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WEEK IN REVIEW: 2/1 TO 2/5
February 5, 2010
Contact: Derick Corbett
Taxes and Budget:
· I circulated the second in a series of Dear Colleague Letters on the modifications made to the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program since the Stimulus bill passed a year ago. This letter highlighted the increased taxes employers are now required to pay to fund the unsustainable UI entitlement, including a 48% tax increase on employers in Georgia. To view a copy of this letter click here, “Dear Colleague: UI Modifications.”
· On February 3, during a Ways and Means Committee hearing on the President’s FY2011 Budget, I questioned Treasury Secretary Geithner about his commitment to ensure repaid TARP funds are used to reduce the deficit and not used for other Federal programs. To view my dialogue with Secretary Geithner, please follow this link, “Linder Questions Treasury Secretary Geithner.”
Water Update:
· Introduction of New Water Reuse Legislation-I joined my colleague, Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA), to introduce H.R. 4455, the “Expanding Industrial Energy Efficiency Incentives Act of 2009,” that encourages water reuse and water recycling through industry tax credits at our nation’s hydro facilities. The goal of the bill is to ensure that water is used multiple times before being discharged to the sea. To see the text of this bill click the following link, H.R. 4455.
· I joined my colleagues on the co-chair committee of the House Water Caucus to kick-off a new agenda for 2010. We gathered in January to discuss current water resources management strategies in the United States, including efforts to address Georgia’s ability to provide its residents with enough clean water well into the future. That meeting was followed by a briefing on reforming the methods we currently employ to provide millions in the developing world with access to clean water and sanitation, and the importance of utilizing those methods here at home.
· I was interviewed for a new water documentary, Running Dry: Beyond the Brink, that highlights the state of our water resources in the SE and SW regions of the United States and what we can do to provide solutions to the growing problems. The Water Caucus will host an event on February 24 that will feature this documentary. For additional information about the documentary and event please visit the following link: http://www.runningdry.org/world.html.
Small Business:
· A recent amendment to the bidding process for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs eliminated Georgia’s Elberton Granite Association from producing head stones for our veterans, which they have done honorably since 1941. All of Georgia’s businesses deserve to operate competitively, rather than being burdened and weighed down by over-regulation. In response, I joined my colleagues on the Georgia delegation in a letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in support of preserving fair and impartial treatment on bids for grave stone markers. To view a copy of this letter click on the following link, “Delegation Letter to VA.”
Medicare:
· I joined my colleagues in the Georgia delegation to send a letter to Speaker Pelosi stating our opposition to the expansion of Medicaid under any unfunded mandate. Georgia has been hit hard by the economic downturn and cannot afford to carry the burden posed by new mandates while other states are provided with a free ride. To read a copy of the letter click on the following link, “Georgia Delegation Letter to Speaker Pelosi.”
Social Security:
· On February 4, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4532, the “Social Security Disability Applicants’ Access to Professional Representation Act of 2010,” of which I am an original co-sponsor. It is rare when we can come together to reform our entitlement system while providing better service to Americans and saving the government money. You can view my statement of record for HR 4532 by clicking here, and to view the text of this legislation please click here, H.R. 4532.
Civil Rights Recognition:
· On February 4, 2010, I co-sponsored a resolution recognizing the achievements of Judge John H. “Jack” Ruffin Jr. Judge Ruffin was the first African American Chief Justice of the Georgia Court of Appeals. He passed away, Friday, January 29, 2010. This resolution recognizes the contributions he made to the civil rights movement as well as his community in Georgia.
Weekly Blog Highlight:
· February 3: A reminder for military veterans and their next of kin, and the next of kin of deceased veterans: The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has launched “eVetRecs,” a website that provides an online personnel records system that allows you to electronically request important documents like DD-214s. You may access this new website by clicking here. Once you log on to eVetRecs, you will be prompted to supply all of the information that is essential for the NPRC to process the request. So rather than having to endure the typical time delay when requesting military personnel records, your wait will be minimized—a great benefit especially for those whose needs are urgent.
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