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This week I visited HealthPoint Family Care's new medical and dental office at 4307 Winston Avenue, next to Kroger in the Latonia Shopping Center. HealthPoint is a non-profit with six offices in Northern Kentucky. With the help of federal funding, HealthPoint is able to treat 36,000 underinsured and uninsured patients. While there, I took some time to visit with and read to some of their young visitors.
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Weekly Column: America Deserves a Vote on Responsible Energy Solutions
More than a week has passed since the Democratic-led 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 Friday, August 1st, Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) adjourned the House, killed the lights and turned off the microphones and cameras in an attempt to curtail Republican attempts to continue the energy debate. However, many Republicans have refused to leave the floor, choosing instead to carry out the will of the American people and demand an energy vote.
Last week, nearly ninety of my colleagues spoke to hundreds of Americans about our nation's energy crisis and our options for lowering the cost of fuel and ensuring our energy security. Topics ranged from offshore drilling and oil in ANWR to solar and wind power plants as they discussed the variety of energy solutions that are included in the American Energy Act of 2008 (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 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. The American people are suffering; now more than ever, Congress must band together and work for the people.
While my colleagues and I are rescheduling district-based events in order to return to D.C. and fight for our constituents' energy needs, Speaker Pelosi has been traveling across the U.S. promoting her new book. On August 7th, House Republican leaders sent a letter to members of the Democratic caucus asking that they join the energy protest and urge Speaker Pelosi to return to D.C. for a special session of Congress:
"The American people expect Congress to work toward solutions for their everyday problems…But on August 1st, Speaker Pelosi adjourned the House of Representatives for a five week vacation, continuing to ignore this [energy] crisis. Americans rightly expect more from us as their elected representatives."
Read the full letter at .http://republicanwhip.house.gov/UploadedFiles/VoteChallenge.pdf
In order to effectively combat our energy crisis, we must put all options on the table and develop a comprehensive plan to provide immediate relief while laying the groundwork for permanent energy changes. In the short term, we must effectively use our domestic resources. In addition, we must invest in the creation of alternative energy. A sensible energy policy must also address incentives for increased conservation and efficiency. Finally, in the long run, we must make strategic investments in energy research so that the fuels of the future are safe, clean and affordable for all Americans.
Again, I encourage all of you to send me your gas receipts along with a letter explaining how these high energy costs are affecting you. I will personally deliver your stories and receipts to Speaker Pelosi's office so that she can see firsthand how the people of the Fourth District of Kentucky are suffering. Send your receipts and letters to: Congressman Geoff Davis, 277 Buttermilk Pike, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017.
Click here to read more about an "All of the Above" solution to the energy crisis.
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D.C. and District Talk
Members of Congress gather in Washington, D.C., to demand energy solutions
 On Wednesday, I joined my colleagues on the floor of the House of Representatives and urged Speaker Pelosi to call the House of Representatives back in session and allow a vote on comprehensive energy legislation, like The American Energy Act (H.R. 6566). More than ten days have passed since Speaker Pelosi attempted to shut down debate and leave town for five weeks. Americans deserve this debate and they deserve a vote on a new energy strategy that will provide relief to families, businesses and our economy. My colleagues and I are holding that debate and demanding that vote. The only thing missing is for Speaker Pelosi to call a special session and schedule the vote.
Click here to view a video of the Energy Press Conference.
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Seventh Grants Workshop Held
I hosted a grants workshop in Erlanger on Monday, August 11th. The workshop was designed to teach interested individuals and organizations how to write effective grant applications and successfully apply for federal, State and private grant funding. A standing room only crowd of more than 300 people from across the Fourth District participated. During the workshop, representatives from federal and State agencies, as well as private foundations, briefed attendees about the basics of grant writing, leveraging non-cash assets and grants development for non-profits.
Maximizing available grant funding for worthy projects is one of my main goals as Kentucky's Fourth District Representative. In addition to the workshops, my offices offer several resources to help constituents successfully navigate the grants process:
- Providing email notifications of grant opportunities;
- Assist organizations in the pursuit of grants including identifying funding opportunities, understanding grant requirements and other services;
- Providing letters of support for organizations applying for grants; and
- Maintaining a grants section on the Congressional office website, containing a wealth of information on the grants process.
To learn more on the full range of grant resources and constituent services offered, please visit my official website at or call (859) 426-0080.http://geoffdavis.house.gov/
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2008 Congressional Leadership Program
Last year, we started a Congressional Leadership Program (CLP) for college and graduate school students. CLP’s eight sessions this summer were designed to help a diverse group of high-achieving students learn more about the strengths and challenges of their community and how they might live a life engaged in addressing those issues.
This week, the 2008 Congressional Leadership Program concluded. The class included forty-five college and graduate students. They learned a lot about their community and public service during the program. The 2008 graduates are:
Ashlea L. Boyer, University of Louisville
Christopher Brison, Northern Kentucky University
Rebecca Broughton, Northern Kentucky University
William Joseph Brown, Salmon Chase Law School
Chase C. Crigler, Troy State University
Adam J. Cochran, University of Louisville
Sean Dempsey, University of Louisville
Andrew Hemmer, University of Kentucky
Ryan Easton, University of Kentucky
Ryan J. Eger, University of Cincinnati
Jason Ellis, Northern Kentucky University
Stephen D. Evans, Thomas More College
Michelle Eversole, Northern Kentucky University
Davis Fink, University of Louisville
Tyler Joseph Foote, Centre College
Dustin Allen Gibson, Salmon Chase Law School
Michael Scott Giffen, University of Kentucky
Jon Clayton Helton, Hanover College
Kalyn D. Hippleheuser, Indiana University
Aaron L. Judd, Thomas More College
Keith E. Knapp, Northern Kentucky University
Brandon Jeffrey Kordenbrock, Thomas More College
Cathryn E. Lacy, University of South Florida
Brandi R. List, Northern Kentucky University
Courtney Lynch, University of Kentucky
Tammy S. Mastin, Salmon Chase Law School
Marcus Alan McGhee, Northern Kentucky University
Ana Cristina McMurtry, Centre College
Robin Danielle Neace, University of Kentucky
Felicia Orme, Northern Kentucky University
Logan Guy John Otto, University of Kentucky
Katherine Peterson, Notre Dame University
Jackson N. Pulliam, Western Kentucky University
Nathanael Paul Reis, Northern Kentucky University
Mary Emily Royce, Georgetown College
Jannell Christian Sargent, Eastern Kentucky University
Emma Scharfenberger, University of Cincinnati Law School
Benjamin F. Schlosser, Centre College
Grant E. Swartzentruber, Salmon Chase Law School
Andrew M. Thompson, Salmon Chase Law School
Brooke C. Valentine, Western Kentucky University
Michelle Vetovitz, Indiana University
Lindsay Nicole Whitehead, Northern Kentucky University
Bridget Wolfe-Bertling, University of Kentucky
Maria Zumdick, University of Kentucky
These impressive students gave up a significant part of their summer to learn more about our Commonwealth and how they can make a difference in their communities. Congratulations and good luck to all the graduates!
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Legislative Week in Review
Although Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) continues to refuse calling the House of Representatives into a special session, more than one hundred Members of Congress have returned to Washington, D.C., to protest this inappropriate adjournment of the House. I joined my colleagues in D.C. on Wednesday to demand a vote on a new strategic energy policy for America.
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Anticipated Action on the House Floor Next Week
The Adjournment Protest continues. My Republican colleagues and I will continue to demand the debate and the vote that American deserves.
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Constituent Corner
State Park Resorts offer coupon for lodge rooms
 Kentucky State Parks are now offering a $50.00-a-night discount on lodge rooms. This discount is available Sundays through Thursdays at seventeen resort parks across the Commonwealth. The coupons can be found on the state park website ( or ), at the state park booth at the Kentucky State Fair from August 14th through 24th and in newspaper inserts in Kentucky on September 7th. The offer runs September 2nd through December 30th of this year and is subject to availability. The coupon is not valid at Pine Mountain or Natural Bridge state parks during October. The coupon is good for one room and must be presented at check-in. The coupon will be honored for up to five nights. www.mykentuckybackyard.comwww.parks.ky.gov
The state park resorts have restaurants, hiking trails, gift shops, picnic areas and offer recreational activities like boating, fishing, golf and tennis. Guests can make reservations by visiting or by calling a resort park. Call (800) 255-PARK for assistance.www.parks.ky.gov
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Kentucky Historical Society to host cemetery-preservation workshop
The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) will host a cemetery preservation workshop from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on September 27th that will focus on protecting and preserving family burial grounds. The workshop will be held at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort. The registration fee is $25.00 for KHS members and $30.00 for non-members and includes a box lunch and an afternoon reception. Registration forms can be downloaded through the KHS website. Registration forms and payment must be received by Friday, September 19th. Seating is limited. For more information about the workshop, contact Ann Johnson at (502) 564-1792, ext. 4404. To register for the workshop, contact Julia Curry at (502) 564-1792, ext. 4414.
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Welcome to Tox Town
We are exposed to environmental hazards every day. Many of us are unaware of the potential risks to our health. Tox Town () is the National Library of Medicine's interactive website about commonly encountered toxic substances, the environment and health. Enhanced with lively graphics, sound effects and animation, Tox Town brings to life the everyday locations where you might encounter mercury, lead, cleaning products, radon, solvents and other potential hazards. Visitors can take a virtual stroll through their neighborhoods and click on locations like a school, hospital, construction site, factory or farm for user-friendly information on hazards. Tox Town illustrates a wide range of environmental health issues, including smog, drinking water pollution, asbestos in schools, on-the-job safety, pesticides and many more. http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/
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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. 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 . 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.http://geoffdavis.house.gov/Contact.aspx
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This Day in History - August 15th
- 1914 - The Panama Canal opens to traffic.
- 1935 - Will Rogers and Wiley Post are killed when their plane crashes outside Barrow, Alaska.
- 1945 - Japan surrenders, ending its involvement in World War II.
- 1947 - India gains independence from the United Kingdom; Jawaharlal Nehru takes office as the first Prime Minister of India.
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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