Dear Friend,

Last year Congress enacted a GI Bill for the 21st Century, historic legislation that provides veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with a full, four-year education, among other benefits. Some veterans who have enrolled in college have not yet received their student aid, so Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki has authorized a $3,000 emergency advance for students who have applied for benefits.

Students may obtain these advances, on-the-spot, by visiting their regional VA benefits office or by applying online at www.va.gov. Students without transportation can call their nearest VA medical center and ask for assistance getting to the nearest office.  While the VA improves its processing, we can be grateful Secretary Shinseki has taken this step to see that our veterans can concentrate on their studies.

Supporting Small Businesses

Last week, I hosted a group of 50 New Jersey high-tech small businessmen and women in Washington, where they met with members of Congress and leaders from government agencies and business associations. Much of America’s economic success comes from innovation and development by America’s small businesses. Restoring our economic growth requires nurturing this strength.  I think these businesses had a constructive dialogue with policymakers on issues that affect them and our economy. Participants learned how to take advantage of federal small business research grants and procurement opportunities.

One opportunity we talked about was the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, which has proven to be a successful way to advance technological innovation and support small businesses. The SBIR program has resulted in more than 55,000 patents and hundreds of valuable innovations in defense, energy, health sciences, transportation, and other fields. The program, created in 1982, allows government agencies to fund projects to meet agency needs by supporting small businesses that propose ideas for marketable technologies. Congress is working to reauthorize this program.

Town Hall Meeting in West Amwell

I will be holding a town hall meeting on Saturday, October 17 at noon in West Amwell. The meeting will be held at the South Hunterdon Regional High School Auditorium, which is located at 301 Mount Airy-Harbourton Road.

If you are unable to attend this town hall, I will be hosting other town meetings regularly.  I announce the meetings in the eGenda and on holt.house.gov.  And of course, you can always write, call, or fax me. If you have any questions about the town meeting, please call me toll free at 1-87-RUSH-HOLT.  Thank you, and I hope to see you in West Amwell.

Sincerely,

RUSH HOLT
Member of Congress

P.S. Just a reminder: I always want to hear from you, but please don’t reply to this e-mail.  Instead, please email me through my website at www.holt.house.gov, or call me at 1-87-RUSH-HOLT (1-877-874-4658) to let me know what's on your mind.  Please also note that you may unsubscribe from this list by clicking on the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of this email.