It will be weeks before we completely can fathom the magnitude of this calamity.  At a moment when many believed Haiti was entering a hopeful period of stability and economic growth, what we have begun to learn about is heartbreaking and tragic.  As a member of the House Democracy Partnership, which in recent years has worked with the Haitian Parliament to strengthen its effectiveness as an institution, I have witnessed this progress myself. Now the nation’s infrastructure, already one of the poorest in the world, has broken down, with schools, hospitals, and government buildings destroyed.

I especially am concerned about our New Jersey neighbors who were in Haiti – a church group from Mercer County and students travelling with their college - and about the relatives of families of Haitian-Americans in Central New Jersey.  I have spoken with a number of family members and am in close communication with the State Department, working to ensure their safe return.

This unimaginable tragedy requires a massive rescue effort and a long term commitment to humanitarian aid and reconstruction assistance on the scale of our response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. The United States has offered its support, along with other nations and non-government organizations, to help with the humanitarian aid and rescue operations.  I know many constituents want to help as well. The State Department has provided information on making a contribution. Please be alert for possible solicitation scams.

What You Need to Know About the Census

As you may know, 2010 is a Census year.  The Constitution requires that every 10 years, a Census be taken to determine the number of people living in the United States.  The primary purpose of the Census is to determine the allocation of Congressional representatives. If New Jersey doesn’t gain population relative to some other states, New Jersey will lose a seat in Congress (from 13 to 12) and thus lose some federal influence. Your participation in the Census also is crucial to ensuring that Central New Jersey receives its fair share of federal funding, whether it is directed to schools, infrastructure development, or social services.  As our nation has grown – from 3.9 million persons in 1790, the year of the first Census, to over 308 million today – so has the need for developing an accurate picture of our nation’s population and makeup.

The Census Bureau has put together a useful website to explain the importance of participating in the Census, to answer questions about the privacy of your responses, and to provide a preview of the Census form, which will be mailed to your household in March.  Additionally, there is information on how to be hired as temporary, part-time Census takers. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have about the 2010 Census.

It’s Still Flu Season

While the H1N1 flu has not been in the news lately, traditional flu season ordinarily lasts into May, and the CDC has estimated that we could see a third wave of H1N1 illness. This period is a good opportunity to get the vaccine and help prevent the spread of H1N1 flu. The CDC particularly recommends the vaccine for pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses like diabetes and asthma, and people under age 25.

Flu.gov includes a tool to find the vaccine located nearest to you, as well as information about H1N1 and the vaccine.

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.