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The economy and 9th District employment
Story Date: 1/26/2009
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Source: Sue Myrick, 1/24/09
Dear Friends,
A lot has happened since January started a few short weeks ago. We have a new Congress, a new President, and unprecedented challenges before us. I just wanted to take a moment to keep you up-to-date with everything that's been happening.
The Economy
• Last week, I introduced an amendment to prevent any company that receives funds as part of the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) from outsourcing any new customer service or call center jobs to a foreign-based company. Given the rising unemployment rate – both nationally and in our district – I don't think it's unreasonable to demand that American workers are used to fill any new customer service jobs for the companies that are assisted with American taxpayer dollars. This amendment passed in the House by a voice vote.
• Tax season is just around the corner. Thankfully, the Internal Revenue Service has just introduced a new program, called Free File Fillable, which will allow taxpayers to electronically file their returns regardless of income level. For more information, visit the IRS Web site.
• Also, the IRS has suspended the mandatory retirement distribution requirements for the 2009 tax year. In past years, people over the age of 70 ½ were required to withdraw a portion of their retirement income if it was earned on a tax-free basis. However, given the portfolio losses many people have dealt with over the past year, President Bush signed a law in late December that suspended this requirement to allow people to continue saving and investing toward retirement.
Employment Opportunities
• On January 27, there will be a job fair at the YMCA in Kings Mountain. Participating employers include: Bayada Nurses, Dole Fresh Vegetables, Coventry Healthcare, and Gastonia Sheet Metal. The address is: 211 Cleveland Avenue Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
• The US Census Bureau recently opened an office in Charlotte, and will create 15,000 temporary jobs in preparation of the 2010 Census. All jobs start at $8.75/hour and schedules are flexible More information on these jobs can be found at www.2010censusjobs.gov
And, in other news:
• On Feb. 17, 2009, all full-power televisions will go digital. If you have a television that is currently connected to cable, satellite, or another television service, you have nothing to worry about. However, if you have an analog television – one that receives signal via "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna - you will need to upgrade. Converter boxes are available for about $50, and the government is offering $40 coupons to offset this cost. If you have any question about this transition, or want to request a coupon, visit https://www.dtv2009.gov/ or call 1-888-DTV-2009.
• Though it was on his last day in office, President Bush commuted the sentences of Border Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean. In 2006, US Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean were sentenced to 11 and 12 years in federal prison for shooting an illegal alien drug smuggler who was transporting 743 pounds of marijuana into our country. I am glad that Bush finally did what was right by these two brave men who were unjustly punished for doing their jobs to defend our country.
• With not even his first full week in office complete, President Obama has signed an executive order allowing American taxpayers to fund foreign abortions. It shocks me that overturning this sensible policy was such a top priority for the President, especially given that the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision – which has resulted in over 50 million abortions here in America – was the day before this order was signed.
• Lance, Inc., based in Charlotte, is the nation's #1 producer of peanut butter crackers, and HAS NOT been affected by the salmonella outbreak and nationwide peanut butter recall. Lance self-manufactures 100% of its peanut butter and has been reviewed and deemed safe by the NC Department of Agriculture.
Next week, Congress will again vote on a stimulus package. I will be contacting you with information on this bill, as well as what I think needs to be done to address the economic problems we now face. Please contact me with any concerns you have on this or any other issue. As always, thanks for the opportunity to represent you in Congress.
Sincerely,
Sue Myrick
Member of Congress
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