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D.C. Talk

" Homeland Security Advisory Level Lowered to 'Elevated'
Due to intelligence received by the Homeland Security Department, the terrorism threat level in the United States has been lowered to 'elevated' or 'yellow'. Even though the level has been lowered it is important to remember that true homeland security begins with us. If you notice any suspicious or unusual behavior please do not hesitate to contact your local police department. For more information on the Homeland Security Department's Security Advisory System please visit, <http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=29>.

" Quick Implementation of Legislation for our Troops
I am happy to see the Department of Defense has implemented an important piece of legislation approved by Congress that requires the Pentagon to pay for domestic travel for troops on leave from Iraq and Afghanistan. Troops began to fly home for free this week. It is important to note, however, that troops going home on emergency leave to attend the funeral of a loved one, visit a serious ill parent, to be present for the birth of a child, or other emergency do not get paid flights home through the Department of Defense. I encourage everyone to visit <http://www.operationheromiles.com> to learn how you can help the troops come home for these important occasions.

Constituent Corner

" Firefighter Grant to go to Hoyleton Fire Department
I am pleased to announce funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to the Hoyleton Community Fire Protection District. The U.S. Fire Administration, a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, administers the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The department will receive $225,000 for a firefighting vehicle.

" Public Housing Grants throughout the 19th District
We had a successful week in terms of grants for the 19th District. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has given grants to twenty different housing agencies. This money will be used for capital improvements, including modernization, development, management, and financing. Public housing is a necessary tool for many people who would not be able to otherwise afford a home. Those receiving funds are as follows:
¢ Housing Authority of the County of Bond -- $37,603
¢ Housing Authority of Christian County -- $108,741
¢ Clay County Housing Authority -- $49,631
¢ Edwards County Housing Authority -- $49,631
¢ Effingham County Housing Authority -- $27,285
¢ Housing Authority of Gallatin County -- $29,579
¢ Hamilton County Housing Authority -- $20,422
¢ Housing Authority of the County of Hardin -- $39,307
¢ Housing Authority of Jefferson County -- $109,017
¢ Housing Authority of the County of Jersey -- $38,136
¢ Housing Authority of Johnson County -- $21,460
¢ Housing Authority of the County of Lawrence -- $37,440
¢ Madison County Housing Authority -- $287,637
¢ Housing Authority of Marion County -- $140,064
¢ Massac County Housing Authority -- $57,690
¢ Housing Authority of Pope County -- $31,943
¢ Housing Authority of the County of Richland -- $20,721
¢ Housing Authority of the County of Shelby -- $29,090
¢ Housing Authority of the County of Wabash -- $31,456
¢ Housing Authority of the County of Wayne -- $55,643

" Head Start Funding for Mt. Vernon
I am happy to report that Mt. Vernon Schools will receive $180,331 for Head Start Services. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has delegated this money to be used for handicapped training and technical assistance. As a former teacher, I understand the need to develop learning skills at an early age. I am pleased that the Head Start program is giving an added boost to pre-school aged children to ensure a bright and successful future.

" Jefferson County to Receive Funding for Food and Shelter Programs
I am pleased to announce that Jefferson County has been chosen to receive $23,075 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from the Untied Way of America, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities, and the National Council of Churches. A local board consisting of government officials and representatives from the United Way, the American Red Cross, Catholic Social Service, and the Salvation Army will distribute funds to much needed areas in the county.

" New Air Force Program for High School Students
High school juniors interested in attending the Air Force Academy should be aware of a summer 2004 program - the United States Air Force Academy Summer Seminar. This program gives students the opportunity to experience the academic environment, physical requirements, team building, and leadership skills necessary to become a cadet. For more information and to apply log on to <http://www.academyadmissions.com> and go to "Admissions Center" then select "Summer Seminar". Students interested in any of the four military academies could benefit from attending this summer seminar.

" New Grant for Mine Maps and Miner Safety
I am pleased to announce that a grant has been awarded to the state of Illinois to help ensure miner safety from the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration. The grant of $52,000 will assist mine operators in locating abandoned underground mines. The July 2002 incident in Pennsylvania where nine miners were trapped underground is an excellent example of why up-to-date maps are essential. Residents of mining areas with copies of old maps are asked to call 1-888-753-9427. The maps will be copied and returned to owner.

" USDA Announces Drought Disaster
The US Department of Agriculture has designated 42 Illinois counties and 18 surrounding counties disaster areas for losses caused by drought that occurred from July 1 through August 30, 2003. Counties affected in the 19th district include Bond, Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Massac, Montgomery, Pope, Richland, Saline, Shelby, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson. According to the USDA, "This designation makes family-sized farm operators…eligible to be considered for low - interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency." Farmers who need assistance should contact their local FSA office for more information.

" Reminder to Check for Recall Notices
I would like to take this opportunity at the end of holiday season to encourage consumers to check for recall notices issued by the federal government. A website has been established that combines various recalls that have been issued into one place on the Internet. With holiday gifts being exchanged we can easily miss a recall notice for new or old items around our home. Please visit <http://www.recalls.gov> to find out if anything in your home could pose a danger to you and your family.

" New Way to Get Government and Non-Profit Service Information
Good news! Now, if you dial 211 in Illinois you will receive information about governmental and non-profit services and referrals to human services agencies. I think it will be a great help in rural Illinois residents to become more knowledgeable about these services that are available to them.

" St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association Public Policy Council Program
I will be giving a presentation on our nation's energy policy on Friday, January 16, 2004 in the Regional Collaboration Center in One Metropolitan Square (12th Floor) in St. Louis, Missouri. The RCGA will also be offering a continental breakfast. The event will be from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Please RSVP by Wednesday January 14, 2004 to Denise hasty at dhasty@stlrcga.org. Hope to see you there!

" Speech to Junior Statesmen of America
On Wednesday January 7, 2004 I had the privilege of speaking to the Junior Statesmen of America at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. We discussed what it is like to be a member of Congress and the importance of young people being involved in government. As a former teacher there is nothing I enjoy more than having the chance to visit with local students. If you know of a school or group that would like me to come and visit them please contact Deb Detmers in my Collinsville office at 618-344-3065 or via email at deb.detmers@mail.house.gov.

" Interview on WSEC
I recently did an interview with the public television station WSEC. It will air Friday, January 9, 2004 at 10:30 p.m. and on Sunday, January 11, 2004 at both 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Please tune in and support public broadcasting!

" Shimkus to Hold Office Hours in Taylorville and Shelbyville

As part of my ongoing effort to make myself as accessible to my constituents as possible, I will be holding Open Office Hours in several cities in the coming weeks. I encourage you to drop by and share your problems and concerns with me. Appointments are not required, though they are appreciated in order to give me time to adequately address your concerns; if you would like to make one, please call or (618) 344-3065.
Here is the location and time:
o Taylorville, January 13 - This Tuesday, January 13, I will be in the Taylorville Mayor's office on 115 North Main, Taylorville from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
o Shelbyville, January 13 - Also on Tuesday, January 13, I will be in the Shelbyville Mayor's office on 170 East Main, Shelbyville from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information on Open Office Hours, please visit my web page at <www.house.gov/shimkus/openoff.htm>. Hope you drop by and chat with me!

Anticipated Action on the House Floor Next Week

" Congress will reconvene on Tuesday January 20, 2004 for the President's State of Union Address.

" Want to see the House schedule for the year? Please visit: <http://www.majorityleader.gov/media/pdfs/calendar04.pdf>

Did You Know?

" January 6 is the Anniversary of Fellow Illinois Rep. Dennis Hastert Becoming Speaker
On January 6, 1999 Rep. Dennis Hastert of Yorkville entered the 106th Congress as Speaker of the U.S. House. We are fortunate in Illinois to have such a respectable man representing our state. I feel privileged to be working side by side with such a dedicated member of Congress as we both strive to do what is best for our constituents and for our home state of Illinois. For more information on Speaker Hastert please visit <http://www.house.gov/hastert/> and <http://www.speaker.gov/>.

Thank you for the interest in my newsletter! Remember to tell your friends about it as well-they can sign up on my web page at <http://www.house.gov/shimkus>.

Sincerely,

Congressman John Shimkus

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