Enewsletter: Getting Memphians Bigger Tax Returns
Statement
Dear friend,
This week, I highlighted the average of $2,400 eligible Memphians can get back on their tax refunds just for claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, announced almost $7 million to help fight homelessness in Memphis, and filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court supporting and defending voter's rights.
Keep reading to learn more about what happened this week, or if you'd like to receive the updates in this eNewsletter (and more) as they happen simply "like" my Facebook page. Be sure to check it regularly, as it will be updated often with news, pictures, and videos!
Getting Memphians Bigger Tax Returns
The Earned Income Tax Credit adds an average of $2,400 to qualifying tax refunds and is too important for people to overlook. I hope all citizens of the Ninth District take advantage of credit if they are eligible for it. More information can be found here.
Helping Reduce Homelessness in Memphis
This week, I announced almost $7 million in federal funding to help our communities and our local organizations work together to reduce homelessness in Memphis and improve the lives of at-risk individuals and families. Read more about the funding here.
Long Overdue Justice for the Friendship Nine
More than 50 years ago, the Friendship Nine were wrongfully convicted for exercising their civil rights and highlighting the injustice and inhumanity of Jim Crow. The decision by a South Carolina judge to vacate these convictions was long overdue and is further evidence that the injustices of slavery and Jim Crow remain in the South even today. Read more about the decision here.
Protecting Voters and Defending States Rights
The people of Arizona voted to eliminate gerrymandering, and the Supreme Court should respect their choice. That's why I was proud to help lead a bipartisan Congressional amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court this week in support of the voters of Arizona. Read more about the brief here.
Supporting Innovative Medical Research
President Obama announced a new plan to invest today in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is another U.S. department of defense that protects us from deadly diseases and illnesses. The likelihood of any one of us dying from a terrorist attack or weapon fired by a rogue nation is very slim, but the odds of suffering from diseases like Alzheimer's, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, stroke, cancer, and Parkinson's are much more likely. I support the President's plan, and I hope my fellow Members of Congress join me in helping him launch this new initiative, which you can read more about here.
Fighting to Keep College Affordable
This week, I had a nice and forthright discussion on WOKI NewsTalk Knoxville's Hallerin Hilton Hill Morning Show about how Tennessee Promise hurts students. Listen here.
Remembering All the Victims of Nazi Genocide
We marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp this week. On the anniversary, all the victims of Nazi genocide were in my thoughts.
Help Bring First Lady Michelle Obama to Memphis!
First Lady Michelle Obama has launched the #ReachHigher competition to raise awareness and get more high school seniors to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can help families afford college, and she will speak at the winner's high school commencement ceremony. Learn more about the competition here.
Helping Memphians Get Covered with the Affordable Care Act
The HealthCare.gov insurance marketplace is open now until February 15th for 2015 plan shopping and comparisons. You can visit http://bit.ly/hcSavings to see if you qualify for tax credits that will be applied as discounts on your monthly insurance premium. Read more about this year's health insurance enrollment period.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress
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