success in any field is about hard work, not just your degree. Some of the richest people in the United States dropped out of school. We can make mistakes and come back strong -- it’s about getting to work early and leaving after everyone else.

* Find a mentor. Apprentice yourself. Prove that you’re worthy of the industry.

Audience question: My son is so bright but he cannot pass standardized tests. The mentality of failing is devastating our kids. It is killing a generation of males. They would rather walk away and be cool than take the test and risk failure. 

* But the reality is that the test is there. Let’s focus on passing it. Our concern cannot be just the school system’s failure. Our primary concern must be taking control of the education of our own children.

Roland Martin’s closing comments: The story of Nehemiah comes to mind – when he had the vision to rebuild the wall. He did not do it himself; he told the people to build with their left hands and keep their right hands on their weapons. He told the people to rebuild the wall only in front of their own homes, so, after all had done so, the wall would be complete.

Our challenge, at the end of the day, is to rebuild the portions in and in front of our own homes. Don’t leave here asking what someone else will do for you. Ask, “What have I accomplished?” There are more people in this room right now than sat in the basement of the church that created the Montgomery Improvement Association. What are you prepared to do?

 

 

 

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Photos from Congressional Delegation to Colombia

Posted by: Office Staff (April 23, 2008, 12:01 PM)

Hank and several colleagues visited Colombia two weeks ago as part of an official Congressional delegation to prepare for the legislative debate surrounding the proposed U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Hank opposes the deal due to President Bush's refusal to sign into law trade adjustment assistance for Americans threatened by international trade, the FTA's insufficient labor standards for Colombian workers, and the deal's potential effects on poor Afro-Colombians who may be driven off of their land as multinational companies seek to exploit Colombian natural resources.

Here are some photos from the trip.


ABOVE: Hank and his colleagues arrive in Colombia on a U.S. Air Force transport.


ABOVE: Hank and his colleagues meet Colombian children.


ABOVE: Hank meets Colombian flower farmers.


ABOVE: Hank discusses the FTA with his legislative director, Sean Foertsch.


ABOVE: Hank is interviewed on the plane.

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Mark your calendars: Home Owner Summit (April 12)

Posted by: Office Staff (April 03, 2008, 04:22 PM)

These are difficult times for home owners.  To help the people of Georgia's Fourth Congressional District weather this financial storm, Hank will host a Home Owner Summit on Saturday, April 12.

Home Owner Summit: Purchase and Protect

Saturday, April 12, 2008
11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Salem Bible Church
5460 Hillandale Dr.
Lithonia, GA 30058

CLICK FOR DIRECTIONS (map at bottom of this page)

This Home Owner Summit will be comprised of innovative and informative discussion on preserving homeownership within Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District. 

Come find out what works and what doesn’t.  Hear about programs that are available.  This is a day for home owners, housing organizations, lenders, realtors, housing counselors, local, State and Federal Governments to participate in discussion about foreclosure prevention strategies, lending options for potential home owners, and solutions for homeowners in default.

Attendance is free and all are invited.  We hope to see you there!


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Mark your calendars: Making Education a Priority Again Among Black Males

Posted by: Office Staff (March 13, 2008, 02:13 PM)

Save the date of this 2008 Educational Initiative hosted by Congressman Hank Johnson,

MAKING EDUCATION A
PRIORITY AMONG BLACK MALES:
A Macro & Micro Approach

Saturday, March 29, 2008
10AM-2PM

-at-

J.C. LRC Auditorium at Georgia Perimeter College
555 North Indian Creek Drive
Clarkston, GA 30021

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS
(map at bottom of this page)

-with-

Mayor Shirley Franklin
Armstrong Wiliams, Syndicated Radio Host
Dr. Walter Broadnax, President, Clark Atlanta University
Roberta Shields, President, The Ludacris Foundation

-and moderated by-

CNN's Roland Martin



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Mark your calendars: ACADEMY DAY 2008

Posted by: Office Staff (March 13, 2008, 01:45 PM)

Members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation invite all students grades 8-12 to:

ACADEMY DAY 2008

Saturday, May 10, 2008
1PM-3PM

-at-

Dobbins Air Reserve Base
Building 731
1408 Dobbins Place (Cobb Parkway entrance)
Dobbins ARB, GA 30069

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

(map at bottom of this page)

Representatives from all five Military Academies will be available to answer your questions.

Registration is required.  Please call Katie Dailey at 770-939-2016 for more information. Due to security restrictions, you must register by May 2, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates.

NOTE: You must present photo ID, vehicle registration, and proof of auto insurance at the Cobb Parkway entrance for admittance.



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Posted in Defense, The District | 0 Comments | Permalink

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Some new photos from the District!

Posted by: Office Staff (March 12, 2008, 10:37 AM)

Here are a few new photos from recent district events:


Ms. Maryland Nesmith (Principal of Conyers Middle School) speaks at the 2007 Education Town Hall Forum.


Hank's Congressional Military Service Academy Committee


Hank with Daniel Petrez, Rockdale County Teacher of the Year


Hank with the Conyers Middle School Robotic Team


Hank with his wife, Mereda, and and DaJanae Richardson

Posted in Defense, Education, Photos, The District | 1 Comments | Permalink

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Photos from around the District

Posted by: Office Staff (November 27, 2007, 01:47 PM)









Posted in Photos, The District | 3 Comments | Permalink

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Home Foreclosures Help Center

Posted by: Office Staff (October 12, 2007, 06:20 PM)

[LAST UPDATED MAY 12, 2008]

Home ownership is at the heart of the American dream. Homes are the building block of neighborhoods. And they’re an important part of a family’s financial security.

That's why foreclosure is such a painful experience for the one and a half million Americans who will lose their homes to foreclosure this year. In September of 2007 alone, 223,000 Americans faced foreclosure.

My colleagues in the House of Representatives and I passed legislation on May 8, 2008, that will respond directly to the crisis currently facing middle class Americans and provide the tools to prevent a similar housing crisis in the future.  The Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 (H.R. 3221) will slow the spread of foreclosures and restore confidence in the housing market by providing more affordable refinancing and borrowing options for American families. 

Please do not hesitate to call my Washington, DC, office if you need any additional assistance; ask for Todd Williamson or Jonathan Ossoff. The number is (202) 225-1605.



What is Home Foreclosure?

According to the Home Ownership Preservation Foundation (995hope.org), foreclosure is "a legal action used by a mortgage company to recover any money from a customer when the customer does not pay his or her debt in accordance with the mortgage agreement. In other words, it's the legal remedy used by a mortgage company to assume ownership of a property when the required loan payments are not made. Foreclosure obliterates otherwise good credit.

"Although the actual process varies from state to state, foreclosure revolves around a homeowner's inability to keep up with monthly mortgage payments. The farther behind the homeowner gets, the closer to foreclosure the homeowner becomes."

Click here to open a new window with a list of common myths about foreclosure.


How to Avoid Foreclosure

If you are facing financial difficulty and suspect you may be unable to make your payments on time, first contact your lender. You may be able to renegotiate the terms of your mortgage.

We also highly recommend you consult the resources listed below (Atlanta Legal Aid Society and the Home Ownership Preservation Foundation). It is better to have contacted them before you are in urgent need of assistance.


What Can Families & Individuals Facing Foreclosure Do?

Atlanta Legal Aid Society and the Home Ownership Preservation Foundation are non-profit resources for families and individuals facing foreclosure. We recommend you contact both to maximize your access to information. Contact Atlanta Legal Aid at one of their offices:
  • DeKalb County: (404) 377-0701
  • Gwinnett County: (678) 376-4545
  • Downtown Atlanta: (404) 524-5811
  • SENIOR CITIZEN HOTLINE: 1-888-257-9519
  • South Fulton / Clayton County: (404) 669-0233
We highly recommend the Home Ownership Preservation Foundation hotline for immediate counsel. HPF's representatives -- experienced advisors from HUD-approved agencies -- will be able to give you support and advice in your hour of need. Call now: 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

Posted in Economy, Housing, The District | 10 Comments | Permalink

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Photos from September 15 Health Fair

Posted by: Office Staff (October 05, 2007, 12:25 PM)

Many of you joined Hank on September 15 for a well-attended and very productive Health Fair for youth and young adults at South DeKalb Mall.

Here are some photos from that very successful event. Thanks to all who attended!







Posted in Health, The District | 2 Comments | Permalink

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Photos from Hank's Trip to Iraq & Afghanistan

Posted by: Office Staff (August 28, 2007, 02:20 PM)

Last April, Hank was a member of a congressional delegation that visited Iraq and Afghanistan.

Upon his return, Hank said, "Following the trip I have an even deeper appreciation for our citizenship and the awesome responsibility facing our troops and the families they leave behind. My position regarding Iraq is perhaps firmer and I am absolutely certain that we must set limits on funding and establish deadlines to extract our service personnel as soon as possible."

Here are photos from that trip.


Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan


Camp Eggers, Afghanistan


Camp Eggers, Afghanistan


In a helicopter over Ramadi, Iraq


Ramadi, Iraq


Ramadi, Iraq


Umm Qsar, Iraq


Umm Qsar, Iraq


Umm Qsar, Iraq

Posted in Defense, Foreign Affairs, Iraq, Photos | 4 Comments | Permalink

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Photos from July 28 Military Townhall

Posted by: Office Staff (August 09, 2007, 03:20 PM)

Many of you joined Hank on Saturday, July 28, for a very important town hall meeting, "Serving Those Who Serve" -- a Q&A session with expert representatives from a variety of agencies and organizations for active service members, veterans, and their families.  Here are some photos from that very successful event.

















Posted in Photos, The District | 4 Comments | Permalink

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Welcome to Hank’s Blog

Welcome to my blog. Here you’ll find informal commentary, updates, and announcements written by me and my staff.

Add this page to your bookmarks so you can get the inside scoop from Washington. Leave your comments and I will do my best to respond to some of them.
--Hank

Hank

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