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March 2008
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your interest in hearing from me about the issues that matter to Ohio. Each month, I will send out an email updating you about efforts in Ohio and Washington to strengthen our communities and build Ohio's middle class.
In addition, I invite you to visit my Web site at http://brown.senate.gov, or click any of the links below to learn about other important issues and to email me your questions, concerns, and comments. Together, we can work to make sure Ohio's needs are heard on Capitol Hill.
Once again, thank you for your interest.
Sherrod Brown
Veterans:
The federal government must do all it can to ensure Ohio's one million veterans get the benefits they've earned - and deserve. I have serious concerns regarding the president's budget for 2008, which would cut funding for VA medical research, increase co-pays for our veterans, and take resources away from the Inspector General's office, even though that office plays a critical role in ensuring that the VA is doing its job properly. We owe our brave men and women who served in uniform a debt of gratitude. The best way to repay them is to work tirelessly on their behalf. I will continue working with my Senate colleagues on a budget that honors the dedication and service of Ohio's veterans.
In addition, a new generation of veterans faces unique challenges, and I was proud to introduce two bills that will ensure veterans and their families are receiving the support necessary to be successful civilians. S.2644, the Discharged Service Members Protection Act, would create safeguards before the Department of Defense may discharge service members
suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other related conditions. S. 2677, the Supporting Education for Returning Veterans (SERV) Act will create campus Centers of Excellence for veteran students to provide specialized transition assistance, including support with admissions, registration, financial aid, personal or mental health counseling, career advising, and disability services.
Banking/Foreclosure:
As the mortgage crisis tightens its grip on the nation, tens of thousands of Ohioans are struggling to keep their homes. With 200 families forced into foreclosure every day, Ohioans remain burdened by
unaffordable loans and irresponsible lending practices. Congress needs to help communities across America get back on their feet. I cosponsored Senator Harry Reid's legislation, the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008, that would
take significant steps to address this issue by increasing counseling funds, providing funding for purchasing and rehabilitating foreclosed properties, allowing bankruptcy judges to modify the loans of families facing foreclosure, and simplifying disclosure of mortgage loans. Unfortunately, the members of the minority party of the Senate refused to even consider this legislation. I will continue to push for this and other effective solutions to the foreclosure crisis.
Earned Income Tax Credit:
Working Ohio families face greater challenges as they fight to make ends meet. Many families continue to work hard but find their paychecks are not keeping up with the bills.
There is no better time for Ohioans to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) than now. The EITC, a federal income tax credit recognizing the economic
contributions of working families, reduces or eliminates the tax burden for millions of low- and middle-income wage earners. However, as many as 25% of eligible Ohioans do not claim the EITC. I encourage eligible Ohioans to take advantage of the EITC and apply. For 2007 earnings, the maximum credit is just over $4,700, and families with incomes up to almost $40,000 may qualify.
Stimulus:
I have held 85 roundtables across Ohio in the last year to meet with people from all walks of life. In every one of them there has been understandable frustration with the current economic downturn
afflicting much of our state. Soaring gas prices, college education costs, job loss, and foreclosure rates have made everyday life that more difficult for the Ohio middle class. That is why I supported the economic stimulus
package passed by Congress a few weeks ago to give the economy a boost. While these checks will provide help to many low- and middle-income Ohioans, they are not automatic. Only people who file tax returns for their
2007 income will qualify. Even though many seniors living on social security, railroad retirees, and disabled veterans are not normally required to file returns, they must do so this year to receive the benefits they deserve.
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