Dear Friends,
It’s been a busy and exciting year and we’ve accomplished a great deal, but there is much left to do. So far this year, the House has passed fundamental health care and financial reform, directed crucial federal resources to working Americans and buttressed benefits to those still struggling to find work. We are awaiting Senate action on health care and there will be additional work as we mesh the House and Senate versions into a unified bill to be voted on by both houses before it goes to the President’s desk. The process is not a totally smooth ride, but we are nearer than we have ever been to making the health care system work for everyone.
JOBS IN THE FOURTH – Although the economy is showing signs of recovery and job losses are slowly easing, the pace of recovery is frustrating. From time to time, government agencies are hiring. To better serve constituents of Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District, I will feature as many available government positions as possible as part of this e-letter. The CDC opportunity below is the second in a series of federal jobs I want to bring to your attention. I am also posting this information on my Web site under “Hot Topics: Jobs for the Fourth District.” I hope you find this useful.
CDC INTERNSHIP – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) is offering a 10-week summer internship program for students in environmental studies, ecology, biology, chemistry, engineering, and other related majors that will take place June 9-August 13, 2010. For more information or to apply, click here.
HELPING OUT MAIN STREET – I voted this week for the Jobs for Main Street Act, which will redirect $75 billion in funds set aside to bailout Wall Street and instead send it to Main Street. Building on my H. Res. 950, the bill will target investments for highways and transit, school renovation, loans for small businesses, job training, affordable housing and hiring teachers, police and firefighters. With unemployment in metro Atlanta above 10 percent, we must do more to create jobs. Tapping unspent TARP funds can put people back to work by helping us break ground on more shovel-ready infrastructure projects, expanding credit to small businesses and offering critical job training. For more on this legislation, click here.
REINFORCING THE SAFETY NET – For those hardest hit by the recession, the Jobs for Main Street Act also includes $79 billion in emergency relief to extend unemployment, health benefits (COBRA) and child tax credits until June, 2010.
BRINGING HOME THE BACON – As part of the year-end $447 billion omnibus House appropriations, I’m proud to say that an additional $7 million in federal funds is coming to the District. This funding is critical to our communities that need a little boost and includes $4 million for MARTA, $1 million for Grady Hospital, $500,000 for construction on the I-85/Jimmy Carter Boulevard Bridge in Gwinnett County and $250,000 for gang intervention in Rockdale County. For more on this, click here.
ONE-STOP SHOP – Sometimes it’s difficult to keep track of what your representative is doing in Washington. My Chief of Staff and Legislative Director have done an outstanding job summarizing my accomplishments in 2009 from a legislative, committee and appropriations perspective. Please take some time to look through my record on my Web site under “Hot Topics” Johnson’s Greatest Hits.
PARTNERSHIP ALLIANCE LEARNING SERIES (PALS) – I have two important PALS initiatives coming up to help non-profits and small businesses connect to a myriad of resources that will help them achieve their missions. My first meeting is Friday, Feb. 5, 2010 at DeKalb Technical College, where we’ll have resources available for non-profits and 501(c)3 organizations to help them grow and succeed. On Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 – also at DeKalb Tech – our small business initiative will help local small businesses navigate Small Business Administration resources, learn how to partner with financial institutions and procure government contracts. For more information, call PALS coordinator Paulette Suggs in my Tucker office at 770-939-2016.
FANS ON FACEBOOK – More and more people are using Facebook as a way to interact, learn about government and participate in the marketplace of ideas. I have more than 1,100 fans on my Facebook page, and it’s a great way to keep up with what’s going in Washington and the district. To become a fan, click here.
In the spirit of peace and goodwill toward all men and women, I wish you, your family, friends and loved ones a Happy Holiday season and a Joyous, Happy New Year.
Until next time, be safe and have a great holiday season.
Hank
