League of Conservation Voters Scorecard

Dear Friend,

This week I received a 97 percent on The League of Conservation Voters 2012 National Environmental Scorecard. We also learned that Memphis International Airport will become one of five additional airports to be approved for the TSA Pre Check program.

LCV Scorecard
TSA Pre Check
Judge Otis Higgs
Sequestration
Benefits Payments
Help Filing Taxes
EnergySmart Memphis
Congressional Calendars
Grant Announcements

LCV Scorecard

This week I received a 97 percent on The League of Conservation Voters 2012 National Environmental Scorecard. It is an honor to be recognized by the League of Conservation Voters for my record on the environment. If we are going to improve the air we breathe, the water we drink and preserve our environment for future generations, we must treat our planet with the care it deserves. We must combat the pollution that destroys our lungs and ruins our planet. Many great benefits could come from our efforts to maintain clean water and air. They will enable us to create alternative sources of energy that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, lower energy costs for American families and small businesses, and establish a clean energy economy that will help create green jobs across the country.

TSA Pre Check
Yesterday we found out that Memphis International Airport will become one of five additional airports to be approved for the TSA Pre Check program. I’ve been encouraging the Transportation Security Administration to include Memphis International Airport in the TSA Pre Check program for quite some time. The TSA Pre Check program will enable travelers who pose no security risk the opportunity to move thru the screening process more quickly, enabling security personnel more time to focus on passengers they need to focus on. The TSA Pre Check program is safe, effective and quickly becoming an established program across the country. Click here to learn more.

Judge Otis Higgs

Shelby County Criminal Court Judge W. Otis Higgs passed away recently. Judge Higgs was a long-time friend, a civic leader and a true pioneer. We supported each other over many years and I am forever grateful for his friendship and counsel. Judge Higgs also served as interim Shelby County Sheriff in 1990. While Sheriff, he and I worked together to implement the jail citation program which I sponsored in the Tennessee State Senate. Judge Higgs was a great role model for all in Memphis. Please join me in keeping him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

Sequestration
As the March 1 deadline for sequestration approaches, it is vital that Republicans work with President Obama and Democrats on how best to prevent the across-the-board cuts from taking place. The impact of sequestration on the American economy, middle class families, and small businesses would be devastating. The time has come for Republicans to stop trying to score political points for the next election and work with our President on a balanced approach toward creating jobs, growing our economy, and reducing the deficit.

Benefits Payments
If you currently receive benefit payments from Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Supplemental Security Income, Railroad Retirement Board, Department of Labor, or the Office of Personnel Management, you may recently have received correspondence about switching the method of delivery of your benefit from paper checks to electronic payments. Electronic payments are safer, easier, and more convenient than paper checks. In addition, the Treasury Department’s move to electronic payments is expected to save taxpayers more than $100 million each year. Currently, 93 percent of all federal benefit recipients receive their payments electronically. Beneficiaries can sign up for the electronic payment option by calling (800) 333-1795. You can also learn more at https://www.godirect.org/

Help Filing Taxes

Tax filing season began on January 30. Here is a link that you can use to find the nearest IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site. Constituents earning less than $57,000 per year can file for free. There are a lot of tax scams out there, even in Memphis. I encourage you to use this website to find an IRS-approved tax consultant who can help you for free. You can also file online directly through the IRS here: https://www.irs.gov/Filing.

EnergySmart Memphis

EnergySmart Memphis is a year-long energy education and home improvement initiative designed to help Memphians save money on their energy costs. EnergySmart Memphis is a partnership between MLGW, City and County government agencies, Community Development Corporations and non-profit organizations, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Through EnergySmart Memphis, an estimated 3,000 MLGW customers will receive in-depth energy conservation training; eligible customers will have weatherization improvements made to their home through this initiative; a series of Energy Education Workshops will be conducted city and county-wide at area libraries; and the initiative includes weatherization kits for qualified homeowners to receive minor and major home repairs. Click here to learn more.

Congressional Calendars
There are a limited number of 2013 Congressional Calendars available through my office. If you’d like to receive one of these free calendars, please click here to fill out a short form. I have already received a number of requests from some who are not residents of District 9. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee’s 9th District. Please feel free to share this email with other constituents who may be interested in receiving a calendar.

Grant Announcements
I regularly 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 regularly on my website.

Wishing you a happy and safe weekend,


As always, I remain,

Most sincerely,

Steve Cohen
Member of Congress