Statement from Secretary Sebelius on Second Annual Sustainability Performance Plan

Today, our department, along with 47 other federal agencies, released its 2011 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan. These sustainability plans mark the latest step in implementing President Obama’s Executive Order on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance (Executive Order 13514) signed on October 5, 2009.

The plan builds on the previous version released in 2010 and includes specific examples of projects that are reducing waste, improving energy performance, and reducing operating costs.

These projects include everything from reducing energy consumption and water intensity to improving recycling efforts. Together these developments will reduce waste, increase energy performance, and ultimately lower overall operating costs.

At the Department of Health and Human Services, we are fully committed to doing whatever is necessary to protect the health of all Americans and we recognize that ensuring a clean and healthy environment is a fundamental part of that effort. We will continue instilling sustainable practices throughout our programs and operations as we respond to the new challenge of adapting to climate change as we continue to fulfill our mission. Through our past accomplishments and future commitments, the Department of Health and Human Services will lead the way toward a healthy future for all Americans.

Read the 2011 Plan.
http://www.hhs.gov/about/sustainability/2011plan.html

Read the plan summary.
http://www.hhs.gov/about/sustainability/2011plan_summary.html

Which Mitt Romney will you be for Halloween?

For SCDP text alerts -- Text SCDP to 96362

Which Mitt Romney for President will you be for Halloween?

Columbia, SC -- Are you having a hard time deciding who to be for Halloween? Why not go as Mitt Romney? Like the "Man of a Thousand Faces," Mitt is the Man of a Thousand Positions.

Pick one, dress up as Mitt, and you are guaranteed that no two Mitt costumes will be the same.

South Carolina Democratic Chairman, Dick Harpootlian, released the following statement in response to the newest SCDP video:

"Mitt Romney looks in the mirror every morning and sees a stranger. Pro-choice Mitt wouldn't recognize Pro-life Mitt," Harpootlian said.

"Universal Healthcare Mitt would run from Anti Healthcare Mitt like Jamie Lee Curtis did from the Halloween slasher. Republicans are welcoming Mitt in South Carolina today, we just wonder which one will show up." 

Halloween Scare: Nikki Haley

Continuing a tradition, I have the 2011 Halloween Scare presented by this blog.

And it isn't pretty...

Nikki Haley, folks.

As she rides around the state house, controlled by her batty Republican friends, this spooky witch scares everyone in the state.

To her, everyone else is to blame for the state's problems. It has nothing to do with failed Republican policies, set decades ago.

Haley wants people to think unions provide such a fright when in reality it's Haley herself.

Folks, do not venture close this Halloween towards Haley. She might take you on an unexpected broom ride.

WILL THE SUPER COMMITTEE CUT YOUR RETIREMENT AND CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE?

The clock is ticking.  The “Super Committee” created under the August deal to raise the nation’s debt ceiling continues to meet to hammer out a proposal for deficit reduction.  See the members and learn more about the Super Committee.  We are very concerned by this week’s press reports indicating that cuts to Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare are being put on the table by BOTH Democrats and Republicans.  We must send a very firm message NOW to the Super Committee that it is unconscionable to balance the nation’s deficit on the backs of retirees, middle class families, and children at a time when Wall Street continues to profit and Main Street struggles!


One out of every five children in America lives in poverty.  A third of all American children rely solely upon Medicaid for healthcare services.  The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retiree is only $1,183.  These Americans cannot afford to have Washington jeopardize their health or their retirement, while Wall Street tycoons and billionaires continue to enjoy tax breaks.

This week, the Super Committee held a hearing on discretionary funding.  Read NEA’s statement submitted to the committee and our letter sent to the full Congress.  NEA is urging the Super Committee to:

• Focus on creating jobs
• Invest in school modernization
• Oppose additional cuts to education and other critical programs
• Protect those most in need and those who rely on core safety net programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid 
• Ensure a balanced approach to deficit reduction that includes revenues, by making sure those most able to do so pay their fair share.   

Take Action Today:

• E-mail Congress and tell them that the Super Committee must help create jobs, protect those with the greatest needs, and ensure that those most able to do so pay their fair share. 

• Submit a comment to the Super Committee by going to their website at http://www.deficitreduction.gov/public/index.cfm/ and going to the “write to us today” box at the bottom of the screen.

• Call your Members of Congress as part of the Social Security Works Coalition ongoing call-in event and urge them to oppose cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.  Dial 1-800-998-0180 to hear the latest update and connect to your Members of Congress.

Port Support Statement by James E. Sanderson, Jr.

Port Support Statement

Visit from the 1%

Visit from the 1%

Terrible Injustice Done to Wall Street

(Click here to watch this video)

A Marine vet at Occupy Columbia speaks with two self-proclaimed members of the 1% about the terrible injustice that has fallen upon Wall St. We are not sure why this kid's father needs an armored car to get to work since demonstrators have been, in large part, peaceful and non-violent. There are many folks who could make better use of that armored vehicle, such as the vet in Oakland who was shot in the face with a bean bag and is now in critical condition. Or a mother who works the late shift in a dangerous neighborhood, putting herself at great personal risk on a routine basis in order to put food on the table for her family.

With solidarity,
-Occupy Marine, Semper Fi... Occupy, Semper Fi... Occupy

Nikki Haley Beats Anti-Union Drum At Chamber of Commerce Circus Show

The loons have arrived. OK, maybe just one.

Gov. Nikki Haley bashed labor unions and portrayed herself as a diehard supporter of businesses as she accepted an award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.

Yes, our esteemed governor went to receive an award while she dismantles public education and keeps people in poverty in South Carolina.

The only thing Haley is "diehard" about is building her campaign chest with out-of-state funds.

Get real, Haley. Unions aren't your problem. Your lack of experience and hesitation to be seen doing something for the whole state is.

By the way, will YOU be in attendance Thursday for the Georgetown port meeting? I didn't see it on your schedule. Think maybe you could make time for the people who vote you into office?

Or should they open their wallets to your campaign first.

Leaders of Women's Organizations Call on Congress to Consider Legislation That Would Strengthen Social Security

Today, the Older Women's Economic Security Task Force (OWES), part of the National Coalition of Women's Organizations (NCWO), delivered a letter to members of Congress, calling on Congress to consider three pieces of legislation that would assure Social Security solvency for the next 75 years by lifting the cap on payroll tax contributions -- a move that an overwhelming majority of the public has said they support, according to recent polls. The National Council of Women's Organizations is composed of 240 member organizations, with more than 12 million members; the OWES Task Force is co-chaired by the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR).

The letter from the OWES Task Force states, "Social Security is a program that binds generations of Americans together, and we should strengthen, not weaken, this critical program. While these are tough economic times for everyone, a balanced budget should not come at the expense of millions of vulnerable Americans."

The Keeping Our Social Security Promises Act (S. 1558), introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, and the No Loopholes in Social Security Taxes Act (H.R. 797), introduced by Rep. Peter DeFazio, would close Social Security's 75-year funding gap by applying Social Security payroll tax contributions to cover earnings of $250,000 or more. Currently, only wages up to $106,800 are taxed. These bills would preserve the Social Security Trust Fund by closing a tax loophole so millionaires would pay the same percentage of their salaries to Social Security as the average American worker. This will guarantee that Social Security remains solvent for at least 75 years.

The Preserving our Promise to Seniors Act (H.R. 539), introduced by Rep. Ted Deutch, changes the COLA calculation from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) to a Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), which places more weight on the goods and services purchased by seniors. The CPI-E would account for the rising costs faced by seniors when determining Social Security cost of living increases.

According to a national survey conducted last month by the Lake Research Partners and American Viewpoint, U.S. voters overwhelmingly oppose cuts to Social Security and Medicare as a way to reduce the deficit. By a 50 point margin, they oppose cuts to these programs as a part of a potential Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction proposal. By a margin of 66 percent to 22 percent, they oppose reducing COLA increases for beneficiaries now and in the future.

"Social Security continues to keep many older women out of poverty," said NOW President and OWES Co-Chair Terry O'Neill. "We urge Congress to leave Social Security out of any deficit-reduction plan produced and to consider these three bills which could truly strengthen, not dismantle Social Security for future generations."

IWPR President and OWES Co-Chair Dr. Heidi Hartmann said, "Studies consistently show the critical importance of Social Security for many Americans; in fact, we have found that both women and men are increasingly reliant on Social Security income at this time of high unemployment and declining home and investment values."

Signers to the letter included leaders from the National Women's Political Caucus, U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Mothers' Centers, Global Women's Project at the Center of Concern, American Association of University Women, Black Women's Health Imperative, Business and Professional Women's Foundation, National Association for Female Executives, Feminist Majority, Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement, Wider Opportunities for Women, Jewish Women International, Women's Committee of 100, Media Equity Collaborative, Women's Research and Education Institute, National Women's Law Center and Older Women's League.

Are Dredging Funds That Hard To Find For Georgetown Port?

This Thursday's meeting on the Georgetown port will be the first where public commentary is allowed. And, I must say, it's about time.

However, it seems quite odd the task force can't find dredging funds.

... there is at least $5.6 billion now accumulated in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.

The Port of Oakland found them.

During the previous meeting, the Task Force was asked to check with their contacts in the community to try to find other sources of funding – besides the federal government – to pay for dredging. 

It is too early to tell whether those efforts have been successful, Tilley said. 

“The Task Force and other Community Leaders have begun inquiring; but, it has only been a few days.  Therefore, it is too early in the process to gauge success.”

Um, try Congressman Tim Scott. Maybe he knows his job by now to follow the example of Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

FactChecking Health Insurance Premiums

 

Republicans exaggerate an increase caused by the new law. But Obama promised lower premiums.

Health insurance premiums for employer-sponsored family plans jumped a startling 9 percent from 2010 to 2011, and Republicans have blamed the federal health care law. But they exaggerate. The law -- the bulk of which has yet to be implemented -- has caused only about a 1 percent to 3 percent increase in premiums, according to several independent experts. The rest of the 9 percent rise is due to rising health care costs, as usual.

Furthermore, the increase caused by the law is a result of the increased benefits it requires, a factor Republicans generally ignore. So far, insurance companies have been required to do the following:

*Cover preventive care without copays or deductibles.
*Allow adult children to stay on parents' policies until age 26.
*Increase annual coverage limits.
*Cover children without regard for preexisting conditions.

On the other hand, the fact that the law caused any increase at all cast more doubt on Obama's promise that the law "could save families $2,500 in the coming years." We've been calling that claim into question for several years now. The plain fact is that -- so far -- the law has caused an increase in premiums, though not so large an increase as some Republicans claim.

Note: This is a summary only. The full article with analysis, images and citations may be viewed on our Web site:

Desktop Users
Mobile Users

Tell Congress: It's Time to Make Wall Street Pay!

Reckless speculative trading on Wall Street crashed the global economy, and American taxpayers bailed out the big banks to the tune of $4.7 trillion.  Now it’s time to call upon Wall Street to start paying its fair share to help us out of the hole they dug. 

Tell Congress a financial transaction tax on Wall Street would help solve our budget problems and limit dangerous high frequency trading.

A small tax on financial market transactions has the potential to raise significant revenue and simultaneously limit reckless short-term speculation that can threaten financial stability. 

Financial transaction taxes have a long track record both in the United States and globally. The United States had a “transfer tax” from 1914 to 1966.  The UK levies a transaction tax on stock transfers and has done so for many years. 

The European Union is on the verge of approving a small transaction tax, including ten cents per $100 on stock transactions. The tiny transaction tax they are working on is estimated to raise over $70 billion annually. A similar transaction tax in the United States would raise even more money, as our financial markets are larger.

A financial transaction tax should be part of any budget plan- it’s time to ask Wall Street to do more.

MegaVote: SC 1st, 10/24/2011

Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Confirmation of John Edgar Bryson to be Secretary of Commerce Senate: Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act of 2011 Senate: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 Upcoming Congressional Bills House: Internal Revenue Code Editor's Note: The Senate is in recess this week.

Recent Senate Votes

Confirmation of John Edgar Bryson to be Secretary of Commerce - Vote Confirmed (74-26) The Senate confirmed John Bryson as Secretary of Commerce. Bryson succeeds Gary Locke, who is now the ambassador to China. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act of 2011 - Vote Rejected (50-50) Last week the Senate rejected consideration of this bill that would allocate $30 billion in grants to state and local governments to pay to hire or retain teachers and $5 billion in grants to governments and other groups to pay for law enforcement officers and emergency personnel. This was one component of the president’s broader jobs bill that was rejected earlier in the month. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 - Vote Agreed to (82-16, 2 Not Voting) The Senate reached the necessary 60 votes to end debate on a legislative package that combines the fiscal 2012 Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science (S 1572) and Transportation-HUD (S 1596) appropriations bills. When they return from a weeklong recess, senators will resume consideration of the bill. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Internal Revenue Code - H.R.674 The House is scheduled to vote this week on a bill to repeal a 3 percent withholding requirement on government contractor payments.

What Is The Georgetown Port Task Force's Real Agenda?

After three meetings, the Georgetown Port Task Force hasn't really shown us anything we already didn't know.

However, the most recent meeting provided "rough estimates" for dredging and again showed there has been a lack of it for years.

One ongoing theme of these meetings has been the silence of the people. There has been no public comment. Plus, the primary user of the port, ArcelorMittal - Georgetown, has not been called upon to speak officially or asked for their expertise on the port.

What a shame. Maybe the fourth meeting will allow for such.

Wait...

The next Georgetown Port Task Force meeting will take place Thursday. Tim Tilley, the task force chairman, said the purpose of the meeting will be to answer questions and allow for public comment.

So, the only way any persons working at ArcelorMittal - Georgetown, corporate and hourly, will get a chance to speak will be through public comment - and not at a table where their responses and expertise would be considered higher than most.

Again, a shame because this now leaves the question: What is the real agenda here?

Tilley has asked for people to start looking and search out for funding. Why doesn't Tilley himself - as chair - write out the first check in good faith in support of dredging? He's been very friendly to First Congressional Rep. Tim Scott.

Frankly, I am sick and tired of the drawn-out process. State Sen. Yancey McGill basically told fellow members of the task force they all know what has to be done. I say it's not rocket science.

The true agenda may be clearer after the October 27 meeting. At 6 p.m., we'll all begin to hear from concerned folks about the port. Whether or not they support industry vital to this town is left to be heard - and seen.

Thanks To A Congresswoman, One Port Gets Its Rightful Funding

I am shocked, I'll tell you. SHOCKED. A U.S. Congresswoman has found federal funds to dredge and maintain a port - but not in Georgetown.

“It is with great pride that I celebrate the milestone of nearly $350 million in federal funds awarded to the Port of Oakland for vital harbor dredging and maritime maintenance,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “Investment in goods movement infrastructure is so central to ensuring that the Port continues to be a competitive player in the global marketplace. As we face rampant unemployment and unacceptable levels of poverty in Oakland and in cities across the country, the federal government must continue to support and invest in economic and job creating engines such as the Port.”

From Dredging Today - USA:

Congresswoman Barbara Lee helped the Port of Oakland reach a major funding milestone of nearly $350 million for harbor deepening and maintenance. Deeper vessel channels mean the Port can remain globally competitive, support job retention and growth, and drive positive economic impact for the region, state and nation.

Of the nearly $350 million, Congresswoman Lee has ensured the Port received $242 million for harbor deepening and $103 million for maintenance dredging. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has already begun its annual maintenance dredging that keeps Oakland’s harbor navigable and at a depth of minus 50 feet.

Hey, Tim. You think maybe you ought to ask where the honorable congresswoman got the funding - and why the hell Georgetown can't?

I mean, $33 million isn't $350 million.

I also think this information below might be helpful to the Georgetown Port Task Force:

Annually, port customers pay taxes into the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund with assurances that the money will be available to pay for navigational maintenance and harbor improvements. The revenues deposited in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund are not being fully spent, and instead of investing these funds to keep U.S. ports competitive, the trust fund has now built up a surplus of over $5 billion.

I realize Georgetown isn't Oakland. Georgetown isn't Charleston (because they handle different cargo than we do). However, the Georgetown GOP chairman made a major gaffe when he made the claim "the government is broke" and local media didn't correct it. The chair of the task force has generally said we are on our own.

Well, this information proves otherwise - and shows we have Republicans dragging their feet instead of showing Georgetown the money.

Some examples of jobs related to Port of Oakland maritime activity are: longshore workers, terminal operators, customs officers, warehouse workers, truck drivers, railroad operators, ship pilots, tug boat operators, and freight forwarders.

I guess since the word "tourism" isn't mentioned here, these jobs don't mean anything.

Facts are hard to deny.

200 Hours and Going Strong

 

Occupied: 200+ Hours

As of 5:00 p.m. tonight, Occupy Columbia has held a steady presence outside the State House for over 200 hours and we have no plans on leaving any time soon! We look forward to the next hundred hours, which starts with Occupy Charleston joining us at the Sate House indefinitely.

Get up-to-the-minute updates from our twitter account, @OccupyColumbia, or at our facebook page.

With solidarity,

-Will from Occupy Columbia, a member of the 99%

Hold Your Noses, Give City Incumbents One More Chance

As I voted absentee Friday, I couldn't help myself from thinking the incumbents should be voted out. No matter their party affiliation, it seems things have been stagnant in the City of Georgetown for a while.

But, as Rudolph Bradley generally said in a recent forum, there is more to be done and the incumbents haven't finished the job.

So, I say give them one more chance. All three incumbents should be voted in. Not because they say they're Democratic. I say vote them in because they are taking responsibility for a job not completed. If they truly feel as if they can finish the job they've started, then let them have the opportunity to.

It would be unwise to give a seat to a person who wants to start fresh, but doesn't know where to start from. Plus,  we really need to be paying better attention as citizens to our elected officials rather than voting on a flavor of the month.

For instance, one job not completed is the televising of city council meetings. Let the incumbents finish the task. How about the drainage project. The incumbents are knee deep in that one. So, let them complete the task.

Mayor Jack Scoville needs to realize he's an important part of this process. I think, as mayor, Scoville ought to tell the voters of the city he needs the incumbents to complete jobs not yet finished and who have the experience and knowledge to not let progress slow down.

More, the incumbents ought to be held to a higher standard - if all are reelected. I think we as a people need to be pushing harder for televised city council meetings. In return, we ought to be willing to spare time to attend as many meetings as possible.

I held my nose when I voted. With recent discussion of the Georgetown port, we now hear candidates - not elected officials - speak on it. Where was the get-up-and-go when there wasn't an election, hmm?

Not one candidate has been in my neighborhood. Selective canvassing isn't the answer. Either be for the whole city or stay home.

I truly hope you look past pizzazz, glitz and glamour and vote for the persons qualified for the job. The ones who have work to be done and should not be let off the hook simply by voting them out - so they can turn around and say the other guy dropped the ball.

Happy voting this November.

Georgetown Port Task Force To Hear From Public Thursday

The Georgetown Port Task Force Wants To  Hear From …

  YOU!!!

Thursday, October 27, 2011, at the old County Court House in County Council’s Chambers.

6 p.m.

129 Screven Street in Georgetown.

Public comments WILL BE the FOCUS of this meeting. We need a joint effort to tell the members of this task force we support the dredging of our port.

Occupy Columbia Zombie March on Saturday

 

"Nightmare on Main Street, USA" March

October 22nd at 8:00pm - Celebrate One Week of the Occupation

STATE HOUSE, COLUMBIA:  The participants of Occupy Columbia are celebrating one week of the occupation on Saturday, October 22.  A public invitation is extended to all.  Citizens are encouraged to gather at the State House grounds at 8pm for our "Nightmare on Main Street, USA" march into the Vista.  Afterwards, there will be a dance on the lawn.  Zombie costumes encouraged.  No alcohol or drugs in attendance, please.


Occupy Columbia, SC
occupycolumbiasc.org
"We, the occupiers, declare the political system broken. We are the People's lobby.  We are the 99%."

400,000 Teachers, Firefighters, Paramedics and Police Officers Mean Nothing to Republicans

Yup.

Every single Republican U.S. Senator voted against 400,000 teachers, firefighters, paramedics and police officers who are out of work.

Last night, Senate Democrats tried to overcome a Republican filibuster of the Teachers and First Responders Back to Work to Work Act (S. 1723).

The bill would have provided funds to local governments to put back to work or keep on the job some 400,000 teachers and first responders. It was originally part of the American Jobs Act that Senate Republicans also blocked with a filibuster.

Occupy Wall Street Bumper Stickers

One of the most powerful things about the Occupy Wall Street movement is that it's leaderless. No one person or organization controls it, drives it or can take credit for the movement that's continuing to build everyday. Most importantly, that also means no one person or organization can stop it.

That's why big corporations and their right-wing allies are freaking out. They're scared of the movement that's sweeping the country because they know it's real. It's organic. And it has the power to win because it's clear we're not going away until change happens to improve the lives of the 99%.

Here at DFA, we know that it's not our job to try to take over this movement or take credit for its work. We're here to help grow and support the work that people across the country are doing organically. So, when thousands of DFA members started writing in to ask us to make "We are the 99 percent" bumper stickers so they could show their support, we knew we had to do it.

Get your FREE "We are the 99 percent" bumper sticker right now.


You can put these stickers wherever you want to show your support for this incredible movement -- on your car, in your window, on your laptop...

Whether you're in a city with a occupation or, better yet, in an area where there isn't one -- you can use our stickers to show people everywhere that this is a movement with huge national support. We can show them exactly what the 99 percent looks like.

So, sign up to get your free sticker right now, or get a pack of 10 for $10.

Help support and grow the occupation -- Get a free "We are the 99 percent" sticker today.

Thank you for everything you do.

-Charles

Charles Chamberlain, Political Director
Democracy for America

30,400 more people in poverty in SC

Almost two million out-of-work Americans will lose their federal unemployment insurance in January -- and millions more later in 2012 -- if Congress does not renew the benefits before they expire Dec. 31.

A new report by the National Employment Law Project¹ shows that if we don't act soon, 30,400 people in SC will lose their unemployment insurance and slip into poverty.

Millions are struggling to find work in an economy wrecked by Wall Street. Will you help by asking Congress to extend unemployment benefits?

Nearly seven million Americans are currently surviving on modest unemployment insurance benefits. Over three million people are one unemployment insurance check away from falling into poverty.

If we cut the last thread keeping these families in the middle class, it won’t just hurt them. It will worsen the housing crisis because more people will be unable to afford their mortgages. It will worsen the retail economy and force small businesses to close because even more American families will be unable buy food or clothes for their kids or pay the heating bill.

If Congress doesn't act right now, 1.8 million workers will be cut off in the month of January alone – Merry Christmas America, you get another recession in your stocking.

Don't let it happen. Please help by telling Congress to extend unemployment benefits now. America's job crisis isn't going away, and the last thing we need are more people in poverty.

Sincerely,
Drew Hudson
USAction / TrueMajority

P.S. - have you seen? USAction has a whole new look at our website www.usaction.org. Stop by and let us know what you think!

1- http://usaction.org/2011/10/2-million-jobless-workers-could-lose-their-unemployment-insurance-benefits/

FREE sticker to support the 99%

As the Occupy Wall Street movement explodes across America, the religious right is up to their same old tricks: The Family Research Council just sent out an email actually asking their supporters to pray for the movement to fail. We think it's important to show that people of faith are standing in solidarity with those struggling for economic justice. So today we’re offering a free "Jesus is with the 99%" sticker to anyone who wants to show their support. Click here to get your FREE sticker! We can't print these stickers unless at least 10,000 people request them, so be sure claim yours today -- and tell your friends! Thanks, Beth, Nick and the entire Faithful America team

VIDEO: Mayor Cory Booker's urgent call

Congress is on the verge of passing a law that would deny states the right to decide who can carry hidden, loaded guns. But Newark Mayor Cory Booker is fighting back.

Check out Mayor Booker’s passionate new video, then join him in calling on Congress to preserve the state laws that protect your community.
 

Mayors and law enforcement professionals are on the frontlines of protecting their communities every day. The decisions they make shouldn’t be overruled by Washington politicians with nothing to lose when gun violence and crime start soaring.

Watch Mayor Booker’s “call to our common sense” and sign our petition to Congress right away:

http://www.ourlivesourlaws.org/cory-booker

Sincerely,
Mayors Against Illegal Guns


PS – This morning, our coalition also ran a full page ad in the USA Today urging Congress to preserve our states’ rights to decide who can carry hidden, loaded guns in our communities. See the ad here.

Las Vegas Smackdown

Republican candidates hammered each other for 2 hours in a lively Nevada confrontation — and often strayed from the facts.

• Cain denied that his tax plan would boost taxes for 84 percent of Americans, or fall heavily on those with lower incomes. A new study by the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center says just that.
• Santorum and Bachmann denounced Cain’s 9 percent “business flat tax” as a European-style “value-added” tax, which Cain also denied. The TPC study agrees with Santorum and Bachmann.
• Romney claimed his Massachusetts health care plan “[doesn't] have a government insurance plan” and relies on private insurance. Actually, his plan expanded Medicaid, and relies on that state-federal government program to cover many of the state’s previously uninsured.
• Perry and Romney clashed on job creation. Perry was mostly right in claiming Texas saw a greater number of jobs created than Massachusetts. But he was wrong that his state created more jobs in the last two months than Massachusetts did in four years under Romney.
• Romney relied on a disputed study from an anti-immigration group when he said “almost half” the jobs created under Perry were for illegal immigrants. Perry called that “an absolute falsehood.” But more neutral estimates support the idea that some portion of the Texas job gains were due to illegal immigration.
• Perry accused Romney of hiring illegal immigrants, to which Romney said, “I don’t think I’ve ever hired an illegal in my life.”  In fact, there’s no evidence that Romney knowingly hired illegal immigrants — but he hired a lawn service that did, and was slow to fire the contractor.
• Santorum and Perry were both off base in claiming that Romney once touted his Massachusetts plan as a model for the nation. He didn’t. He said it wasn’t necessarily right for all states.

Note: This is a summary only. The full article with analysis, images and citations may be viewed on our Web site:

Desktop users go here:  http://factcheck.org/2011/10/las-vegas-smackdown/

Mobile users go here:  http://m.factcheck.org/2011/10/las-vegas-smackdown/

'Rough Estimates' For Georgetown Port Dredging At 24, 27 Feet

This information was provided by the Army Corps of Engineers at the recent Georgetown Port Task Force meeting.

Georgetown Port "Rough Estimates"

MegaVote: SC 1st, 10/18/2011

Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011 Senate: American Jobs Act of 2011 Senate: United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act Senate: United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act Senate: United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act House: United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act House: United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act House: United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act House: EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 Editor's Note: The House is in recess this week.

Recent Senate Votes

Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (63-35, 2 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill last week that would allow economic sanctions to be placed on China for keeping its currency value artificially low. The House is unlikely to vote on the measure. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted NO......send e-mail or see bio American Jobs Act of 2011 - Vote Rejected (50-49, 1 Not Voting) The Senate did not reach the necessary 60 votes to end debate on the president’s comprehensive $447 billion jobs bill, effectively tabling the legislation. Parts of the bill will likely be considered in multiple smaller bills. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted NO......send e-mail or see bio United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act - Vote Passed (83-15, 2 Not Voting) On Wednesday, the Senate voted to implement a trade pact with South Korea. The House approved the bill earlier in the day and the president is expected to sign the bill into law. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted YES......send e-mail or see bio United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act - Vote Passed (77-22, 1 Not Voting) The Senate approved a trade pact with Panama. The House passed the bill earlier the same day and the president is expected to sign it into law. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted YES......send e-mail or see bio United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act - Vote Passed (66-33, 1 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill to implement a trade agreement with Colombia. The House approved the bill earlier in the day and the president is expected to sign it into law. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act - Vote Passed (262-167, 4 Not Voting) On Wednesday, the House passed this bill to implement a trade pact with Colombia. The Senate approved the bill later in the day and the president is expected to sign it into law. Rep. Tim Scott voted YES......send e-mail or see bio United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act - Vote Passed (300-129, 4 Not Voting) The House approved this bill to implement a trade pact with Panama. The Senate approved the bill later in the day and the president is expected to sign it into law. Rep. Tim Scott voted YES......send e-mail or see bio United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act - Vote Passed (278-151, 4 Not Voting) The House passed this trade agreement with South Korea. The Senate approved the bill later in the day and the president is expected to sign it into law. Rep. Tim Scott voted YES......send e-mail or see bio EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (275-142, 16 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would delay EPA emissions rules for boilers, solid-waste incinerators and process heaters, requiring the EPA to re-propose the rules and finalize them exactly 15 months after the bill’s enactment. The Senate is unlikely to vote on the legislation. Rep. Tim Scott voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 - H.R.2112 The Senate is expected to consider a fiscal 2012 appropriations measure that incorporates three spending bills: Agriculture (H.R. 2112), Commerce-Justice-Science (S. 1572) and Transportation-HUD (S. 1596).