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This week I was invited to speak at the Kentucky Firefighters Association's annual convention by KFA President John Daly, of Campbell County Protection District 1. Following my address I was able to talk with a number of firefighters from across the Commonwealth about issues affecting their profession and our communities.
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Weekly Column: Congress Abandons the Needs of American People in Favor of a Five Week Vacation
Last week, despite numerous objections, Congress voted to adjourn for all of August and part of September without taking action to lower gas prices and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. On Wednesday and Friday, Republicans and a number of Democrats voted against adjournment, but were overruled. The American people are frustrated and angry with Congress' inability to increase our domestic energy supply and provide relief for families across the country.
More than one hundred of my colleagues had signed up to debate the energy issue after votes on Friday, August 1st. However, after the last votes were tallied, Speaker Pelosi adjourned the House, killed the lights and turned off the microphones and cameras in an attempt to silence the dissent. Undeterred, my colleagues refused to leave the floor and proceeded to debate an "All of the Above" energy strategy. We are simply asking the Speaker to allow a vote on increasing energy production and supply in America.
We are undeniably in the midst of a national energy crisis and one thing is clear: Speaker Pelosi has repeatedly refused to allow a vote on anything that would increase our energy supply. Members of Congress have introduced a variety of proposals to address our energy needs. America deserves an open debate of those proposals and, most importantly, we deserve the opportunity to vote.
House Republicans sent an open letter to Speaker Pelosi on Friday respectfully making this request:
"We think it is unconscionable that Congress has gone on vacation before we have addressed the high gas prices that are crippling our economy and hurting millions of families. We are asking that you reconvene the House from your five-week vacation and schedule a vote on legislation to increase American energy production. Let us be clear, we are not asking for a guaranteed outcome, just the chance to vote."
Read the full letter at . http://republicanleader.house.gov/UploadedFiles/08-01-08_lettertopelosi.pdf
If we plan to effectively combat rising gas prices and provide relief to American families across the nation, we must surpass partisan politics and develop a comprehensive energy strategy that will efficiently use our domestic resources in the short term while laying the groundwork to make alternative energy sources clean, safe and affordable for the future.
I am deeply disappointed that the Democratic-led Congress has chosen to leave Washington for five weeks, without addressing the energy crisis, while families throughout the Commonwealth are struggling to make ends meet. Now more than ever, we need to band together and create a viable solution to this energy crisis that is causing so much harm to schools, businesses and families in Kentucky and across the nation.
Please send me your gas receipts along with a note explaining how these high energy costs are affecting you. I will deliver your stories and receipts to Speaker Pelosi's office so she can see firsthand how the people of the Fourth District of Kentucky are suffering. Please send your receipts and letters to: Congressman Geoff Davis, 277 Buttermilk Pike, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017.
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Special Edition: Legislative Week in Review
Despite failing to address the needs of the American people by dealing with our energy crisis, Speaker Pelosi adjourned the House of Representatives for five weeks on Friday, August 1.
After Speaker Pelosi shut off the lights, microphones and cameras, House Republicans stood united with the American people and continued to debate solutions to our energy crisis in Washington on the House floor.
Even though Speaker Pelosi has cut off the camera feed for C-SPAN, with the help of technology and word of mouth, we are continuing to get our 'all of the above' energy message out. E-mail newsletters, blogs, and online sites like YouTube and twitter are keeping Americans informed and engaged in this historic debate.
My colleagues are in Washington debating the issue and demanding a vote on 'all of the above' energy legislation, like the American Energy Act, that includes more conservation, more innovation and more production of American-made energy. We are coordinating our efforts to continue the fight for energy solutions.
Although I was in Kentucky this week meeting with constituents throughout the district, I will return to Washington next week to join my colleagues in this historic debate. You can follow what my colleagues and I are doing on Congressman John Boehner's blog and I will include an update in next week's edition of the e-newsletter.
At a time when families and businesses are struggling to get by, Congress has a responsibility to work for those we represent. In response to the call of the American people, we are asking for an open debate and a vote.
To read more about some of my ideas about all of the above solutions to the American energy crisis click here.
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D.C. and District Talk
Housing and Urban Development grants totaling $3 million announced for Covington and Ashland
 Covington and Ashland have been awarded grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City of Covington has been awarded a $1,636,159 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and a $762,763 HOME Grant. A portion of the HOME grant ($327,456) will go to the newly formed Northern Kentucky HOME Consortium, which consists of Covington, Bromley, Ludlow, Newport, Bellevue and Dayton. The Consortium was created to maximize resources and take a regional approach to promoting homeownership. The City of Ashland has been awarded a $678,344 Community Development Block Grant.
As a member of the Financial Services Committee in the U.S. House, and specifically the Housing & Community Opportunity Subcommittee, I have made working on affordable housing legislation one of my top priorities. I am extremely pleased that Covington, Ashland and the Northern Kentucky HOME Consortium have received these important grants that will help make these communities more attractive places to live. Improved housing conditions and increased economic opportunities for residents in our communities are important parts of helping the Fourth District continue to grow.
Additionally, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has been awarded $45,504,440 through several HUD grant programs, including CDBG, HOME, the Emergency Shelter Grants program, the American Dream Downpayment Initiative, and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program. These federal funds will enable Kentucky to serve smaller communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) provide funding for States and local governments to develop viable urban communities. By providing safe housing and encouraging a safe and healthy living environment, the cities expand economic opportunities for low and moderate-income residents. For more information on CDBG grants, please visit: . http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/
The HOME grant provides funding for the expansion of affordable housing for low to moderate-income residents. HOME funds are awarded annually through a formula to participating jurisdictions. HUD establishes HOME Investment Trust Funds for each grantee, providing a line of credit that can be drawn on as needed. This flexibility allows States and local governments to use HOME funds for grants, direct loans, loan guarantees or other forms of credit enhancement, or for rental assistance or security deposits. For more information on HOME grants, please visit: . http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/
The American Dream Downpayment Initiative promotes homeownership opportunities by providing necessary resources for downpayment and closing cost assistance to low-income and minority households. For more information on ADDI grants, please visit: .http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/addi/
The Emergency Shelter Grants program provides annual grants to State, local and private entities to improve the quality and number of emergency homeless shelters. For more information about these grants, please visit .http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/homeless/programs/esg/
The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program provides housing assistance and related supportive services to local units of government, States and non-profit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families. For more information on this program, please visit .http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/aidshousing/programs/
To learn more about our full range of grant-related services, to request a letter of support, or to sign-up for our email distribution list, please contact my Ft. Mitchell office at (859) 426-0080. I am committed to providing the best services possible to assist residents of the Fourth District and maximize grant funding for worthy projects in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District.
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Drug-Free Community Grants totaling $300,000 announced in Henry and Kenton Counties
Henry County, Kenton County and the Covington Partners in Prevention have each been awarded a $100,000 continuation grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Drug Free Communities Program. The funds will be used to bolster the Kenton County Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse and the Henry County Countywide Action Reachout Effort (CARE) Team. These two organizations work to prevent and reduce drug and alcohol abuse among youth. The Covington Partners in Prevention also works to reduce youth drug abuse in Covington, and will use the funds to expand their mentoring, family strengthening and physical/mental health programs.
We need to be doing more to educate our youth about the dangers of drug abuse. Supporting organizations like these with federal grant money allows our communities to prevent drug abuse and related violence as well as offer support to those suffering from addiction. The Drug-Free Communities Program provides grants to community organizations that facilitate citizen participation in local drug prevention efforts. 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.
In December of 2006, the 109th Congress passed and the President signed into law, a five year extension of the Drug-Free Communities Act. For more information about the Drug-Free Communities Program, please visit: .www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/dfc
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Constituent Corner
Department for Public Health issues safety guidelines for warm temperatures
 Issues like overexertion, heat stroke and dehydration are always top public health concerns during the summer months. According to the Kentucky Department of Health (DPH), following these precautions can make the difference between just being hot or becoming seriously ill:
- Drink plenty of fluid. Increase your normal fluid intake regardless of your activity level. You will need to drink more fluids than your thirst level indicates. This is especially true for people age 65 or older who often have a decreased ability to respond to external temperature changes. In addition, avoid drinking beverages containing alcohol because they will actually cause you to lose more fluid.
- Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat that will provide shade and keep the head cool. Sunscreen should be SPF 15 or greater and applied thirty minutes before going out into the sun.
- Stay cool indoors. The most efficient way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have an air conditioner, consider visiting a mall or public library.
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully. If you must be out in the heat, try to plan your activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the evening. Rest periodically so your body's thermostat will have a chance to recover.
- Use a buddy system. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness.
- Monitor those at high risk. Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 or older, people who are overweight, people who overexert during work or exercise, and people who are ill or on certain medications for blood pressure or diuretics.
Enjoy the summer, but also be safe!
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Kentucky State Parks announce discount offer for current and former members of the military
The Kentucky State Parks are now offering ten percent off lodging and camping rates for current and former members of the military. The discount is good for lodge rooms, cottages and campgrounds any time of the year, depending on availability. To get the discount, guests will need to show some proof of service such as discharge papers, military ID or VFW member card, at check-in. The Kentucky State Parks have seventeen resort parks that have lodges and cottages. The resort parks have restaurants, gift shops, hiking trails, picnic areas and recreational activities such as boating, fishing, golf and tennis. The parks also have thirty-one campgrounds, all with water and electric hookups at improved sites.
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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.
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Note on the E-Newsletter
Thank you again for the feedback on the e-newsletter that many of you have submitted over the past few weeks. Nearly 300 constituents have taken the time to evaluate, compliment and critique our work on the e-newsletter. We are studying your recommendations and will be looking to implement many of your suggestions over the next several months. 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. In response to your requests, I'll be prominently featuring this link in future e-newsletters to make it easier for you to contact me and my office.
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This Day in History - August 8th
- 1588 - The Battle of Gravelines ends, and with it the Spanish Armada's attempt to invade England ends.
- 1876 - Thomas Edison receives a patent for his mimeograph machine.
- 1911 - Public Law 62-5 sets the number of representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives at 435. The law would come into effect in 1913.
- 1974 - Due to the Watergate scandal, U.S. President Richard Nixon announces his resignation, effective the next day.
Thanks!
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, |
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Geoff Davis
Member of Congress |
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