Advanced Vehicle Technology; Census Data; Blue Ribbon School - September 18, 2009
September 18, 2009
Dear Friend,
Thank you for reading another edition of my e-newsletter, the Carson Courier. For additional information on these and other topics, please visit my website at https://www.carson.house.gov.
In this week's Carson Courier:
Supporting Advanced Vehicle Technology
New Census Data Shows Why Health Reform Can't Wait
Celebrating a Blue Ribbon School
Supporting advanced vehicle technology
Each year, the United States exports billions of dollars overseas to purchase oil from the Middle East and other regions around the globe. This massive expenditure not only puts our national security at risk, but it impacts our long-term financial stability as well.
Fortunately, we are moving toward an economic strategy under President Obama and Congress that aims to reduce our dependence on overseas petroleum. This week, I voted to support the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act, which will establish a national vehicle research and development program focused on the creation of innovative alternative energies and fuel efficient vehicle technologies. The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act will build on the historic fuel efficiency standards enacted in 2007, as well as the success with the Cash for Clunkers program – a national initiative that rewarded Americans who turned in almost 700,000 gas-guzzling and air-polluting older cars for newer, more fuel-efficient models.
For more information, see my official statement here.
CENSUS UPDATE SHOWS WHY HEALTH REFORM CAN'T WAIT
Throughout the ongoing debate over health-care reform, many have questioned the urgency of action, saying reform can wait for another time. A new state-by-state analysis of U.S. Census data conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) speaks to the need for actions now. The newly released information has shown that the ranks of the uninsured are growing at an alarming rate in Indiana and across the country.
Among the sobering statistics released this week are:
- Nationally, the data shows that the number of uninsured increased from 39.8 million in 2001 to 46.3 million in 2008.
- The ranks of the uninsured in the Hoosier state have increased from 669,000 in 2001 to 772,000 in 2008.
- The percent of non-elderly adults without insurance increased from 13.8 percent to 17.4 percent.
- The percentage of Hoosiers with employer-based coverage decreased from 79 percent of the population in 2001 to 70.6 percent in 2008.
Thousands every day are losing their health insurance. This is not just a disturbing trend—it's a full-blown crisis.
For more information, see my official statement here.
CELEBRATING A BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL
On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognized 314 schools with the high honor of a "Blue Ribbon" designation. One of our very own garnered this tremendous award that day. Indianapolis Public Schools' Center for Inquiry, a magnet option school that focuses on inquisitive learning, earned a 2009 Blue Ribbon designation for its excellence.
Congratulations to IPS Superintendent Eugene White, Principal Christine Foxen Collier and all of the staff and students of the Center for Inquiry School. I wholeheartedly applaud all of their hard work and dedication and thank them for serving as an excellent example to schools across our city and state. They are truly deserving of this prestigious designation.
Thank you for reading the Carson Courier. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts and concerns. I value your views and your input which help me to better represent the people of Indiana's 7th District in Congress.