A letter from Representitive Alan Grayson

Dear Mr. Shaw:

Thank you for contacting me with your opinions on legislative issues. Hearing from the people of Central Florida helps me better represent the 8th District.

As we move forward and address tough issues like the economy, health care reform, and other important legislation in the 111th Congress, know that I will be taking your thoughts into consideration.

Again, I appreciate hearing from you. If I can be of assistance to you or your family in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me at any of my offices.

Rapid Response Services For Laid Off Workers!

For those that have been experiencing trouble getting a job, still, I’ve gone to the department of Labor to bring forth the information below.

It seems that there are services that are geared towards getting people re-employed in a timly manner. The service is called “Rapid Response”. It offered via One-Stop Career Centers/Workforce. I’m sure that for those that are still having trouble getting a job in this rough economy, the mentioning of this service may aid in the placement of a job.

Good Luck!

Being laid off from your job is one of the most traumatic events you can experience in life. However, you do not need to go through this transition alone. Working with your employer, there are services and resources that can be brought to you, on site at your company prior to your layoff date. These services and resources are part of a program called Rapid Response, which will customize services and resources to your needs and the needs of your company, with a goal of getting you back to work as soon as possible and minimize the disruptions on your life that a layoff will cause. The Rapid Response team will provide you the means to maintain an income (unemployment insurance), information on health insurance options, access to skills upgrading and training resources, and much more. This service is extremely valuable: the earlier services are begun, the better. Services and resources vary, so be sure to attend Rapid Response sessions when they are offered so that you are aware of the full array of benefits for which you may be eligible.

Department of Labor

Affordable Housing, Florida Response

Dear Mr. Shaw,

Thank you for your recent email regarding funding for affordable housing in Florida. As your State Representative, I appreciate learning of your concerns.

The fiscal challenges we’re experiencing in Tallahassee are a symptom of a slowing economy nationwide, not just in Florida. We are facing an unprecedented $6.3 billion deficit for next fiscal year and will be forced to make tough decisions regarding Florida’s budget.

Let me be clear – I don’t relish the fact that we are being forced to make these tough decisions, but we were elected to serve in good times and in bad, and we are constitutionally mandated to balance the budget. Unlike the federal government, we cannot spend money that we do not have.

As you are aware, over the last ten years we have appropriated $2.8 billion for affordable housing programs. Unfortunately, with continued decreases in state revenues we do not have the resources to fully fund these programs this fiscal year. After much deliberation and consideration, the House’s budget proposal returns $123 million from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to General Revenue in order to offset reductions to education, health care and public safety. This is a onetime transfer for the 2009-10 Fiscal Year and funding can be restored for next year. It is critical to understand that even though the House isn’t proposing to fund affordable housing this year, Florida will receiving over $559 million in federal stimulus money for affordable housing programs.

Our reductions to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation are not because we do not recognize the importance of affordable housing programs, but rather because we believe Florida is in a unique position at this time. For example, Florida currently has a surplus of 385,000 unsold homes on the market, which is 20 months of inventory. At a time when home prices are plummeting and there is an abundance of affordable housing, adding new housing can actually exacerbate the State’s economic problem. Home prices have also fallen about 20 percent in the past year, making it more affordable than ever to buy.

There are also federal, state and local housing programs that can help buyers purchase existing homes. In the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit was increase from $7,500 to $8,000 for purchases on or after January 1, 2009, and before December 1, 2009. The Florida House also has legislation this year, House Joint Resolution 97, provides an additional homestead exemption for a homeowner the first time he or she establishes a homestead in Florida.

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your concerns regarding affordable housing funding. As we continue through the budget process I will keep your thoughts in mind. If I may be of assistance to you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Representative Baxter G. Troutman

“ACTION AGAINST HUNGER” blog posting

I chosen to allow the information directed towards the services of the action against hunger network to being provided on my blog. Feel free to use some of the information posted to become aware of how you may participate.

Aaron Shaw

ACTION AGAINST HUNGER | ACF-USA
http://www.actionagainsthunger.org
Phone: 212-967-7800

Join our online network:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Action-Against-Hunger/13885075114?ref=ts
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/acfusa
Change: http://www.change.org/actionagainsthunger
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/acfinternational

Floridas’ Hurricane Season

Has anyone noticed just how hot it gets outside here lately?

Being in Florida at times sure feels close to toruture being out in the heat during mid-day. This is a sure sign that summer has arrived and it time to prepare for the up-in-coming threats of hurricanes.

To help those that are still able to afford homes, check into your current home-owners insurance and make sure that you are protected in all aspects of the weather influenced threats that may come with a hurricane. This is important due to the fact that this is a part of home-owners insurance that is not fully understood nor is it covered in certain aspects of home-owners insurance.

As we begin to enjoy ouor summer in the Florida weather we must protect ourselves from all potentials of threats.

blog action day

A letter to Corrections Departments

As this society tries to cope with the consideration that foreclosure is the leading reason that we are facing such an economic hassle, one may consider excepting new practices to keep our banks from continuing to turn up-side.

Are prison system is being over run with people that have committed crimes that are being warranted with extensive time and not giving them the consideration of being redeemed for their behavior. As this economic crisis increases, a proposal to aid those that are upon re-entry into our society of productive and innovative citizens has been considered as america tries to keep its people housed.

This effort need exposure to how the corrections system of our state handles those that might be facing difficulties approaching housing once released. Background checks, a formula to negate the type of crime committed, available supplies and money that the local service providers are allotted are considered when approaching the reasoning behind how this system may be approached as the effort of affordable housing is reached.

The funding consideration is being delivered into this approach, however, the individual approach of how to promote and influence this effort is the issue at hand. We must remember that there are situations in which a prisoner has become employed while serving time and upon release need such an effort in the consideration of aiding those upon re-entry a supportive approval towards adequate housing as a primary function to becoming productive citizens.

Consider your corrections departments and ask how to aid in this effort as our housing economy takes strides towards an improved system of expectable affordable options for all classes of americans rather low-income, those facing foreclosure, or those upon re-entry of this compassionate society of humanitarians.

Economic Stimulus Package

Dear Mr. Shaw:

Thank you for contacting me about the economic stimulus package. I appreciate hearing your views.

The American people are hurting. They are losing their homes, their jobs, their businesses and their life savings. Economists across the political spectrum agree that the government needs to take bold and immediate action to stimulate the economy and curb the risk of a protracted economic recession.

I believe that the government has to do something to get us out of this economic tailspin, and doing nothing isn’t an option. I voted for the economic stimulus package because I believe it is narrowly targeted to spend and invest in ways that will get the economy moving again. It invests in our infrastructure, creating badly needed jobs, and provides critical tax relief to businesses and middle-class Americans. It also shores up unemployment benefits and food stamps, provides aid to seniors and disabled veterans, and invests in our children through 21st Century education. The bill improves access to health care, and promotes energy independence.

I’ve read the entire stimulus bill and I believe it will preserve and create millions of good-paying jobs, help States like Florida manage budget shortfalls, and advance our infrastructure to meet modern demands. Congress passed the bill on February 13, and President Obama has now signed it into law.

Unfortunately, there has been a lot of misinformation and inaccurate reporting on this legislation. The stimulus bill does nothing to “socialize” medicine. In fact, it does three things that really help people. First, it lowers the cost of insurance for people who lose their jobs. Second, it gives more money to States to cover medical care for low-income Americans and the uninsured through the Medicaid program. And third, it provides federal funding for the development and use of electronic health records to help doctors and hospitals be more efficient.

Based on what I hear from folks across Florida, it’s clear that we need to fix the problems caused by this economic crisis. But we must take care with taxpayer money. Last year I voted against spending $700 billion to bail out Wall Street because the bill lacked meaningful relief for homeowners facing foreclosure and didn’t include adequate protections for American taxpayers. I remain committed to reducing wasteful spending and improving transparency in Federal funding. And once we have returned to prosperity, I remain equally committed to tackling our burgeoning Federal deficit.

I appreciate your comments as they help me serve you better in the Senate, and I look forward to hearing from you should you have any future concerns.

Homeless Assistance Grant programs.

Dear Mr. Shaw:

Thank you for contacting me regarding homelessness. I share your concern for the estimated 3.5 million Americans who are homeless each year, and I believe we can make great strides toward fixing this urgent problem.

I voted for HR.1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2009, which provided funding increases for many critical housing support programs, including the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grant program, which is the primary Federal funding source for local efforts to reduce chronic homelessness. I also voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which provided additional funding for homelessness prevention and other housing programs. Please know that I will continue to champion housing programs during the fiscal year 2010 appropriations and budget process.

The fight against homelessness will require many components to succeed, from housing assistance to job training. Rest assured I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to find workable solutions to this tragic, chronic problem.

Sincerely,
Senator Bill Nelson

Understanding the living wage!

As of July 24 2009 the federal minimum wage will change to $7.25 per hour. As a nation that is in turmoil when it comes to understanding the balance between credit and cash assurance, the cost of living that people are falling under is focused.

We do not make enough to maintain bills, food, transportation, etc.

As a response to this consideration of not being able to afford the basics in life, I’ve brought forth an action to the legislators of this nation to enforce that this topic be noticed and handled in the manner of increasing the minimum wage across america.

I’m hoping that this action we bring forth the understanding that as the nation struggles financially so does the people. As the cost of living raises in each state so should the minimum wage.

Urge your Senator or House member to support this action.
Use this link: ( http://uspoverty.change.org/actions/view/understanding_the_living_wage ) to send your Senator/House Member a letter of action.

Thank You!

Weekly snack allowance!

FiLife: Your Financial Lifeline