Thank you for reading the Carson Courier. For additional information, please visit my website at http://www.carson.house.gov.

In this week’s Carson Courier:

• Republican Leadership’s Attack on the Unemployed
• A Responsible End to the Iraq War
• Mass Transit in Metro Indianapolis May Become a Reality at Long Last

Republican Leadership’s Attack on the Unemployed

Today, roughly 13.3 million Americans are unemployed, and nearly half have been out of work for more than six months. In Indiana, almost one in ten Hoosiers are still looking for work, and over 60,000 people receive unemployment benefits. Recent census data shows that nearly one in two Americans have fallen into poverty or have earnings that classify them as low-income.  Despite these economic realities, Republican leaders have repeatedly stated that the most powerful economy in the world cannot afford jobless benefits and they even insist that individuals stop looking for work if benefits are provided. Their callousness towards the struggles of millions of American job seekers is extremely disappointing.

Currently, the unemployed are eligible for up to 99 weeks of state and federal benefits. These are a lifeline to those hardest hit in this difficult economy. Republican leaders have proposed slashing 40 weeks off this total, leaving millions of Americans without means to keep their lights on, feed their families, and obtain necessary medication. As your Representative, I am committed to policies that create jobs, such as the President’s American Jobs Act, but I realize that until these take effect we need to do what we can to protect the unemployed.  I will continue to oppose any efforts by my colleagues, Republican or Democrat, to cut benefits on which so many Americans rely. 

A Responsible End to the Iraq War

This week, we finally brought our war in Iraq to an end. Over the past nine years, more than one million brave men and women have fought in the war in Iraq. Tragically, nearly 100 Hoosiers paid the ultimate sacrifice, and hundreds more were wounded. For these troops and their families, the cost of this conflict will be borne out for years to come.

I join all Americans in honoring the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and women and their families, I will continue to honor that sacrifice by ensuring that we fulfill the promises made to our veterans and by creating job opportunities for them upon their return. Our troops deserve nothing less. 

Mass Transit in Metro Indianapolis May Become a Reality At Long Last

This week, Mayor Greg Ballard, alongside local business leaders, unveiled an ambitious $1.3 billion mass transit overhaul that would double the capacity of IndyGo and add a rail line stretching from Noblesville to Downtown Indy. As this plan continues to be rolled out, I welcome the comments and concerns of all constituents.  Improving mass transit in Indianapolis is extremely important, and I look forward to taking part in the conversation as we move forward.

Thank you for reading the Carson Courier.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts and concerns. For more information, visit my website at http://www.carson.house.gov, my Congressional Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CongressmanAndreCarson and follow me on Twitter @RepAndreCarson.  I value your views and your input, which help me better represent the people of Indiana’s 7^th District.