GAO reports that States were unable to collect over $150 million last year under current Federal program  

WASHINGTON, DC — Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Chairman John Lewis (D-GA), today introduced the State Tax Administration Assistance Act of 2009, to assist States in the collection of delinquent income taxes.   Currently, a Federal program allows States to offset Federal income tax refunds for delinquent State income taxes only if a taxpayer resides in the State seeking the offset.  The bill would remove the same-State requirement and allow States to collect unpaid State income taxes from nonresidents under the program.

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Rep.  John Lewis announced that the economic recovery payments for Social Security recipients will begin to go out on May 7 – with the goal of complete disbursement  by the end of May.   These payments were provided by the American Economic Recovery and Investment Act.  In mid-May, additional Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will also begin to go out. 

Rep. John Lewis made the following statement upon learning of the death of Rep. Jack Kemp:

“We have lost an outstanding American.  Jack Kemp was a statesman who, especially in his later years, tried to reach across the aisle to solve some of our nation’s problems.  He was deeply concerned about the struggles of urban America, especially those of inner city youth.  His voice will be deeply missed.”

WASHINGTON, DC –Yesterday the House voted to pass the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009, H.R. 1913 by a vote of 249 to 175.  The bill expands the definition of hate crimes and provides law enforcement officers with the tools they need to prosecute these crimes.  Rep. John Lewis made the following statement on the bill:

“Madame Speaker, while it is an honor to be able to participate in today’s debate, I must say that it gives me feelings of both joy and sorrow.  Sorrow because. in the year 2009, I would hope that we should not have a need for such a bill.  I  find it most ironic that some of the very same voices in the community who speak out against this bill are the very same voices that question whether racism and prejudice no longer exist simply because a person of color has been elected President.  Racism, prejudice, and hate did not disappear on November 4th, 2008.  Nor did they disappear on January 20th, 2009. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. –On Wednesday April 29, Rep. John Lewis will attend the arguments of a Supreme Court case for the first time in his congressional tenure. Arguments will begin at 10 AM at the U.S. Supreme Court.  Rep. Lewis will walk from his office to the court at about 9:15 AM.  He has visited the court, but he has never sat to hear a case in the almost 23 years since he’s been in office.