March 27, 2009
March 27, 2009
Dear Friend,
Thank you for reading another edition of my e-newsletter, the Carson Courier.
In this week's Carson Courier:
Update on DTV Conversion Box Coupons
Assisting Social Security and VA Recipients
Protecting Our Public Lands
Supporting National Nutrition Month
Each week, I receive hundreds of letters and emails from Seventh District residents expressing a wide range of thoughts and opinions about my work in Congress. In this week's Carson Courier I have decided to respond to some of the concerns that I have received from residents of Marion County. I am pleased to update you on these issues and their status in Washington.
UPDATE ON DTV CONVERTER BOX COUPONS
Several weeks ago, reports surfaced that over 8,500 Indianapolis households were still waiting to receive $40 coupons that would assist them with the purchase of digital television (DTV) converter boxes. In response, I joined my House colleagues in voting to pass the DTV Delay Act, which put off the impending DTV conversion until June 12, 2009 and provided additional time for DTV coupons to be distributed.
Today, I am pleased to announce that the once overwhelming coupon waiting list has finally been eliminated. The Department of Commerce is now processing requests for both new and replacement coupons as they are received. Millions of Americans are now better able to afford the converter boxes that will ensure they continue to receive television signals after June 12.
If you have yet to receive a $40 converter box coupon, you can still request one by visiting https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx.
Be sure to use your coupon within 90 days of receiving them. If it expires without being used you will need to request another and wait several weeks for its arrival.
ASSISTING SOCIAL SECURITY AND VA RECIPIENTS
Indianapolis residents who receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Affairs (VA) or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits will soon receive $250 as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This week, Vice President Joe Biden announced that these benefit recipients, who often live on a limited or fixed income, will be receiving economic recovery payments to help them cover the rising cost of their basic needs.
If you qualify, no action is required to receive this one-time payment. Starting in early May, an additional $250 will be added to your monthly check.
PROTECTING OUR PUBLIC LANDS
This week, I proudly joined a strong bipartisan effort to pass H.R. 146, the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act. This legislation combined 160 different bills that represented years of work by local citizens, sportsmen, and conservationists from across Indiana and the United States. Many of these provisions had been waiting on Congressional action for years and were supported by Members from across the political spectrum.
As more public lands and waters are being developed or posted as off-limits, they are becoming even more important to sportsmen and sportswomen. Fifty percent of the nation's blue-ribbon trout streams and 80% of the best elk habitat are found on public lands. Hunting and fishing alone account for $75.4 billion in annual economic output. Clearly, the protection of these resources has become vital to our future economic recovery.
When enacted, this long overdue legislation will protect 2 million acres of wilderness, defend wildlife, invest in water infrastructure, and preserve our most treasured historic and cultural resources. While much of this funding will be sent to rural areas and not directly to Indianapolis projects, it will all greatly impact our city. From tourism to industry, our national economy relies heavily on the successful maintenance of natural ecosystems across our country.
SUPPORTING NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
This month, our nation recognizes the importance of life long nutrition through a healthy and well-rounded diet. As advances are made in nutrition science, the impact of an improper diet is becoming increasingly evident. Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and countless other diseases can all result from extended improper nutrition. Even short term malnutrition can lead to a reduction in mental faculties and a lack of energy. Sadly, in this difficult economic climate, millions of Americans lack the means necessary to purchase healthy food. Instances of nutrition linked illnesses are rising.
To assist local efforts to fight malnutrition, Vice President Joe Biden announced last week that Indiana will be receiving nearly $2 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for statewide nutrition programs. This new funding will help to ensure that over 1 million underprivileged Hoosiers have access to nutritious meals on a regular basis. I am confident that these funds will help thousands of children and adults across our city to begin living healthier, more productive lives.
As National Nutrition Month comes to an end, I strongly encourage you to visit https://www.nutrition.gov/ where you can review additional information on the latest nutrition findings and healthy diet strategies.
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 Seventh District in Congress.