LEGISLATIVE WORK:

The first session of the 111th Congress included a number of major legislative initiatives aimed at bolstering our economy, increasing consumer protections, and improving the lives of all Americans.  Here are a few legislative highlights that I wanted to share:

- Job Creation/Education

VOTE: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA): I voted for the Recovery Act. It was a combination of tax cuts and investments designed to revive the American economy and pull us from the depths of recession. The legislation provided a Making Work Pay tax cut of up to $800 for 4,530,000 Ohio workers and their families, implemented on April 1st, as well as tax cuts to spur large and small businesses. Investments were made in industries and infrastructure across the board, including for education, technology, roads, green energy, and state stabilization needs. This legislation has resulted in over $259MM of investment in the 6th district as of December 31, 2009.

BILL INTRODUCED: H.R.1405, Head Start Teacher Supply Tax Credit: I introduced this bill so that Head Start teachers and teacher aides would be able to make an above the line deduction for classroom supplies. This legislation would help to address the financial sacrifices Head Start teachers and teacher aides make to improve the quality of education for their students.

BILL INTRODUCED: H.R.2403, Rural Career and Technical Education Expansion Act of 2009: I introduced this bill to provide loan forgiveness to teachers of integrated career and technical education coursework at rural secondary schools. Currently, more and more students, especially in rural areas, are pursuing career and technical education that focuses on critical coursework like technology, business and marketing, healthcare, and other industrial trades. This legislation would provide them with the best and brightest vocational educators.

- Energy
 
VOTE: HR 2454: American Clean Energy and Security Act: I voted NO. This energy reform bill will both reduce greenhouse gases and lead our country to energy independence, but did not go far enough to protect energy consumers and industries in the 6th District. Coal must and will play a major role in our nation’s transition to energy independence. Ohio families and her energy intensive industries, like steel, will bear the brunt of the cost from this version of climate change legislation.

BILL INTRODUCED H.R.3034, Investment in American Steel Act of 2009: I introduced this legislation to promote the use of American steel in the manufacturing of wind turbines and wind towers. This legislation would only allow wind manufacturers who use 100% U.S. manufactured steel to receive 100% of the ARRA tax credit. The tax credit would be reduced based on U.S. steel content. This bill promotes wind energy, while supporting a key Ohio industry.

-  Consumer Protection and Wall Street Reform

VOTE: HR 4173: Wall Street Reform & Consumer Protection Bill: I voted YES.  This bill ends taxpayer bailouts, polices risky behavior by banks, protects consumers from predatory lending abuses, and injects much-needed transparency and accountability into the financial system.

VOTE: HR 1728: Mortgage Reform Bill: I voted YES.  This bill reforms mortgage lending practices to avert a recurrence of the current situation of unprecedented levels of defaults and foreclosures rates.

VOTE: HR 627: Credit Card Reform Bill: I voted YES.  This bill significantly strengthens consumer protections for credit card accounts by prohibiting certain unfair and deceptive credit card practices and providing consumers with tools to manage their credit card debt responsibly.

BILL INTRODUCED: H.R.1603, TARP Wage Accountability Act: I introduced this bill to force companies that took 10 billion dollars or more in TARP funds to abide by the government Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) structure set for our military and government employees.  In 2009, that means that salaries for employees at AIG, for example, couldn’t be raised more than 3.9%.  If the COLA is good enough for our soldiers and government employees, it should be good enough for Wall Street.  The intent of this bill is to stop those TARP recipients that are scheming to change their pay structure to reward themselves with double or triple their salaries. 

-  Regulatory Reform

House Financial Services Committee (HFSC) AMENDMENT: Amendment to Consumer Financial Protection Agency Bill—I offered an amendment that sets up the consumer advisory board by adding one line that will make the board bipartisan.  This amendment will assure that the waves of power will not affect the leaning of the board-that it will remain focused on consumers.  The amendment passed.  

HFSC AMENDMENT: Amendment to Financial Stability Improvement Act of 2009 (FSIA) – I offered an amendment that would require the council created in the bill to send physical reports to congress twice a year.  I believe this supports accountability in Banking Reform. The amendment passed.

HFSC AMENDMENT: Amendment to FSIA—Along with Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York, I offered an amendment that would require the council created in the bill to report to congress twice a year.  This also supports accountability in Banking Reform.  The amendment passed.

FUNDING VICTORY: In the 110th Congress, I successfully fought to allow neighborhood stabilization funding to be spent on the demolition of dilapidated and hazardous property. This standard became law in 2008. In 2009, I fought to have this same standard apply to Recovery (ARRA) funds and to the Regulatory Reform bill. This provides states even more money to do demolition in needed areas, which protects home values, homeowners and supports communities. 

  -  Healthcare

VOTE: HR 3962: Affordable Health Care for America Act: I voted YES. This bill reforms our nation’s health insurance system, brings down the deficit and expands access to affordable, quality health care to nearly every American.  The bill cuts long-term health care costs and reduces the deficit to help grow the economy and put it back on sound footing.  It will cover 96% of Americans and guarantees stability, lower costs, and higher quality for all Americans.   [UPDATE: The Senate passed a different version of this bill. The House ultimately took up the Senate version. In March 2010, I voted YES for the Senate version; it passed and was signed into law. The House then voted on a Reconciliation package, which amended the Senate bill. That bill also passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law.]

BILL INTRODUCED: H.R.1289, Social Security Fairness for the Terminally Ill Act of 2009: I introduced this legislation to eliminate the required five-month waiting period in the Social Security Disability (SSD) program for terminally ill patients. It is unreasonable, even unethical, that people who are dying and who have been approved for SSD still have to wait five months to receive their benefits.  The current system stems from a law put into place to verify that the SSD recipients truly will not work again.  This bill came about because of casework in the 6th district.

LETTER: Mammography Coverage: I wrote a letter to House Leadership requesting continued Mammography coverage for women between the ages of 40-49 after the release of a controversial report.   Eighteen of my fellow Members of Congress signed this pro-health care and pro-women letter with me.

DISTRICT OUTREACH:  In 2009, I conducted 17 roundtable discussions with district health care industry stakeholders, including hospitals, doctors, nurses, children’s advocacy groups, mental health professionals, pharmaceutical representatives and insurance interests.  These meetings allowed for a better understanding of the coming health care reform challenges and opportunities.

-  Other Key Actions

VOTE: HR 2920: Pay Go: I voted YES. This legislation reestablishes the statutory “pay-as-you-go” (PAYGO) requirements that helped turn deficits into surpluses during the 1990s under the Clinton Administration.  [UPDATE: This bill eventually passed the Senate and was signed into law in 2010. This was a very important victory for fiscal responsibility.]

VOTE: HR 11: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act: I voted YES. This bill restores prior law – that each paycheck resulting from a discriminatory pay decision would constitute a new violation of employment nondiscrimination law.  Under prior law and under the bill, as long as a worker filed a charge within 180 days of a discriminatory paycheck, the charge would be considered timely. 

COMMUNICATIONS:
In this day and age, communications is a vital part of any Congressional office, and mine is no exception.   My communications operation is not only designed to keep my constituents informed about what is going on in Congress, but more importantly to give me a reliable way to keep in contact with my district.  Below are a few highlights of our communications outreach in 2009:

-  In Print

During 2009, I published a total of 6 op-eds that have been printed 29 times across our district. Three of those op-eds were on Health Care reform, one was on the Budget & Fiscal Responsibility, one was on Education, and one was a review of key Congressional actions in 2009. 

-  On the Air

Whenever Congress is in session, I keep in touch with my district through radio talk shows interviews. I was on as a guest for a variety of talk shows 59 times this year.

In addition to regular TV interviews I recorded 4 PSAs on the seasonal and H1N1 flu, skin cancer prevention, and disaster preparedness.

-  In New Media

I have sent out 46 eNewsletters to my subscribers across the district.   This inexpensive technology allows me to have weekly contact (at minimum) with an engaged group constituents that values the important information and updates I can provide.

In addition, I expanded my Telephone Town Halls efforts in 2009 and was able to speak to almost 14,000 constituents via this exciting new medium.  I hosted two general telephone town halls in addition to my first-ever issue specific telephone town hall on health care.  

-  Constituent Mail

All constituents who contact my office and leave their contact information are provided with a response to their inquiry in writing.  In 2009, my staff and I responded to almost 40,000 constituent inquiries by U.S. mail and email. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/JOB CREATION:

Economic Development and Job Creation are a major focal point for me.  My office has implemented an economic development strategy that allowed me to lay the groundwork for future business development, serve as a clearinghouse for information leading to partnership development, and support the retention and expansion of local businesses.

Though the recessionary environment during 2009 hampered some economic develop opportunities in the district, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has afforded us a unique opportunity to directly create and save jobs.  

The following are key achievements in my Economic Development efforts: 

 -           Supporting Local Businesses and Jobs

Burger Plant, Belmont County:  FirstEnergy and Local #350 of the Utility Workers Union of America requested my office’s help in coordinating local, state and federal efforts to help FirstEnergy save Belmont County’s Burger Coal-Fired Power Plant.  These efforts helped convince FirstEnergy to invest $200 Million in the conversion of the Burger facility from a coal-fired plant to one that will burn only biomass materials by January 1, 2013.  The conversion will be the largest in the United States when completed and will provide industry leading innovation in engineering and biomass supply chain development.  In the process, the Village of Shadyside, Ohio; the Shadyside School District; Belmont County and over 100 plant jobs were spared with the promise of a multitude of new area jobs necessary to carry-out the conversion and provide bio-mass material to the plant in the future. 

Bellaire Community Hospital, Belmont County: Wheeling Hospital requested my assistance to secure State and Federal approval for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the Bellaire Community Hospital into a Long Term Assisted Care center, bringing dozens of construction jobs and approximately 75 permanent jobs.  Working in concert with the State of Ohio and CMS, the Bellaire Community Hospital is now fully operational and providing much needed care to local residents.

Anthony Mining Company, Jefferson County: Following the U.S. EPA’s review of all Appalachian mining permit applications, Anthony Mining requested assistance to help secure its 404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. EPA.  Through many conference calls with federal officials and much negotiation, a 404 permit was issued to permit the company to begin mining operations near Barnesville, Ohio.

Modular Security Systems, Lawrence County: After touring MSSI’s facilities with Gov. Strickland in Ironton, Ohio, company officials requested assistance with the company’s international growth and federal contract opportunities for its locally manufactured integrated security systems.  Partnering with the Procurement Technical Assistance Center within the Voinovich School for Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University, federal bidding opportunities, including military applications, were identified and company officials were trained in accessing future federal business opportunities.

Ohio Coal Industry, District Wide: With Federal regulators increasing the scrutiny and pressure on Ohio’s Ohio Coal industry, my office effectively fought for our region’s vital coal interests in both Washington and the District.  Most recently, I stood-up for coal by providing testimony against the Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed termination of National Permit 21, which would drastically reduce Ohio’s (and all of Appalachia’s) ability to sustain its mining industry.

Grant/Business Expertise Assistance, District Wide:  My office fielded hundreds of inquiries for financial assistance from all measure of businesses:  entrepreneurs, fledgling ventures and established firms.  My office, though it cannot provide direct funding, takes an active role in assisting these firms reach funding programs from USDA, SBA, the Ohio Department of Development, and private grants sources.  Moreover, my office routinely seeks to ‘match’ businesses to international expansion opportunities through the U.S. Department of Commerce, or business incubation assistance through either the Youngstown Business Incubator or the Ohio University Innovation Center.

Marketing/Awareness Assistance, District Wide:  Whether it was my tour of the Mahoning Columbiana One-Stop with Governor Strickland, Holzer Hospital in Gallipolis, Majestic Manufacturing in New Waterford, the Monroe County Incubator Kitchen in Woodsfield, the Broken Timber Outdoor Education Center in Hannibal, Anatomical Concept in Canfield, Globe Specialty Metals in Beverly, the AGI Plant in Monroe County or Mountaineer Industries in Bellaire, I am able to bring public awareness and assist that particular business, as well as bring attention to the fact that business in the 6th District is alive and advancing.

-           Workforce Development

Workforce Development Roundtable, Jefferson County: In one of the most productive and candid District events of the year, I moderated a roundtable discussion with local community colleges, power industry representatives, the United Steel Workers, the IBEW, and steel manufacturers in Steubenville to discuss public / private workforce education initiatives and how the federal government can assist in providing greater vocational training opportunities for both displaced workers and young people. 

Small Business Administration, Columbiana County: I partnered with the SBA to host a small business development seminar in East Liverpool, Ohio, to assist area small business owners understand the federally funded programs SBA offers to assist in their growth and development.

Labor Management State Leadership Roundtable, Mahoning County:  Partnering with the Regional Chamber of Commerce, local union leaders, and state legislators, my office provides a leading voice in the direction of economic development activities, legislative issues and problem solving in the Mahoning Valley through the Regional Chamber’s quarterly meetings in Youngstown.

CONSTITUENT SERVICES:

While every function of a congressional office is important, I am often most proud of the work we do for our constituents.  Through casework in my district offices, we are able to directly help people with a array of issues, ranging from social security and Medicare problems, to housing concerns, to veterans issues, to small business matters.  Below are a few of our casework highlights for 2009:

-  Casework highlights

IMMIGRATION:
- Successfully appealed an H1B visa for a business owner allowing his small business to remain open.
- Expedited re-issuance of a Legal Permanent Resident card, allowing a constituent to collect her SSA benefits.

VETERANS: 
- Closed a compensation award case that had been dragging on for 6 years.
- Placed a veteran into a specific program at the VA clinic.
- Expedited immediate medical and psychological treatment for a veteran after his service in Iraq.
- Ensured several Vietnam veterans received long overdue medals.

 SOCIAL SECURITY: 
- Expedited a $28K disability back-payment for a constituent, effectively saving her from bankruptcy.
- Successfully helped a widowed constituent receive delayed survivor’s benefits that were tied up for nearly 6 months after her husband’s death.

MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE: 
- Helped someone with a fight to have the bank live up to the original loan modification terms they had promised after the bank reneged, allowing this constituent to stay in their home.

SMALL BUSINESS: 
- Negotiated on behalf of a business owner allowing him to receive the required permits for his store.
 
TAXES:
- Worked with the East Liverpool City Schools and the IRS to successfully negotiate repayment of an unwarranted tax penalty saving the school system thousands of dollars.