Progress on Check Engine Lights

Dear friend,

This week we made some progress on the ‘check engine’ light issue that has been troubling Memphis motorists for the past few months.  I also presented Memphis veterans with medals for their heroic service and joined my constituents in celebrating our country’s independence.
 
Check Engine Lights
Honoring Memphis Veterans
Fourth of July
Heat Wave
Le Bonheur Community Health and Well-Being
Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region
Empowering Small Business for the Future
Free Photo Identification
Grant Announcements
 
Check Engine Lights

Yesterday I issued a statement following the City Council’s vote to approve ‘financial hardship’ waivers for local motorists struggling with vehicle emissions inspections.  I have been working on the ‘check engine’ light issue for months and have spoken to city officials, the Governor and the White House about the many concerns surrounding the troubled vehicle emissions inspection program.  This is a victory for motorists in Memphis.  Memphians should be able to have their cars inspected without unnecessary and expensive repairs being required which may not even lead to an improved environment.  I applaud the City Council for taking action and approving ‘financial hardship’ waivers for local motorists.
 
The City Council approved two measures to appease motorists unhappy with failed vehicle emissions tests at city inspection stations.  One ordinance, sponsored by Mayor A C Wharton’s administration, will allow residents with “financial hardships” who fail emissions tests to get a one-time, one-year extension to have their vehicles repaired.  The Council also voted to allow vehicles to pass either tailpipe emissions tests or onboard diagnostic tests. Currently, the city conducts only onboard diagnostic tests on cars manufactured after 1996.
 
Honoring Memphis Veterans

On Monday I presented Lieutenant Commander John H. McCormick, U.S. Navy, Retired, the Navy Presidential Unit Citation for his service in Danang, Republic of Vietnam, from November 12, 1966 to May 10, 1967 while assigned as the Officer-in-Charge of Mobile Support Team One, Naval Advisory Detachment.
 

I also presented Eugene E. Foxx, Sr., with the Combat Infantry Badge for his performance of duty while under hostile fire in the Republic of Vietnam on March 2, 1969.  Mr. Foxx is a former U. S. Army Specialist 4 assigned as the 1st Gunner with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade.
 

I also recognized the widow of Petty Officer First Class James M. Boyd -- Mrs. Eddie Mae Boyd – with honors.  Petty Officer First Class Boyd , U.S. Navy, Retired, was a Pearl Harbor Survivor who was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal with 3 bronze stars, World War II Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal with the Fleet clasp, American Campaign Medal with 1 bronze star, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 bronze stars, European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal with Europe clasp, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Discharge Button, and the Honorable Service Lapel Pin (Ruptured Duck).
 
Fourth of July

On Wednesday we celebrated our country’s independence.  On July 4, 1776, our forefathers declared our independence from Great Britain and began a journey that led to the many freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today.  America is like no other place in the world.  We are a role model for many countries thanks to the magnificence of our Constitution and the workings and accomplishments of our government.
 
Thomas Jefferson wrote a masterful document.  But we all know everyone was not created equally under the law and that we had to endure a Civil War, and fight for Brown vs. Board of Education, women’s suffrage, and the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965 to establish a more equal America.  And that is why we can never stop working toward a more perfect Union.

On July 3rd I visited the home of Commander, Navy Personnel Command, Rear Admiral Cindy Covell and spent time with her, Captain Steven Fimple, Commanding Officer, Naval Support Activity, and Rear Admiral Earl Gay, Commander, Naval Recruiting Command.  We were joined by other Navy and civic leaders in Millington.
 
I encourage everyone to read a part of the Declaration of Independence this week and reflect on the bravery of our forefathers for telling King George they were willing to risk their lives, the safety of their families and their possessions to create a new nation.  Hope you all had a happy and safe Fourth of July.
 
Heat Wave
With high temperatures in Memphis in the middle to upper 90s this week, stay cool using some of these tips from the U.S. Department of Energy.
 
Le Bonheur Community Health and Well-Being
On Monday I announced that Le Bonheur Community Health and Well-Being will receive $902,653 in new federal funds for the Changing High-risk Asthma in Memphis Through Partnership (CHAMP) program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Acquisitions and Grants Management.
 
Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region
Yesterday I announced that Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region has received $395,000 for the Title X Family Planning Services Program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Grants Management.  I support Roe v. Wade, a woman’s right to choose, and believe that health care decisions should remain between a patient and their doctor.  
 
Despite what some zealots might say, Planned Parenthood does not focus solely on abortions.  Planned Parenthood provides various cancer screenings, family planning and education services, STD prevention, AIDS counseling and other vital health care services that are important to Memphis and Shelby County.  According to the nonpartisan, nonprofit Factcheck.org, abortions represent three percent of total services provided by Planned Parenthood, and roughly 10 percent of its clients received an abortion. The group does receive federal funding but the money cannot be used for abortions by law.
 
Empowering Small Business for the Future
The Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration Regional Small Business Summit is hosting a workshop entitled “Empowering Small Business for the Future” on July 9th and July 10th at the Knoxville Convention Center.  The summit will provide small businesses the opportunity to have candid conversations with government and industry representatives.
 
Through workshops and discussions, attendees will learn how they can develop collaborative and teaming opportunities with government and large businesses alike.  Information specifically focused on awarding prime contracts and subcontracts to small businesses will be highlighted.  In addition, small businesses will have an opportunity to market their capabilities, speak with procurement representatives, and learn from leaders from the Federal and Private Sectors.
 
Learn more about this summit and register online at
http://smallbusinessconference.energy.gov/indexphp/small-business-summit-locations/knoxville-tn or contact them by phone at 865-567-3225 or by email at minterwd@aol.com
 
Free Photo Identification
Shelby County driver service centers are no longer open on Saturdays but if you or someone you know still needs a photo ID for voting purposes you don’t have to wait in line. If you only need to get an ID for voting purposes, you can still visit any driver’s license renewal station in Shelby County during regular business hours and there is a special line to serve your needs.  And if you are a Veteran who needs ID you can get free government-issued photo IDs at the Veterans Administration.  To learn more about the new voter ID laws, visit my website here.
 
Grant Announcements
Each week I release a list of grant announcements from federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, and others.  These federal funding opportunities are available to faith-based and neighborhood associations, nonprofits and other community organizations in the 9th district. The announcements are updated weekly on my website.

Wishing you a happy and safe weekend,

As always, I remain,

Most sincerely,

Steve Cohen
Member of Congress