Rep. Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter for Friday, Feb. 8, 2013

Dear friends,

As Congress continues to debate how we fund government, reduce the deficit and protect our commitments to low-income citizens and the elderly, I believe we must first look at closing loopholes and deductions enjoyed by corporations and the wealthy before we slash or irrevocably alter the social safety net.

I agree with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle – we must reduce the deficit. We can’t keep putting wars, prescription plans and tax breaks for the wealthy on the credit card.

How did President Obama put it in his Inaugural Address? “Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security – these do not sap our initiative; they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make our country great.”

As we seek bipartisan solutions to our fiscal challenges, I will continue to fight for the middle class and all those who strive to get into the middle class. We must build an economy that grows from the middle out, not the top down.

For more on my thoughts on this subject, please read my editorials in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The USA Today and The Huffington Post.

THE SEQUESTER: Part of the budget debate centers around drastic across-the-board spending cuts – called the “sequester” or sequestration – that are set to take effect March 1. If they go forward, it will slow our economic recovery. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, the $85 billion in cuts to defense and non-defense programs could plunge us back into recession and cost us 1 to 2 million jobs.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said, “Sequestration, which is this goofy meat-axed approach, would force across-the-board salami-slicing cuts of the worst kind.” I agree. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I take these cuts to the military very seriously.  

Georgia could see an 8.5% cut to federal grants and more than 5% cut to defense spending. While Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will not be impacted, agencies such as the National Weather Service are already talking about shutting down radar on sunny days in the South and new federal grants for medical research at places like Georgia Tech, University of Georgia and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could be postponed.

This is no way to run government – by crossing our fingers and hoping no unexpected storms pass through?

Instead of balancing the budget by slashing health care for children and women, food and nutrition assistance for struggling families, and aid for seniors, I prefer a plan to end huge subsidies to large oil and gas companies, ensure that people making over $1 million per year do not pay a lower tax rate than middle-income Americans, and eliminate direct payment farm subsidies.

Congress must do what’s right for the American people, not what’s wrong for the economy. We must work together to create jobs and strengthen the middle class, as we responsibly reduce the deficit. For more, click HERE.

IMMIGRATION REFORM: I’m encouraged by the bipartisan consensus forged by my colleagues in the Senate and President Obama’s proposal to fix our broken immigration system. We are a nation of immigrants, and we cannot move forward with antiquated policies that promote mass deportation, persecution and racial profiling.

It is paramount that our country creates a pathway to citizenship for outstanding young people, law-abiding immigrants and the next generation of innovators and job creators. As a member of the committee that will oversee the reform process – the Judiciary Committee – I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to make comprehensive immigration reform a reality. For more, click HERE.

CAPTIAL & CREDIT CAUCUS: I’m pleased to report that I am the newest member of the Congressional Caucus on Access to Capital and Credit, which examines issues related to establishing and accessing consumer credit for underserved constituents. The caucus focuses on policy and community outreach to expand consumer knowledge and access to credit. It is my goal to use the insight that I gather from caucus discussions to promote sound credit practices in the Fourth District.  For helpful information about credit and credit reporting, click HERE.

ROCKDALE RESOURCE SUMMIT: Next month, my office will participate in the Rockdale Nonprofit Resource Summit. We'll be sharing valuable information and resources with nonprofit organizations so they can continue to enhance the lives of those we serve. For more, click HERE.

WHAT: Rockdale Nonprofit Resource Summit

WHERE: Rockdale Career Academy: 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers 30094.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 12, 2013; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

GA TREND’S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL: Last month, I was honored by Georgia Trend magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians for 2013. I’m humbled to be mentioned in the same breath as my fellow awardees, including Rep. John Lewis, philanthropist Arthur Blank, Chief Justice Carol Hunstein, Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and U.S. Poet Laureate and Emory Professor Natasha Trethewey. Serving the people of the Fourth District is a singular honor. As long as I’m in office, I will give citizens of the Fourth everything I’ve got. For more, click HERE.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: This month, I join millions of Americans in marking the annual celebration of February as Black History Month. This year’s theme is: “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.” In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, I wrote a “Letter to Frederick Douglass” to share my thoughts with the great Douglass on the fruits of his labor and to highlight the work ahead. For more, click HERE.

HIRE A HERO: The Technology Association of Georgia is holding a career fair at Fort Gordon in Augusta on March 13. Businesses receive tax credits – The Returning Heroes Tax Credit and the Wounded Warrior Credit – for hiring veterans. Businesses interested in learning more should e-mail Brian Inman at brian@tagonline.org; Heather Miner at heather@tagonline.org or by calling 404-817-3333.

NEWTON COUNTY: I’m proud to now represent parts of Newton County, including Covington, Oxford and Porterdale. Newton County is a special place, and its featured in this month’s Georgia Trend magazine. For more, click HERE.

SNELLVILLE OFFICERS: Congratulations to all the Snellville police offers who were recently honored for their professionalism over the past year. For more, click HERE. And a congratulations is also in order for the city completing Phase II of the T.W. Briscoe Park improvements. Way to go Snellville! For more, click HERE.

SOUTH RIVER WATERSHED ALLIANCE: SRWA in south DeKalb has a new slate of projects in 2013 to help clean and beautify the South River. To get involved or volunteer your time, visit their website at SOUTHRIVERGA.ORG.

POLICE ALLIANCE: The DeKalb Police Alliance, an independent nonprofit that supports law enforcement officials and their families, is holding their signature fundraiser on March 22. The Alliance provides – among other things – a $100,000 life insurance policy for the families of officers killed or gravely injured in the line of duty. For more information, click HERE.

As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.