|
|
This week, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting with leaders and members of the Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) hosted by Harold and Shannon Burton at their livestock operation in May's Lick. It was a great evening. I want to thank the Burtons for their hospitality and the assembled KFB members for all they are doing for our Commonwealth.
|
Weekly Column: Increased Domestic Energy Will Lead to More American Jobs
A new strategic energy policy that embraces an 'All of the Above' philosophy will decrease our energy costs, provide a boost to our economy and create new jobs throughout America. The high cost of fuel has had a sweeping impact on our economy and our workforce. Many businesses have been forced to cut budgets and lay off employees in order to pay for the numerous cost increases that have resulted from high gas prices. We must act now to increase the supply of American-made energy and diversify our energy production.
According to the National Defense Council Foundation, a non-profit think tank, developing natural gas and oil resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) could create more than two million new jobs across the U.S. (National Defense Council Foundation; "The Economic Impact of ANWR Resources"). The Council also estimates that States could gain up to $3 billion in new revenues from energy production in ANWR. The Rand Corporation, another non-profit think tank, estimates that the oil shale industry could create more than a hundred thousand new jobs and provide billions in revenue for local, State and national governments (Rand Corporation; "Oil Shale Development in the United States").
The Energy Information Agency estimates that America's energy demand will increase by up to twenty-five percent by 2030. In order to meet this growing demand, we must explore alternative energy resources. Expanded and diversified energy production through coal-to-liquid technology, wind, solar and nuclear plants can also drive job creation across the nation. The development of coal-to-liquid plants could be particularly beneficial for Kentucky as a generator of thousands of jobs in our region and as a source of clean, stable, affordable fuel for our nation.
As our energy needs continue to increase, we will become progressively more dependent on unstable foreign regimes to meet our energy needs unless some serious changes are made to our national energy strategy. Developing a comprehensive approach that takes advantage of all our American energy resources will not only reduce the pain at the pump, but will also decrease the unemployment rate and bring more revenue into our nation.
In July, my Republican colleagues and I introduced the American Energy Act (H.R. 6566). This legislation takes an 'All of the Above' approach that will increase the supply of American-made energy, improve conservation and efficiency, and promote renewable and alternative energy technology. The American Energy Act puts all our energy options on the table and promotes the use of all our domestic energy resources, including wind and solar power, oil and natural gas in ANWR and the Outer Continental Shelf, and coal and nuclear technology.
While House Democrats have been on vacation this month, my Republican colleagues and I have been demanding a vote in Washington, D.C. Over the past three weeks, nearly 130 Republicans have spoken on the House floor about the variety of energy solutions that could reduce our dependence on foreign oil, lower gas prices and create more American jobs. It is time for Congress to listen to the American people and immediately hold an honest and open debate on comprehensive energy strategies like the American Energy Act.
Back to Table of Contents
D.C. and District Talk
Grant of $125,000 announced for Carter County Drug Strike Force
I am pleased to announce that Carter County will receive a $125,000 Drug-Free Communities (DFC) federal grant for the Carter County Drug Task Force. The Drug Free Communities Program recognizes the great potential that the Carter County Drug Task Force has to help save kids' lives. This new funding will allow Carter County to mobilize and organize its communities in the effort to prevent and reduce substance abuse.
The DFC program provides grants of up to $625,000 over five years to community organizations that facilitate citizen participation through a competitive peer review process. To qualify for matching grants, all awardees must have at least a six-month history of working together on substance abuse prevention initiatives, develop a long-term plan to reduce substance abuse, and participate in a national evaluation of the Drug-Free Communities Program. More information about the Drug-Free Communities program is available at . www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/dfc
To learn more on the full range of grant resources and constituent services offered by my office, please visit my website at or call (859) 426-0080.http://geoffdavis.house.gov/
Back to Table of Contents
Picturing America with the National Endowment for the Humanities
 The National Endowment for the Humanities' (NEH) new Picturing America initiative provides an innovative way for citizens of all ages to explore the history and character of America through some of our nation's greatest works of art. Images of people, places, and events that illustrate American history can give citizens everywhere a chance to better understand our country's founding principles. From the courage and leadership portrayed in Emanuel Leutze's painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware" to the power of American democracy shown in Norman Rockwell's "Freedom of Speech", works of art represent enduring American ideals.
Picturing America is available free to all eligible public, private, parochial, and charter and home school consortia (K-12), as well as public libraries in the United States and its territories. These organizations will receive:
- Forty high-quality reproductions of the selected masterpieces (24" by 36")
- An in-depth teachers' resource book to provide educators with substantial background information and ideas for using the reproductions in core subjects.
- Access to an online resource that provides lesson plans and more detailed information on the masterpieces and artists.
For more information and an online application, visit PicturingAmerica.neh.gov. Applications will be accepted August 4th through October 31st.
Back to Table of Contents
Kentucky Arts Council seeks nominations for Kentucky Poet Laureate
September 30th is the nomination deadline for the post of Kentucky Poet Laureate for the 2009-2010 term. The Kentucky Arts Council coordinates the nomination and selection process for the position, which was created by the General Assembly in 1991 to honor an outstanding Kentucky writer. The Poet Laureate promotes the literary arts in Kentucky through readings and public presentations at meetings, seminars, conferences and events, including Kentucky Writers' Day.
 Candidates for Kentucky Poet Laureate must be residents of Kentucky with a long association with the Commonwealth and have received critical acclaim for their literary work. The word "poet" in the position's title is interpreted in its broadest sense to include persons whose accomplishments are in any literary form. For more information about Kentucky Poets Laureate history, go to . http://www.artscouncil.ky.gov/Poet/Poet.htm
Guidelines, instructions and nomination forms for Kentucky Poet Laureate are available at . For more information, contact the coordinator of the Poet Laureate nominations, Daniel J. Strauss, at (888) 833-2787 ext. 474, or Dan.Strauss@KY.gov.http://artscouncil.ky.gov/guide/prog1/poet_gdl.htm
Back to Table of Contents
Legislative Week in Review
Although Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has refused to call the House of Representatives into a special session, one hundred thirty Members of Congress have returned to Washington, D.C. to protest this inappropriate adjournment of the House. Recently, I joined my colleagues to demand a vote on a new strategic energy policy for America.
Back to Table of Contents
Anticipated Action on the House Floor Next Week
The Adjournment Protest continues. My colleagues and I will continue to demand the debate and the vote that American deserves.
Back to Table of Contents
Constituent Corner
Congressman Davis hosts Academy Day
 I hope you will join me for our annual Academy Day on Saturday, September 13th, at Dixie Heights High School in Edgewood. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., and the program will start at 11:00 a.m.
As a Member of Congress, I may nominate students to attend the academies. Criteria include evidence of character, leadership, academic excellence, physical aptitude and extracurricular activities. Applicants must be residents of Kentucky's 4th Congressional District and between the ages of 17 and 22.
Representatives from the Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Military, and Naval Academies will be available to answer questions and discuss the application process with students and their parents. A member of my staff will also be available to review the nomination process. The deadline for applications is October 15th.
To get more information or obtain the application packet, contact my Ft. Mitchell office at (859) 426-0080.
Back to Table of Contents
The hills will be alive with music at Carter Caves from September 3rd through 7th
Carter Caves State Resort Park invites you to join a weekend gathering of music-lovers to help preserve the rich musical heritage of the Eastern Kentucky hills. The Fraley Mountain Music Gatherin' will be held Wednesday, September 3rd through Sunday, September 7th. The festival honors master fiddler J.P. Fraley. Fraley will be performing with professional and beginner musicians on stage, jamming in parking lots and sharing music around the campfires of Carter Caves. Traditional musical instruments like the dulcimer, fiddle and guitar will be used to tell stories about life long ago in the foothills of Eastern Kentucky.
On Wednesday evening, there will be a free concert in the campground starting at 8:00 p.m. On Thursday at 7:00 p.m., enjoy an open stage concert in the park's amphitheater. On Friday afternoon at 1:00 p.m., the amphitheater will come to life with an open stage and banjo and dulcimer shows. Friday's activities will conclude with an evening concert in the amphitheater at 7:00 p.m.
Starting Saturday morning, the amphitheater will resound with sessions devoted to ballads, storytelling and Carter Family songs, and conclude with a fiddle and guitar concert. Saturday night's concert in the amphitheater begins at 7:00 p.m. On Sunday morning, there will be open singing in the campground starting at 9:00 a.m.
Paid admission is required to attend the concert and jam sessions on Friday afternoon through Saturday night. Fees range from $4.00 to $10.00. However, you can purchase a festival pass for all programs for $25.00 per person. For more information, including a list of invited musicians, contact Coy Ainsley at (606) 286-4411 ext. 2543, or bkuhnsfiddle@yahoo.com. Also, please visit the festival web site at .www.reedisland.com/RIR/fraleyfest.htm
Back to Table of Contents
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services to kick off suicide prevention campaign
To help end the stigma and silence associated with suicide, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), the Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group (KSPG) and the Department for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addiction Services are launching a public awareness campaign about one of the most preventable, yet common, forms of death. The "Let's Talk: Kentuckians Affected by Suicide End the Silence" awareness campaign will launch at 2:30 p.m. on September 4th at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort. The event is designed to educate Kentuckians about the warning signs of suicide while making people more aware of the prevalence of suicide in society and helping people discuss suicide more openly.
Seating for the general public at the "Let's Talk" launch event is limited. To make a reservation, please contact Cheryl Ligon at (502) 564-4456 or Cheryl.Ligon@KY.gov. For more information about how to save a life, visit or call (502) 564-4456.www.kentuckysuicideprevention.org
Back to Table of Contents
Constituent Hours
Every month, members of my staff are available throughout the Fourth Congressional District to assist local residents with problems related to the federal government.
Please click here to see the current list of scheduled times and locations in your area. Appointments are not necessary. As always, constituents are welcome to contact our offices in Washington, D.C., Ashland, La Grange, Ft. Mitchell, Maysville and Williamstown at any time with questions or concerns.
Back to Table of Contents
This Day in History - August 29th
- 1831 - Michael Faraday discovers electromagnetic induction.
- 1885 - Gottlieb Daimler patents the world's first motorcycle.
- 1949 - The Soviet Union tests its first atomic bomb in Kazakhstan.
- 1958 - The United States Air Force Academy opens in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Thanks!
Please remember that the best way to send me a message on any issue important to you is to go to my web site at . http://geoffdavis.house.gov/Contact.aspx
As always, feel free to pass my e-newsletter on to family or friends who would be interested or let them know they can sign up on my website at . Thanks.http://GeoffDavis.house.gov/
| Sincerely, |
 |
Geoff Davis
Member of Congress |
|
