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Washington, Sep 10, 2010 -

Below is a sampling of local clips from this past week highlighting the activities of Freshman and Sophomore House Democrats. While House Republicans were measuring the drapes and dusting off plans to take us back to the exact same failed policies that severely threatened the economic security of middle class families, House Democrats used the work period to solve problems and talk with their constituents about ways to keep America moving forward. This week, there was a heavy focus on veterans and small businesses. This is the sixth edition we have put out this work period. To see the other five, click here, here, here, here, and here.

Delmarva Now (Crisfield, MD): Kratovil takes economic tour through Crisfield businesses - During a trip to Elkton in Cecil County the day before, Kratovil said he met with businesses owners there and heard the same comments from most of them. "Most of the places said it's better than last year, but we're still struggling," he said during a visit with Crisfield auto dealer Sam Davis. … Crisfield was the 13th town Kratovil has visited recently, said Kevin Lawlor, the congressman's communications director. The purpose of the trips is to talk to business owners about the effects of recent federal stimulus bills on business. [Delmarva Now, September 8, 2010]

New Canaan Patch (New Canaan, CT): Himes Tours New Canaan's Independent, Sometimes Vacant Shops - To find the answer, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4) visited downtown New Canaan shops to speak with local residents and business owners. The town marks one of 17 stops for Himes as he makes his way through the district before returning to Washington next week. Acting as tour guides in New Canaan were First Selectman Jeb Walker and Tucker Murphy, executive director of the local Chamber of Commerce. … "I don't think Jim Himes can do a lot single-handedly to fix the economy," said Rick Franco, owner of Franco's Wine Merchants. "Things aren't going to get better until we get people back to work. That's the crux of the situation. We can talk all we want, but until we get people back to work it's not going to get better." … While purchasing a box of stationary at M Milestones on Main Street, Himes chatted with the store's owner Dan Mulhern. Himes, who sits on the House Financial Services Committee, told him that they are working to make it easier for small businesses to secure credit. [New Canaan Patch, September 7, 2010]

Massillon Independent (Massillon, OH): Congressman Boccieri tours Massillon - Jobs and the economy were among the concerns discussed this morning during U.S. Rep. John Boccieri’s community walking tour of downtown Massillon. … Boccieri, D-Alliance, believes the federal government’s stimulus package has helped the U.S. economy, but acknowledged more must be done to foster growth. “I make no bones about fighting for every dollar for local communities,” Boccieri said. “Our focus needs to be on jobs and the economy.” As part of the tour, Boccieri also stopped to speak with officials at the Massillon Museum to discuss funding. [Massillon Independent, September 8, 2010]

NBC 29 News (Charlottesville, VA): Perriello Holds Town Hall In Charlottesville - Perriello's goal was to promote his "Make it Right America" agenda and hear from the people he represents in Washington, D.C. The two hour forum drew constituents from across the political spectrum. "It's absolutely critical that Democrats stay in office," stated Perriello supporter Sallie Kate Park. "They inherited a mess and it takes time to fix it and I truly believe in the integrity of Tom Perriello." [NBC 29 News, September 7, 2010]

Alamogordo Daily News (Cloudcroft, NM): Stimulus funds at work - Congressman Harry Teague took a tour Friday of a few local projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including Cloudcroft's new solar array that powers the village's reverse osmosis water treatment plant. … Rardin asked Teague if he would write a letter in support of funding for the water tank. He said it was a "great project that was ready to go." … Rardin asked Teague to write a letter to the RAC supporting the allocation of $75,000 in SRS funding to the 300,000-gallon water tank project. "I'd be glad to do that," Teague said. Teague told Venable that Cloudcroft has done a good job with their solar array and other projects, especially in light of all of the issues the village has had to face. He noted the storm last winter that blew down trees, knocked down power lines and wrecked many houses. [Alamogordo Daily News, September 4, 2010]

Stanley News and Press (Oakboro, NC): Kissell teaches civics lesson to Oakboro students - Oakboro Elementary received a visit from U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-08) Friday. Kissell stopped by Ms. Deese’s first-grade class (right) to talk to the students about government and answer questions. The class was given a brief civics lesson, where they learned about the role of elected officials and the legislation process. Students informed Kissell of their participation in the local Voter Outreach Contest. Before leaving Kis-sell encouraged the students to work hard during the new school year. [Stanley News and Press, September 7, 2010]

Lake Oswego Review (Lake Oswego, OR): Small LO businesses tell officials: ‘We need help’ - However, the administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration is hoping to do much more than that, as she made clear on her tour of downtown Lake Oswego with U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader. … Schrader, a small business owner himself, is intensely interested in the current bill because it closely resembles a bill he previously introduced. [Lake Oswego Review, September 9, 2010]

Eastern Arizona Courier (Safford, AZ): Kirkpatrick reduces own salary as example to fellow politicians - While visiting Safford on Sept. 1, U.S. Representative Ann Kirkpatrick, D-District 1, mailed off a check for 5 percent of her monthly salary to the Bureau of the Public Debt. She says she does this on the first of every month because if the counties are being asked to do more with less, so should Congress and its employees.  Kirkpatrick introduced a bill in March that would reduce congressional salaries by $8,700 – from $174,000 a year to $165,300. The last time Congress took a pay cut was in 1933 during the Great Depression. … She has also introduced a balanced budget amendment and said she is very concerned about government spending and its debt and deficit.  [Eastern Arizona Courier, September 8, 2010]

The New Mexico Independent (Rio Rancho, NM): Luján spotlights PTSD among vets; Army denies combat/suicide link - U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján spotlighted post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a public forum in Rio Rancho Wednesday, and he is scheduled to meet Thursday with owners of the “Horses for Heroes” PTSD therapy program just north of Santa Fe. … The Rio Rancho forum took place near the state Veteran and Family Support Services program office. The Congressman and officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services, and Veterans and Family Support Services program, theVeteran First Jail Diversion Program, and the University of New Mexico (UNM) Veterans’ Resource Center met with New Mexican veterans and family members. [The New Mexico Independent, September 9, 2010]

Times Union (Halfmoon, NY): New rules benefit stressed vets - It took 18 years for Roger Lefco's experiences in Vietnam to catch up with him, and 27 additional years for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to compensate him for his wartime injuries. … The VA changed its guidelines for applying for PTSD benefits in mid-July. It no longer requires vets to prove that a specific stressor related to a hostile military act caused the illness, which was difficult, especially for those who served decades ago. Under the new rules, service members can get benefits if a VA doctor diagnoses them with the disorder and the veteran's symptoms relate to the claimed stressor.  "It's a more holistic approach," said Congressman Scott Murphy, (D-Glens Falls), whose office helped Lefco navigate the new application process. … On Wednesday, Lefco told his story to Murphy, who videotaped it for the U.S. Library of Congress' Veterans History Project. The good ending to his wartime nightmares made Lefco feel like Vietnam and his battles were worth it.  [Times Union, September 10, 2010]

Foster’s Daily Democrat (Dover, NH): Veterans gather in Dover to share stories for history project with U.S. Congresswoman - One by one, the veterans introduced themselves to the group, sharing which branch of military they served and a brief anecdote from that time. Their stories echoed those they shared this year with an interviewer, Dudley Dudley, as part of the Veterans History Project Shea-Porter has helped promote. Shea-Porter organized the event at her Washington Street office to thank them for their participation. … "It's so nice to hear so many backgrounds," Bower said after the event, adding it is sad for him to see the Thresher memorial that is part of Albacore park because of his close ties. [Foster’s Daily Democrat, September 9 2010]

The Southeast Sun (Lyster, AL): New veterans clinic opens inside Lyster - Wiregrass veterans will no longer have to travel to Montgomery or Tuskegee to receive medical care through the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System. Friday marked the grand opening of the system’s Community Based Outpatient Clinic inside Lyster Army Health Clinic on Fort Rucker. … Congressman Bobby Bright was on hand to celebrate the grand opening of the CBOC. “This is a large step in the right direction to help our veterans, and I am so proud to be part of it,” he said. “Now, (veterans and soldiers) don’t have to go to Montgomery or Tuskegee or anywhere else for help. It’s right here on the base. Right here within a very reasonable distance to get quality healthcare and outpatient healthcare.” Bright, who serves on Congress’ Armed Services Committee, applauded the VA and the (Department of Defense) for the collaborative effort to bring healthcare closer to Wiregrass veterans. “I have the honor and the privilege to look and determine what are good programs that the Armed Services Committee will have an opportunity to appropriate monies for,” he said. “I want to commend the (Department of Defense) and the VA for working together.” … “Thank you very much for working together to make a program that will enhance and improve the quality of life for our veterans.” [The Southeast Sun, September 8, 2010]

Bolingbrook Sun (Stone City, IL): Halvorson's eye on local veterans – As she spoke, everyone at the Stone City Post Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2199 seemed to be holding their breath, waiting to see what Halvorson would say next. "We should be getting some good news next week!" the congresswoman said. … As part of her campaign to keep her 11th District congressional seat, Halvorson spent more than an hour Wednesday answering the veterans' questions. She urged many of them to contact her office to find out more about available services, explaining that she had a case worker on staff -- Julia Talamonti -- who handles only their issues. [Bolingbrook Sun, September 9, 2010]

NSB News (New Smyrna Beach, FL): Congresswoman Kosmas stands out in crowd at NSB Farmers Market - She wasn't sporting a campaign button or wearing a T-shirt with her name emblazoned on it. She wasn't even wearing a name tag. Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas doesn't need any of that. … Asked why she likes Kosmas so much, the restaurant owner responded: She's down to earth. No matter who you are, she'll always talk to you. And she cares about the small business owners." … As for her reception at the Farmers Market by dozens of residents and visitors, Kosmas said it felt "very, very hartwarming," especially coming from "deep roots, 37 years of being a business owner. I'm in my home town." [NSB News, September 6, 2010]

The Wilton Bulletin (Wilton, CT): Himes mans local grill: Dishing eggs and Afghanistan - When George Davala stopped at Connecticut Coffee in Old Post Office Square on Friday, Aug. 27, he was surprised to see U.S. Rep. Jim Himes manning the grill and pouring coffee at the busy cafe. … Mr. Himes’ cooking also got good reviews from Jim Shilles, owner of Connecticut Coffee. “I was very impressed,” he said. “He did a good job, serving the bagels, muffins, and coffee and working the cash register. And he had a nice touch with the customers.” [The Wilton Bulletin, September 5, 2010]

Eastern Arizona Courier (Safford, AZ): Kirkpatrick visits Downtown businesses - U. S. Representative Ann Kirkpatrick, D-District 1, took time from her busy schedule to visit with small-business owners in the Gila Valley on Wednesday. … She sits on House committees for veteran affairs, homeland security and small business. She told the Courier small businesses were critical to the health of the county and serve as its economic engine. … Two ways she has begun to accomplish that goal is through her introduction of H.R. 4880 – Copper Basin Jobs Act and her support for the Four Forests Restoration Initiative. … Kirkpatrick is also working with the Graham County Board of Supervisors on building a new jail for the county and is supportive of four-year degrees at EAC. While at the college, Kirkpatrick announced the nursing program will be the recipient of a $400,000 grant. [Eastern Arizona Courier, September 5, 2010]

Finger Lakes Times (Geneva, NY): Arcuri visits Geneva's small business owners - Looking out over the city from the fourth-floor windows at Lynch’s Furniture yesterday, Rep. Michael Arcuri got a visual answer to the question he had asked downstairs about the health of downtown. “These businesses were all remodeled, and they’re all family-owned,” said store owner Bernie Lynch, pointing toward Exchange Street. “There’s a lot of people coming and a lot of hope.” Arcuri, D-24 of Utica, spent about an hour downtown yesterday, touring DiDuro’s Shoes, Super Casuals, the Smith Opera House and F.A. Church Hardware along with Lynch’s. Afterward, he planned to stop at the YMCA and Red Jacket Orchards. [Finger Lakes Times (Print Only), September 2, 2010]

Jackson Citizen Patriot (Jackson, MI): U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer states opposition to legislation that would make comprehensive changes to Social Security, Medicare – Calling it expensive, risky and gambling, U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer stated his opposition Thursday to legislation that would make comprehensive changes to Social Security and Medicare. … Schauer said the plan — which his opponent in the Nov. 2 election, Republican Tim Walberg, has said he supports — privatizes Social Security and replaces Medicare with a voucher program. “Social Security works,” Schauer said. “Have you ever not gotten a check?” The meeting took place at the Word of Light Christian Center Church in Jackson and was attended by about 20 people, the majority of whom said they received both Social Security and Medicare. [Jackson Citizen Patriot, September 9, 2010]

Windy City Times (Chicago, IL): LGBT veterans honored by City of Chicago - LGBT veterans were honored by the City of Chicago and American Veterans for Equal Rights at Daley Plaza Sept 3. The ceremony, "With Liberty and Justice for All," marked the city's eighth annual tribute to LGBT veterans. More than 50 people attended the hour-long ceremony, which included speeches from veterans, a wreath-laying ceremony, a mayoral proclamation and an address by U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley. Lucy Smith of the Lucy Smith Jazz Quartet performed the national anthem and former service members were honored on a stage in front of the Daley Center. Quigley, who has voted to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ( DADT ) , thanked veterans for their service and offered his regrets that LGBT veterans have faced discrimination. "We're asking you to be all you can be except for who you really are," he told former service members. He also asked veterans to remain patient. "Have faith folks. This country eventually gets to the right spot." [Windy City Times, September 8, 2010]

Wayne Independent (Wilkes-Barre, PA): VA care clinic closer to home - Close to two years after their quest began for a primary care clinic closer to home, veterans are getting the green light. … Commander Michael O’Hara, VFW Post 531, Honesdale, recognized Congressman Chris Carney for “very actively working on it.” "Increasing access to VA facilities has been a top priority for my office," said Congressman Carney in press release. "For too long, our veterans have had to travel great distances for medical care. These are men and women who have proudly served our country, and we must make sure they all have access to quality health care," Carney said. "This is the right thing to do for our veterans and military families." Currently, veterans travel about 50 miles each way from Honesdale to the VA Center in Wilkes-Barre for those services, further still for those living in outlying areas. [Wayne Independent, September 8, 2010]

Cherry Hill Courier Post (Cherry Hill, NJ): $3M grant to Virtua to aid women vets - Virtua Health has received a $3 million grant to fund a new health center for women veterans. The VA-DoD Women Veterans and Service-members Joint Health Resource Center will be run in conjunction with the Warrior Transition Program at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The pilot program is designed to help health care workers better understand the unique problems facing the growing population of women veterans. … "Our grateful country can do more to honor our women veterans," said U.S. Rep. John Adler, D-N.J., whose district includes the base, in an announcement of the grant award. According to Adler's office, women made up 20 percent of the freshman military recruit class. [Cherry Hill Courier Post, September 8, 2010]

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Pittsburgh, PA): Bethel Park hand transplant recipient's work pays off - Maloney was at the McGowan Institute to visit Dr. W.P. Andrew Lee, who led the transplant team, and to highlight the institute's achievements for the benefit of U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and Arlen Specter, Rep. Jason Altmire and U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, who took a tour. … "There's a lot of momentum in the country for hand and face transplants," Lee told Casey, Specter and Altmire. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, September 8, 2010]

Brattleboro Reformer (Brattleboro, VM): Welch visits Vt. soldiers in Mideast - For the past week, Rep. Peter Welch has been traveling with a bipartisan group of House members to several nations in the Middle East. After flying to Beirut, the group flew to Pakistan, then spent two days in Afghanistan. The purpose of the trip, Welch said, was to get informed about the situation in Afghanistan, flooding in Pakistan and make it clear to the more than 1,400 active-duty Vermont National Guard members that they are truly valued. Welch said he was often told by high-ranking officers how incredible the Vermont troops were. [Brattleboro Reformer, September 7, 2010]

The Enterprise Ledger (Enterprise, AL): VA Clinic opens at Fort Rucker - The grand opening of the Wiregrass CBOC is absolutely the delivery on a promise made to Veterans of the Wiregrass Region to expand services, said U.S. Congressman Bobby Bright.  “We can now provide health care closer to where Veterans live.” [The Enterprise Ledger, September 5, 2010]

The Putnam Examiner (Yorktown, NY): Four Decades After Death, Yorktown Grad Honored – On Nov. 12, 1967, Yorktown High School graduate Stephen Scott Smith celebrated his 20^th birthday. Ten days later, Smith was shot and killed in the Binh Thuan Provine in Vietnam, where he was fighting for the U.S. Army. It’s been almost 43 years since Smith, more commonly known as Teedie, died serving his country. On Sunday, though, Smith’s friends and family, along with many people he had never met, showed his impact still resonated throughout Yorktown and the surrounding communities. At a street that’s long bore his name, approximately 100 people gathered for the unveiling of a plaque in his honor. The crowd included…Congressman John Hall… [The Putnam Examiner (Print Only), August 31-September 6, 2010]

Associated Press (Las Vegas): Renewable energy touted at Nevada policy 'summit' - With clean-energy legislation trapped in a political deadlock, renewable-energy advocates called big business the new leader in the nation's green revolution during a national summit meeting Tuesday. … Rep. Dina Titus, a Nevada Democrat who is also fighting for re-election, said the film countered naysayers who claim the stimulus has not been successful. [Associated Press, September 7, 2010]

Housatonic Times (New Milford, CT): Murphy Goes Door to Door in New Milford (Video) - “The economy is issue one, two and three when I’m knocking on doors,” Mr. Murphy said regarding the feedback he has received in his neighborhood visits in the district, which stretches from Salisbury to Newtown and includes most of Litchfield County and part of the Greater Danbury area. … Mr. Murphy said a small business owner in New Fairfield told him earlier in the day that he had just hired more workers. [Housatonic Times, September 7, 2010]

The Weston Forum (Weston, CT): Rep. Jim Himes joins Weston first selectman for brown bag lunch tomorrow - The lunch is open to any Westonite who has a comment, question, or issue they would like to discuss with the first selectman, or with Mr. Himes. It is an opportunity to share ideas and thoughts in an informal setting. [The Weston Forum, September 6, 2010]

NBC 29 WVIR (Charlottesville, VA): Perriello Talks Community Service With Recent Grads - Congressman Tom Perriello took a time out from fending off his political rivals Wednesday morning. He spoke with a group of young architects about the importance of community service. The congressman spoke for about 45 minutes to a crowd of about a dozen recently-graduated architects at the Amvest building off Ivy Road. He stressed the importance of public service, not just at the government level, but in private and nonprofit sectors as well. [NBC 29 WVIR, September 8, 2010]

Asbury Park Press (Toms River, NJ): Toms River Regional middle school students get mobile devices - In a partnership with Verizon Wireless and GoKnow, 1,000 students in those grades soon will be equipped with mobile learning devices — portable hand-held computers, or "smart phones," as they are popularly known. … Tuesday night's presentation was to demonstrate the capabilities of the mobile learning devices to those parents and students, who will receive the devices within the next few weeks. Rep. John Adler, D-N.J., also was there, along with various school officials and officials from GoKnow and Verizon — who supplied the phones for free. They usually cost about $500 each. [Asbury Park Press, September 8, 2010]

Glens Falls Post-Star (Northumberland, NY): Top ag official, in Saratoga with Murphy, talks about immigration issues - Peterson, a Democratic Congressman from Minnesota, visited Kings Ransom Farm on Tuesday alongside local Congressman Scott Murphy, D-Glens Falls, and members of Murphy's Agriculture Advisory Committee. … Both Peterson and Murphy said the volatility of the dairy market needs to be stabilized. [Glens Falls Post-Star, September 7, 2010]

The Fort Morgan Times (Fort Morgan, CO): Forum on ag, conservation, rural development set here - The offices of U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Betsy Markey, along with the USDA, are hosting a forum on agriculture, conservation and rural development in Fort Morgan on Thursday, Sept. 9. … Key questions for discussion include how to cultivate the next generation of farmers and ranchers, how to provide Colorado producers with the risk management tools and safety net they need in a fiscally responsible manner, and how to address natural resource concerns, such as water quantity and quality, erodible soils and wildlife habitat, while keeping land in production and opportunities open for rural economic development. [The Fort Morgan Times, September 7, 2010]

Westport Now (Westport, CT): Never Forgetting, 9/11 Families Celebrate Loved Ones - Rell, who is not seeking reelection, was flanked by a roster of federal, state and local officials. They included U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, state Sen. Toni Boucher, Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff and Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia. “People came up to me and thanked me and Westport for hosting the memorial,” said Joseloff.  “I told them it was an honor we wished we did not have but that this was the one place in Westport you could look out and see the towers fall that day.” [Westport Now, September 7, 2010]

Wilkes Journal-Patriot (Wilkes County, NC): Parkway 75th events start Friday - The 75th anniversary observance of the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway culminates this weekend with events at Cumberland Knob Recreation Area (Milepost 217) in Alleghany County and the nearby Blue Ridge Music Center (Milepost 213) in Grayson County, Va. …  Speakers include Gov. Beverly Perdue of North Carolina, U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler and U.S. Sens. Richard Burr and Kay Hagan from North Carolina. From Virginia they include Gov. Bob McDonnell and U.S. Reps. Bob Goodlatte and Rick Boucher. [Wilkes Journal-Patriot, September 8, 2010]

Wilton Bulletin (Wilton, CT): Brown bagging it in Weston - About a dozen Westonites gathered at town hall on Tuesday, Sept. 7, for First Selectman Gayle Weinstein’s (center, in green) monthly brown bag lunch. The group was joined by U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4th), seated to Ms. Weinstein’s left. Townspeople discussed health care, the economy, the Weston school board, the town’s cemetery proposal, and more at the informal gathering. [Wilton Bulletin, September 8, 2010]

Democracy for New Mexico (Hatch, NM): Teague Unveils New Bill to Promote New Mexico Agriculture - Over the weekend, Congressman Harry Teague attended the Hatch Chile Parade and Festival and visited the Ogaz Chile Farm to meet with local farmers and producers to discuss his newest piece of agriculture legislation, the Specialty Crop Enhancement Act. According to Teague's office, the Act will increase the funding available for the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block grant program in efforts to encourage the competitiveness of local specialty crops. [Democracy for New Mexico, September 8, 2010]

The Record (Troy, NY): Labor Day picnic serves food, purpose - “This is a very good crowd here,” said Mary Sullivan, president of the Capital District Area Labor Federation and CSEA’s executive vice president. “We’ve got a wide variety of people here, including some candidates for office this fall, including Congressmen Scott Murphy and Paul Tonko. This is a real good turnout.” [The Record, September 7, 2010]

Pleasanton Weekly (Pleasanton, CA): McNerney bags it for Safeway's MDA Fundraiser - Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) works with checkout associate Maria Montes to bag groceries for customers at Safeway's supermarket in Pleasanton to help raise funds for Safeway Foundation's Muscular Dystophy drive… [Pleasanton Weekly, September 7, 2010]

Norwich Evening Sun (Norwich, NY): Teamwork: Inter-agency cooperation leads to more efficient law enforcement – Last fall, the Norwich City Police Department was awarded a $288,188 federal grant that paid for a full-time detective position for two years, purchased new equipment, created a tips hotline and aided in the coordination of fighting drug-related crimes across the whole county. The grant, labeled as “Assistance to Rural Law Enforcement to Combat Crime and Drugs,” was presented to the department by U.S. Representative Michael Arcuri (D-Utica) Sept. 1 and was largest single grant ever received by the city force. [Norwich Evening Sun (Print Only), September 1, 2010]

Kokomo Perspective (Kokomo, IN): City of Kokomo receives $75K grant to promote small business - On Aug. 27, Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-2nd, presented mayor Greg Goodnight the $75,000 grant at City Hall. The grant is used as a loan to invest in small business, Donnelly said. When the business pays the city back, that gives the city the opportunity to help invest in other businesses and it helps Kokomo's business infrastructure get bigger and grow stronger, he said. [Kokomo Perspective, September 8, 2010]

Glens Falls Post-Star (Glens Falls, NY): Glens Falls 9/11 remembrance event scheduled - Two retired New York City public safety officers will travel to Glens Falls on Saturday to join area residents for a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at 9 a.m. outside the city's Ridge Street fire station, said Ric Stafford, chairman of the Glens Falls 9/11 Memorial Committee. … U.S. Rep. Scott Murphy … are expected to speak [Glens Falls Post-Star, September 7, 2010]

Cherry Hill Courier Post (Mount Laurel, NJ): Mount Laurel receives beam from World Trade Center - Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and Port Authority of New York/New Jersey Executive Director Bill Baroni presented the Mount Laurel fire department with a 17-foot, 800-pound twisted beam from the remnants of the World Trade Center. … Captain Todd Evans, Rep. John Adler, D-N.J., and department Chief Robert J. Gallos Jr. were among those on hand to talk about what the donation means not only to Mount Laurel but also Burlington County. [Cherry Hill Courier Post, September 10, 2010]

WBNG-TV (Greene, NY): Congressman Pushes Tax Breaks For Businesses - Congressman Michael Arcuri visited Raymond Corporation in Greene Thursday morning. Arcuri discussed legislation that would expand the Investment Tax Credit for the corporation. … "We want to help them along, companies that are buying the forklifts, Raymond's product, as easy as possible. I think that expanding this tax credit to the whole forklift would be a good benefit, not to just to Raymond, but our entire community," said Congressman Arcuri. Arcuri says he's also interested in the needs of small businesses. The Congressman visited downtown Greene to talk to business owners. [WBNG-TV, September 9, 2010]

The Pike County Courier (Newfoundland, PA): Pike County Dems host Carney - The Pike County Democratic Committee (PCDC) held their annual Family BBQ picnic recently in Newfoundland. Over 80 locals attended the afternoon event to kick off the fall campaign season. In attendance was special guest, US Congressman Chris Carney who’s district represents Pike County and a large portion of northeastern PA. At the picnic, Julius Litman, chairperson of the PCDC announced the opening of a Democratic Campaign Headquarters at the Old Schoolhouse on Harford Street in Milford to serve the residents of Pike County. Litman spoke about how essential it was that Carney and Pa. state Representative John Siptroth be re-elected, as they have been so responsive to the needs of the people of Pike County. [The Pike County Courier, September 9, 2010]

Contra Costa Times (Vallejo, CA): Solano wins federal funds - Congressmen George Miller and John Garamendi, both D-Solano, announced Thursday that Solano County and the city of Vallejo will receive more than $3.3 million in Department of Housing and Urban Development Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grants made available through the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Garamendi and Miller both supported the Wall Street reform legislation. [Contra Costa Times, September 10, 2010]

Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, FL): Feds give Central Florida $48 million to battle foreclosure blight - Conducting a news conference at a once-abandoned two-story home in southeast Orlando, top officials of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development joined local politicians in trumpeting the allocation, which they said will go a long way to ease the impact of the state's housing crisis. … Democratic U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson of Orlando also applauded the stabilization program, saying it would further reduce the "blight" of foreclosures. Although the rate of mortgage defaults in Orange County already is slowing, Grayson said, the region "still can use all the help that we can get." [Orlando Sentinel, September 9, 2010]

Stamford Plus Magazine (Hartford, CT): Hartford receives federal stabilization dollars to fight foreclosure - The U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded an additional $9.3 million in funding to Connecticut communities working to reverse the effects of foreclosure. The grants announced recently represent a third round of funding through HUD’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The announcement was made in Bridgeport at the home of a family assisted through the NSP. Mayor Pedro E. Segarra attended the news conference hosted by Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, Congressman Jim Himes, HUD New England Regional Administrator Richard Walega, and Commissioner Joan McDonald, of the State Department of Economic and Community Development. [Stamford Plus Magazine, September 10, 2010]

Easton Courier (Easton, CT): Himes, local leaders push for regional emergency communications center to serve Easton, Monroe and Trumbull - First Selectman Tom Herrmann and Police Chief John F. Solomon was among the municipal and police officials who met this week with U.S. Rep. Jim Himes to discuss the possibility of securing federal funding to establish a regional emergency communications center. … In each town, Himes and the first selectmen learned from police officers and dispatchers about the workings of a typical day at the police department, including the number and severity of calls received and the methods by which first responders are dispatched. [Easton Courier, September 10, 2010]

Stamford Advocate (Stamford, CT): Frustrated Pemberwick residents question officials over flooding - By the banks of the Byram River Wednesday morning, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes faced about 20 Pemberwick residents skeptical that anything will ever be done to alleviate flooding of their homes. … During a meeting with residents and town and federal officials, Himes told residents about the progress of a funding proposal in Congress that would provide the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with as much as $200,000 for a study on how to control flooding along the Byram River. [Stamford Advocate, September 8, 2010]

Stamford Advocate (Stamford, CT): Himes visits Sugar Bowl to chat with Darien residents - As part of his 17 towns in 17 days tour, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4) appeared at the Sugar Bowl Thursday morning to meet with residents answer questions regarding policy, the economy and health-care reform. With less than two months before the November elections, Himes stressed the need for the government to address issues such as education and immigration. [Stamford Advocate, September 9, 2010]

The Redding Pilot (Redding, CT): 17 towns in 17 days: Himes visits town hall, Main Street - U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4th) made a stop in Redding last Thursday to take part in First Selectman Natalie Ketcham’s monthly brown bag lunch at town hall, and later met with Main Street business owners to discuss their concerns and economic struggles. … After the meeting at town hall, Mr. Himes headed over to Main Street and visited the Georgetown Saloon, Lombardi’s Pizza, the Georgetown Package Store, new restaurant Pearl, the Redding Pharmacy and Swirl Ice Cream and Treats. [The Redding Pilot, September 8, 2010]

Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, FL): Orlando jobs rally: Unions and politicians pledge support for working people - More than 500 people turned out for the annual Central Florida AFL-CIO Labor Day picnic at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, including numerous Democratic candidates, including U.S. Senate hopeful Kendrick Meek, U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, state Rep. Scott Randolph and Orange County mayoral candidate Bill Segal, giving speeches while their supporters worked the crowd. [Orlando Sentinel, September 6, 2010]

Press Republican (Peru, NY): Owens meets with ag leaders - Hoping to get a better feel for what farmers need, Congressman Bill Owens spent much of Tuesday touring area farms with Congressman Collin Peterson, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. … Owens said it is imperative for the entire region that operations like Giroux's remain healthy. "In the past 10 years, they have probably grown tenfold and increased their employment by about 50 percent," Owens said. [Press Republican, September 8, 2010]

The Journal (Ogdensburg, NY): Politicians Out In Force At Solidarity Day Parade - Rep. Owens said he listened to many local residents this Labor Day about unemployment concerns. "Obviously what people are concerned about is jobs," Mr. Owens said. "That is, if not 99 percent of their interest, it's 99.9 percent of their interest." [The Journal, September 7, 2010]

Courier News (Elgin, IL): Geothermal system is already paying off - U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, a scientist himself, got to push the button Friday to start up the new geothermal cooling and heating/air conditioning system at Multifilm Packaging Corp. in Elgin … A few dozen dignitaries were on hand to see the new system officials at the company said already has reduced their electricity consumption by about 50 percent. [Courier News, September 7, 2010]

Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN): VA works to expand care for rural vets - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki traveled to Mankato earlier this week to tour facilities dedicated to rural veterans' health care and homelessness prevention. Accompanied by First District U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, Shinseki stopped at the VA's Mankato Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, which currently does not provide primary care services to veterans. … Shinseki and Walz also stopped at the Radichel Townhomes, 11 units of permanent supportive housing for homeless vets run by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, which was started in 2006. Shinseki said he would work to end homelessness among veterans in the next five years. [Star Tribune, September 3, 2010]

The Saratogian (Saratoga Spring, NY): Facing a battle after the war: Malta man talks with Rep. Scott Murphy about the plight of Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans when the mission is over - At 67, Lefco has already surpassed the average Vietnam veteran’s lifespan — 61-1/2 — a byproduct of stress and Agent Orange that have claimed more lives than the Viet Cong. His first encounter with PTSD occurred in 1983. He has obtained considerable medical help and counseling from The Vet Center in Albany. But his quest for disability benefits went unheeded until his case — with help from Murphy’s office — was finally approved three weeks ago including back pay to December 2007. Murphy said the award resulted from a recent federal rules change. Previously, veterans had to document and prove a specific incident, such as a gruesome combat situation, that might have triggered PTSD. Now, the rules consider a whole range of events, the kind Lefco was exposed to daily — part of his ongoing experience — that contributed to his problems. [The Saratogian, September 10, 2010]

YNN-Syracuse (Utica, NY): Arcuri announces veterans' legislation - With the U.S. military combat mission in Iraq officially over, one local congressman is putting together legislation designed to help those returning soldiers. Michael Arcuri visited the Utica Veteran's Outreach Center Wednesday. His four bills would expand educational opportunities for veterans to include vocational schools and on-the-job training. They would also create a fast track system to grant disability ratings and allow veterans who did not apply for unemployment to utilize the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. [YNN-Syracuse, September 8, 2010]

The Warwick Advertiser (Bellvale, NY): Congressman John Hall and Postal officials visit Bellvale Post Office - U.S. Rep. John Hall, US Postal Service District Manager Jerry Shapiro and District Communications Manager Tom Gaynor visited the Bellvale Post Office on Wednesday, Sept. 8. “I am happy to announce,” said Hall, “that the Postal Service has decided to extend the Bellvale Post Office lease through the end of September. I will use this extension period to work with all parties to make sure a solution is found that meets the needs of the community.” [The Warwick Advertiser, September 9, 2010]

State Press (Tempe, AZ): ASU celebrates first anniversary of GI Bill - Military officials and U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell, D-Ariz., gathered on the Tempe campus Thursday to recognize legislation that has provided student veterans with financial and housing assistance for more than a year. … Civil engineering freshman Karl Kalliokosky served as part of the U.S. Army Reserve in Afghanistan until July. He said the GI Bill allowed him to go to school this fall. He added that he thought veterans’ events on campus like Mitchell’s speech were a good idea to connect members of the military. [State Press, September 9, 2010]

The Oregonian (Portland, OR): DeFazio, Oberstar offer grudging praise of Obama on transportation - House Transportation Chairman James Oberstar, D-Minn., and his chief lieutenant, Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., were in Portland Wednesday offering grudging praise of the Obama administration's plan to spend an additional $50 billion on road and rail projects. … The two appeared - along with Reps. Kurt Schrader and David Wu, both D-Ore. and Portland Mayor Sam Adams (who presented his own wish list of transportation projects) - at a press event at the eastern end of the Broadway Bridge to promote the jobs-creating impact of investing heavily in transportation projects. [The Oregonian, September 8, 2010]

Battle Creek Enquirer (Battle Creek, MI): Mark Schauer speaks out against GOP budget plan - U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Bedford Township, continues to campaign as a protector of Social Security and Medicare benefits. … Speaking to a group at Battle Creek's Second Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday, Schauer, who is seeking his second term in Congress, spoke out against a Republican budget proposal that would partially privatize Social Security. [Battle Creek Enquirer, September 9, 2010]

Flag Staff Today (Albuquerque, NM): USDA grants $50,000 for Navajo business incubator study - USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner was joined by U.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujan at ceremonies held in Church Rock, N.M. on Aug. 13 to celebrate the obligation of $50,000 in federal funding granted to the Navajo Nation, Division of Economic Development Project Development Department. [Flag Staff Today, September 8, 2010]

Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Business Advocate (Santa Fe, NM): Representative Ben Ray Lujan Meets with Chamber on Renewable Energy - The Chamber hosted a breakfast meeting at the Flying Tortilla on August 19 to go over pending legislation with representative Ben Ray Lujan and Cathy Zoi, the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. They covered various topics with renewable energy heading the list. Senator Lujan stated that he was working together with Santa Fe businesses to help make the workforce thrive. “New Mexico is a milieu for job growth and a job boom,” he said. [Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Business Advocate, September 2010]

Danville Register Bee (Danville, VA): Danville's Institute gets $200,000 for green jobs education - Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th District, stopped by the Institute on Thursday to celebrate the funding that will help both students and teachers engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics — referred to in educator lingo as “STEM.” Perriello requested the appropriation for the program. Skills and knowledge in STEM areas are crucial for the clean energy future, Perriello said. That’s where the jobs will be. [Danville Register Bee, September 9, 2010]

San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio, TX): Border factories caught in drug war's crossfire - The head of an association of border factory owners Thursday said the sector is in crisis mode as unrelenting drug violence in northern Mexico has spooked investors into curtailing operations at some plants and rethinking expansion at others.  “In February, there was a total loss of civil control in Reynosa and it's never been re-established,” said Dan McGrew, president of the Reynosa Association of Maquiladoras and Manufacturers. “We're in the worst of all worlds.”  McGrew spoke at a conference of the Border Trade Alliance that featured U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersin as the keynote speaker.  It also was attended by U.S. Reps. Ciro Rodriguez, D-San Antonio, and Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo.  [San Antonio Express-News, September 10, 2010]

The Monitor (McAllen, TX): Border sheriffs get $5 million grant - A nearly $5 million grant will be used by sheriff’s departments from El Paso to Cameron counties to bolster border security and improve cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the border region.  U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar, Silvestre Reyes, Ciro Rodriguez, Solomon Ortiz and Ruben Hinojosa — who all represent counties along the Texas-Mexico border — announced Thursday the $4.85 million in federal funding for the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition.  The funding is made through the Department of Justice’s Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, which is used to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system.  [The Monitor, September 09, 2010]

FOX28 (Elkhart, IN): Elkhart remembers fallen soldier - Several hundred mourners showed up on Civic Plaza to remember Justin Shoecraft, an Army Specialist killed in a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Shoecraft had grown up in Elkhart, and lost his life in August.  "He was a hero," says Sandra Schaven, who attended the memorial service. "A young boy who gave his life for our country."  Community leaders spoke about the bravery Shoecraft showed steering a tank to block enemy fire and hitting a roadside bomb that ultimately took his life.  Elkhart Mayor Dick Moore as well as U.S. Congressman Joe Donnelly also spoke at the event, and praised Shoecraft for his service to his country.  [FOX28, September 9, 2010]

WTKR (Hendersonville, NC): NC apple growers like proposed insurance changes, especially higher reimbursement rate - North Carolina apple growers say they are happy to learn about proposed changes in federal crop insurance that would better protect them from a catastrophic loss.  The Times-News of Hendersonville reported about two dozen Henderson County apple growers attended a meeting Wednesday with U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler and industry leaders.  One proposal would raise the reimbursement rate for insurance claims involving processed apples from $2.45 per bushel to $3.  [WTKR, September 9, 2010]

Kendall County Record (Yorkville, IL): Foster visits Wrigley plant here… - Congressman Bill Foster (IL-14) visited the Wrigley Manufacturing Company in Yorkville. “As someone who started a successful manufacturing company, one of the best parts of my job is learning how manufacturing companies here in Illinois continue to innovate,” said Foster. … Wrigley Yorkville Factory Director Brian Pardo said, “Our team really enjoyed having the opportunity to host Congressman Foster and to share with him a firsthand look at how our Wrigley products are made. [Kendall County Record (Print Only), September 9, 2010]