Dear Friends,
There’s been a lot going on since I last wrote, so let’s get caught up.
GREEN JOBS IN FOURTH – I’m pleased to announce that Goodwill Industries International will partner with local DeKalb County entities to train 200 south DeKalb residents for green jobs. Funded through a “Pathways Out of Poverty” grant authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Goodwill Industries of North Georgia will use $1 million to provide job training and placement for residents who are chronically unemployed, including people with disabilities, older workers, the homeless and high school dropouts. For more information, visit the Department of Labor Web site.
STAND UP AND BE COUNTED – Stone Mountain is now home to the local U.S. Census office, which opened at 5474 Memorial Drive recently. This office will be the focal point for all 2010 Census operations in DeKalb County. Please make sure you fill out and return the 10-question form when you receive it. For more information, click here.
THE STATE OF HEALTH CARE REFORM –The results of Tuesday’s special election in Massachusetts did nothing to diminish the critical importance of reforming health insurance for citizens and small businesses. Comprehensive health reform is a necessary and achievable goal, and I continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. My position has been clear throughout this entire debate – I support reform that meets the following criteria:
• dramatically reduces the number of Americans who are uninsured;
• prioritizes quality and quantity by regulating the insurance companies so Americans can no longer be denied care due to a pre-existing condition (we have heard of applicants being denied based on a case of acne they had 20 years prior – that nonsense must stop);
• provides adequate subsidies to needy Americans who otherwise cannot afford health insurance;
• provides a public health insurance option to create competition and provides a choice of health insurers;
• removes the anti-trust exemption for insurance companies; ends annual and lifetime caps on coverage
PARTNERSHIP ALLIANCE LEARNING SERIES (PALS) – Because of a lagging economy and stubbornly high unemployment rates, I’m holding two important PALS initiatives to help small businesses and nonprofits connect to a myriad of federal, national and private resources. My first meeting is Friday, Feb. 5, 2010 at DeKalb Technical College at 9 a.m., where we’ll have resources available for nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations to help them grow and succeed. On Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 – also at DeKalb Tech at 9 a.m., 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. You can register for these meetings on my Web site.
TRAGEDY IN HAITI – By now, we are all aware of the horrific human tragedy unfolding in Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. The earthquake has unleashed some of the greatest human suffering I have ever seen. Here are several things we’re doing to help the relief effort and some easy ways you can make a difference.
MEDSHARE DOING YEOMAN’S WORK – DeKalb County-based MedShare, a nonprofit dedicated to improving healthcare and the environment through the efficient recovery and redistribution of surplus medical supplies and equipment to those most in need, sent medical supplies to staging areas in southern Florida for shipment to Haiti via the civilian airlift contacts we provided. Several of my District staff members assisted in packing the supply boxes that made their way to Haiti. To volunteer or learn more about MedShare, click here.
HOW TO HELP – The most effective way to help the people of Haiti is by making financial contributions directly to humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations, thus allowing them to purchase the materials needed to be most helpful in this dire situation. Below are some easy options for making contributions. For additional options, the United States Agency for International Development is a good resource with an abundance of information on organizations accepting donations. Also, you can continue to check the Department of State’s Web site for travel alert updates and information by clicking here.
SEEKING FRIENDS AND FAMILY – If you are seeking information about U.S citizens in Haiti, you can e-mail the U.S. State Department at Haiti Earthquake@state.gov; you can also contact the State Department toll free at 1-888-407-4747. U.S. citizens in Haiti are urged to contact the Embassy through e-mail, ACSPaP@state.gov, to request aid.
HONORING MEDGAR EVERS – This week, I introduced H. Res. 1022 honoring the life and achievements of civil rights hero Medgar W. Evers (1925-1963). The resolution recognizes Evers not only for his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement but also as a soldier in the Battle of Normandy during World War II. Recently, the U.S. Navy named a Lewis and Clark class dry cargo ship after Mr. Evers in light of his courageous efforts to guarantee equal rights for all Americans. Evers remains an inspiration to us all – humble, yet powerful in intellect and inner strength.
WINDING DOWN FLOOD RELIEF – As the need for recovery operations has gradually slowed, Congressional offices and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have consolidated their operations. For folks who still need assistance, please call Bob Merrill at 770-220-5244 or Lynn Henderson at 770-220-5245. The fax number is 770-220-5605. Disaster survivors may still call the helpline to obtain information regarding their application by calling toll-free 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.
KING DAY – On the King Holiday last Monday, I was thrilled to join the King family and so many others from near and far who gathered at Ebenezer Baptist Church for the 42nd Ecumenical Service and then participate in the Stone Mountain Parade and Rally sponsored by the DeKalb NAACP. It was an inspirational day for me, and I hope you spent it supporting a good cause in your community.
WHITE HOUSE INTERNSHIP – The deadline for the 2010 Summer Internship is February 7, 2010. If you know of someone who would like to apply, click here. Check out the most recent video highlighting the fall interns’ service project in nine D.C. high schools.
Thank you for taking the time to read this e-letter. Until next time, be safe and please consider giving generously to Haiti. Thank you.
