Category: Jordan Zappala
4th District Foreclosure Rate is .097 Percent
HOTPADS
Norwalk Hour
Jordan Zappala
Boston University Washington News Service
10/10/08
WASHINGTON – Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District has a mortgage foreclosure rate that is lower than 63 percent of the country, according to new real estate data on the Web site hotpads.com.
The data, compiled in partnership with foreclosure listing site RealtyTrac and updated nightly, reveals a foreclosure rate across the district of .097 percent – significantly lower than the country’s highest rate of 4.6 percent, found in the 18th District of California. The 18th District encompasses San Joaquin Valley cities such as Modesto and Stockton.
Seven of the top ten worst foreclosure rates are in California, with Nevada and Florida rounding out the remaining spots. The lowest foreclosure rates are found in Washington, D.C., southern Virginia and New York City. In Republican congressional districts, the average rate of .51 percent is slightly higher than the Democratic districts’ .47 percent.
In a breakdown of foreclosure rates in all 435 congressional districts, the five Connecticut districts rank between 152 and 188. All of the state’s members of Congress voted for both the Foreclosure Act signed into law in June, and the financial bailout bill signed into law last week.
“If you are facing foreclosure, reach out to a local non-profit counselor or see if you qualify for legal aid,” said Chris Kukla of the Center for Responsible Lending. “Find all the help you can get, but make sure you do something – it may save your home.”
Kukla said that, no matter what, avoid payday lenders or car title lenders.
“Both of these options are designed to trap borrowers in debt rather than solve a financial emergency,” he said. “Instead, take a cash advance on your credit card, visit your credit union or local bank for loans, or ask family or friends for help. Payday loans seem easy and anonymous, but they cause more problems than they are worth.”
###
President Welcomes Olympians to the White House
OLYMPIANS
Norwalk Hour
Jordan Zappala
Boston University Washington News Service
10/7/08
WASHINGTON – On what he described as a “special day for the White House,” President George Bush Tuesday welcomed more than 500 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes on the South Lawn.
To an audience of roughly 200 friends and family members, President Bush described his August trip to Beijing as “one of the greatest experiences” of his life.
“But more impressive was the decency and character that these Olympics brought on the world stage,” Bush said from a podium nestled among the athletes. “Whether you won a medal or not, it really doesn’t matter in the long run. What really matters is the honor you brought to your sports and to your families and to your country.”
On an unusually brisk morning, the grinning athletes – including medal winners Michael Phelps, Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson – stood on the balcony and steps of the White House in a dynamic cascade of blue and red Team USA jackets.
The 597 members of the 2008 summer Olympic team gave one of the best performances in Olympic history – not only earning the top medal count with 110 medals, but also setting a new U.S. record for medal production. During the games – watched by almost 5 billion viewers – 43 world records were broken, 13 of which were by members of Team USA.
Phelps, of course, led the record-breaking charge, earning the most gold medals at a single Olympic Games as well as the most gold medals cumulatively – eight and 14, respectively.
“People say, did you ever get to meet Michael Phelps?” Bush said to a swirl of laughter. “I said I did. So was that the highlight? I said, not really; meeting his mother was more of a highlight.”
The 2008 Paralympic team also had a banner year in Beijing – finishing third overall with a medal count of 99 – and the swimming team led the medal standings for the first time, with 17 gold medals.
After Bush’s remarks, Paralympian Jennifer Armbruster presented the president and Laura Bush with team jackets, naming them both honorary members of the 2008 Olympic team.
As the military band resumed playing, the president and his wife spent 10 minutes shaking hands and posing for photos with the athletes before walking past a dog bowl and toy volleyball, heading back toward the west wing.
After the 15-minute ceremony, Phelps appeared for an informal press conference in the White House driveway amid a flurry of camera flashes – looking like a veteran celebrity in dark sunglasses and a brand new goatee. He described his experience at the White House as “an honor,” and revealed a private exchange he had with the president moments earlier.
“Well, my mom texted me this morning – ‘tell the president I said hi,’ so I did that,” Phelps said to laughter. “He said, ‘your mom’s an amazing lady, just like mine.’ ”
Phelps – famous for his 12,000 calories per day diet during training – also added that since he’s only gotten into the pool three times in the past five weeks, he is back to eating two to three meals a day, like most Americans.
During his address, President Bush said that the Department of Health and Human Services released new physical fitness guidelines Tuesday and held up the athletes as shining examples of the human body’s capability.
“We urge our fellow citizens to look at these guidelines and to take time out of your day to exercise,” the president said. “Not every one of you has to ride a mountain bike, but if you walk just 20 minutes a day, you’ll help America and help yourself.”
The new guidelines were designed to show the American public how easy it is to incorporate physical activity into daily life and to include activities they enjoy. According to the guidelines, two and a half hours each week of moderate aerobic exercise provide substantial health benefits for most adults, and children thrive with an hour of exercise each day.
###
Shays Says Vote for Bailout Bill is ‘A Legacy Vote’
REACTION, Update
Norwalk Hour
Jordan Zappala
Boston University Washington News Service
10/2/08
WASHINGTON—Rep. Chris Shays knows that the vote he will cast Friday in favor of the emergency financial stabilization plan is one he will take to his grave.
“This vote [is] a legacy vote,” Shays, R-4, said Wednesday. “It’s one of the biggest votes you’ll ever be making. That’s why you have to vote with your conscience and live with it the rest of your life.”
On Friday, the House is expected to vote on the rescue plan for the second time this week – this time taking up the version the Senate passed late Wednesday night.
Democrat Jim Himes, Shays’ opponent in the 4th district House race, said that if given the chance, he too would vote in favor of the bailout bill.
“Yes, I would [vote] for the bill,” Himes said Wednesday. “Now I say that holding my nose, because it is nothing short of outrageous that this was necessary, but our economy is resting on a knife’s edge.”
Shays was one of 65 House Republicans who voted for the failed version of the bill on Monday – which would have released $700 billion that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson requested last week in an effort to increase fluidity in the now-frozen credit markets. The House rejected the measure, 205 to 228.
“On Sunday night, I thought it would pass, but on Monday morning, I felt it slipping away,” Shays said. “I was surprised on one level because a ‘no’ vote was kind of like playing Russian roulette, but I also understand because many people had strong feelings against the bill.”
Shays said Wednesday on MSNBC’s Morning Joe that, prior to Monday’s vote, constituent response to the bill had been 30-1 against it, but that after the vote, the phones began to ring largely in favor. But the calls have become primarily negative once more, he said, highlighting the confusion that seems to be surfacing throughout the country.
Himes said his experience with 4th district residents has been different.
“Our district is heavy with financial services so, more than elsewhere, people understand the connection between financial services and the real economy,” he said Wednesday. “A businessman I spoke with today said…he was having trouble borrowing money to meet his payroll. The economy is grinding to a halt, and everybody’s angry.”
In an unexpected move, the Senate voted for its own version of the bill late Wednesday, before the House returned from its two-day recess. The Senate bill included several tax incentives designed to sway conservative Republicans wary of the rescue plan, and also would raise the limit on insured bank deposits from $100,000 to $250,000 per account in an effort to inject consumer confidence back into the banking system.
“I tried to get a $300,000 increase, so I’m thrilled this is part of the plan,” Shays said about the Senate’s new provision. “One of the reasons I stayed in D.C. [during the recess] was to advocate for this amendment.”
He said that the Senate’s decision to vote so quickly showed real leadership and that he largely supports the revised plan.
Himes said he, too, saw the changes as a bold step in the right direction.
“I think forward progress is critical, so if this gets us to a point where we’re able to restore confidence in the system, I think the decision is the right one,” Himes said.
On C-SPAN Wednesday morning, Shays said that while the Senate bill's new provisions might attract votes from several House Republicans, it has the potential to drive away more House Democrats, making the outcome of Friday’s vote uncertain.
###
Give Peace a Chance
PEACE
Norwalk Hour
Jordan Zappala
Boston University Washington News Service
9/18/08
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The United Nations International Day of Peace – an annual practice of global non-violence and ceasefire celebrated around the world – will be observed on Sunday.
This year’s celebration will begin Sunday morning when U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon rings the Peace Bell at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. He will be joined at the ceremony by several U.N. messengers of peace – celebrity ambassadors such as George Clooney, Jane Goodall and Yo-Yo Ma – who have been chosen to promote the work of the U.N. Ki-moon has called for a 24-hour cessation of all hostile action, and for a minute of silence to be observed across the world at noon local time.
Over the past few decades, more and more organizations – both national and international – have joined the call of the U.N. The day has grown to include hundreds of thousands of participants who show their commitment to peace through diverse and imaginative means ranging from dance parties to silent vigils.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell issued a proclamation accepting Sept. 21 as the International Day of Peace in Connecticut.
“I urge all citizens to use this day as an opportunity to make peace a reality in our homes, our communities and between all nations,” she wrote.
Many events will be taking place in southern Connecticut and New York in honor of the 26th International Day of Peace. Here are a few:
Bridgeport
Peace Vigil at Black Rock Elementary School. Students and community members will rededicate the red cedar peace pole installed during last year’s day of peace. 545 Brewster St. Monday at 1:45 p.m. Free.
Shelton and Waterbury
Pinwheels for Peace. Add your pinwheel to the more than 1 million being displayed worldwide. Sunnyside School, 418 River Rd. in Shelton and in Waterbury at the Waterbury Arts Magnet School, 16 S. Elm St. All day on Sunday. Free.
New York City
Stand-Up For International Peace. An evening of laughs in celebration of Day of Peace, Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W. 23rd St. Sunday at 8:30 p.m. $20.
Yoga for Peace. As part of a global yoga practice on Sunday, join an estimated 1,000 fellow yogis on the Center Lawn of Battery Park for 108 sun salutations and Kirtan chanting by Anjula. Sunday at noon. $25.
Kirtan Concert by Krishna Das. Special guest speakers Lady Ruth, Dharma Mitra and Swami Ramananda. Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew, 86th Street and West End Avenue. Sunday at 6 p.m. $15.
Local Woman Receives Adoption Award in Washington
ADOPTION
Norwalk Hour
Jordan Zappala
Boston University Washington News Service
9/18/08
WASHINGTON – An Avon, Conn., professor received an award in Washington Wednesday for her work as an advocate for adopted children with special needs.
Mary Beth Bruder was one of 180 persons honored with the 2008 Angel in Adoption award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. The award recognizes persons from around the country who have improved the lives of foster children and orphans across the globe.
Bruder, a single mom whose four daughters have all been adopted from China, was honored at a reception Tuesday, and attended a gala event Wednesday night where Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) served as keynote speaker.
During her visit, Bruder also had the opportunity to meet with Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.), who nominated her, to discuss issues relating to adoption, foster care and children with special needs.
“I am thrilled that Dr. Bruder has received this well deserved honor,” Dodd said in a press release. “Connecticut is lucky to have such a dedicated advocate for its children. I hope that her example may encourage other parents to consider the option of adopting a child, particularly one with special needs, who might otherwise be denied a loving home.”
Bruder said the whole experience was “humbling.”
“I got to meet a lot of people who’ve dedicated their lives to this issue,” she said Thursday. “It made me see how much more we need to do in this country to get homes for these kids. There are so many families in America who could do so much to enhance a child’s life.”
In addition to taking care of her girls, Bruder is the director of the A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education at the University of Connecticut, where she is also a professor of pediatrics and educational psychology. She also volunteers with several organizations in China, including Love without Bounds and Chinese Children Charity.
###
Focusing on the Crisis on Main Street
BAILOUT
Norwalk Hour
Jordan Zappala
Boston University Washington News Service
9/18/08
WASHINGTON – If Tuesday’s Capitol Hill hearing on the financial crisis centered on so-called golden parachutes for failing corporate CEOs, discussion at the House Financial Services Committee hearing Wednesday swirled around another central point: the effect of the crisis on Main Street.
In front of clicking cameras and a packed room, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson stated emphatically that the entire plan presented to Congress was for the benefit of the average taxpayer – and not corporate giants – because “the ultimate taxpayer protection will be stabilizing our system.”
“Every business in America depends on money flowing through the financial system,” he said.
“We’re trying to protect Main Street,” said Rep. Chris Shays (R-Conn.) before Wednesday’s hearing. “We’re trying to protect 401(k)s, college savings, retirement funds. It’s so students can get college loans. It’s not about Wall Street, it’s Main Street.”
Shays’ 4th District challenger, ex-Goldman Sachs executive Jim Himes, said he would want to ensure taxpayer protection in the pending legislation.
“This bailout cannot be a blank check for Wall Street,” he said Wednesday. “Any bailout should be carefully considered and must include smart regulation, a stimulus package that works on Main Street, and should address runaway executive compensation for companies seeking relief.”
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said that if credit is frozen the average American will not be able to lease a car, buy a home or send a child to college. Moreover, he warned, the resulting market downturn would lead to higher unemployment and home foreclosures.
“Credit is the lifeblood of our economy,” Bernanke reiterated in response to repeated questions about the economic impact on the average taxpayer.
Before testifying at Wednesday’s hearing, Paulson faced a lot of criticism for his role in the Federal Reserve takeover of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, as well as the takeover of American International Group earlier this month, but he stayed firm in front of the committee on his decisions, insisting that “these steps have all been necessary but not sufficient.”
He reiterated that he was asked to come to Congress without a completed plan on Saturday, and that the oversight and transparency Congress has repeatedly called for were things he believed should be included in the legislation “without undermining the effectiveness of the proposal.”
Shays, in a press release, said, “I believe we can’t cut a $700 billion check to Treasury without strong oversight of this plan, and will be actively engaged in the debate on how to balance emergency relief with significant transparency and accountability.”
Also of concern to members of Congress on Wednesday was the worry that the American public remains in the dark on the details of the crisis itself. Several congressmen called for President Bush to further explain the situation to the country.
In control of legislation now are House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd (D- Conn.), who have pledged to work with a bipartisan group to address all issues raised at the hearings as quickly as possible.
Shays, a member of the Financial Services Committee who is facing a tight race in November, said he’d like to see Congress vote on the legislation by early next week.
But, he said, “I don’t even think about the impact that this would have on the upcoming election, and I’d like to think that my opponent wouldn’t either. The issues at hand are just too important.”
###
Shays Voted in Favor of Democratic Energy Bill
SHAYSVOTE
Norwalk Hour
Jordan Zappala
Boston University Washington News Service
9/17/08
WASHINGTON – Rep. Christopher Shays (R-4th) was one of 15 Republicans to vote in favor of the Democratic-sponsored energy bill late Tuesday, despite his highlighting of what he described as the bill’s shortcomings earlier on the House floor.
“I strongly believe in a comprehensive energy policy that includes conservation, renewable sources, nuclear power and American oil and natural gas,” Shays said in a speech before the vote. “H.R. 6899 brings us closer, but is silent on several important issues. I would have particularly liked to have seen revenues derived from these [off-shore drilling] leases directed towards further renewable energy investment.”
The bill – including a compromise on off-shore drilling that does not provide sharing the revenue with the states– was passed by a margin of 47 votes, despite Republican attempts, which Shays joined, to recommit the bill to the Natural Resources Committee, and now moves on to the Senate.
“While this is not a perfect bill, it takes steps to decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil, protect the environment, increase supply, build a market for renewable energy and promote energy conservation,” Shays said in a press release Wednesday morning. “It is unfortunate the majority did not allow more meaningful dialogue on how we can work together on a bipartisan basis to address our looming energy crisis.”
###
Connecticut to Get Additional $6.9 Million in LIHEAP Funds
FUNDS
Norwalk Hour
Jordan Zappala
Boston University Washington News Service
9/17/08
WASHINGTON – President George Bush released nearly $121 million in emergency funds Wednesday, including $6.9 million to Connecticut, to help pay the heating bills of low-income people
The money comes from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to provide heating assistance to eligible households during the coming winter months.
Heating or cooling programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia will receive $96 million, and an additional $25 million will go specifically to New England and Alaska.
“Low-income families in Connecticut received little more than $500 last winter to help with heating bills that could be as high as four times that amount this year,” Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) said in a press release Wednesday. “This $7 million in additional heating assistance will go a long way toward helping Connecticut’s low-income households heat their homes this coming winter.”
Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) echoed his colleague’s sentiment.
“The release of additional funding [for the heating aid program] is excellent news for Connecticut,” he said. “While this increase in funding is much needed and welcome, I will continue to work with the Connecticut delegation and Gov. [M. Jodi] Rell to increase funding by at least $2.5 billion.”
These annual federal funds are divided into a basic grant, through which Connecticut has received nearly $41 million in each of fiscal years 2007 and 2008, and contingency funds – those the President can release if needed.
In 2007, no contingency funds went to Connecticut. But this fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30, Connecticut has received close to $25 million in such aid – highlighting both the weak economy and the high cost of heating and cooling.
More than 86,000 Connecticut households received assistance under the program in 2007. This year, that number is expected to exceed 90,000, with applications coming from more than 100,000 households, according to Gov. Rell’s office.
Home heating oil prices in New England are expected to rise this winter by an average of nearly $2 a gallon over last year, members of Congress from New England wrote in a letter to Bush last week. Thirty percent of U.S. households that use home heating oil are located in the six New England states.
Last month, Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.) introduced the Home Heating Oil Assistance Act, which would allow for a refundable tax credit of up to $500 in an effort to provide additional assistance to New England middle- and lower-income families.
Personal appeals asking the President to release the funds were made by Dodd and Lieberman, Gov. Rell and the 22 New England House members, including Shays.
###
House Energy Bill Proposes Off-Shore Drilling
ENERGY
Norwalk Hour
Jordan Zappala
Boston University Washington News Service
9/16/08
WASHINGTON – Rep. Christopher Shays (R-4th) spoke out against a Democratic-sponsored energy bill Tuesday, saying the Democratic leadership had rejected his and other efforts at compromise.
A day earlier, Democrats had introduced the bill as a compromise while simultaneously insisting that the measure be voted on without amendment.
Shays on Monday night had offered five amendments that would have included a refundable credit for home energy costs and required electric power companies to get more of their energy from renewable resources.
“These amendments would have markedly improved this bill,” Shays said in a press release. “There is nothing in this legislation to provide relief to consumers for home heating costs this winter or to address speculation in the energy futures market.”
The bill would put an end to a decades-old ban on off-shore drilling, which would be a major shift in policy for the Democratic leadership.
The legislation, described on the Web site of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) as a “responsible compromise on drilling,” would give states the option to allow drilling between 50 and 100 miles off-shore on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, excepting the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and New England’s Georges Bank, which supports the most valuable fishery in America. Beyond 100 miles, the waters could be leased directly from the federal government.
The bill also would extend tax incentives for renewable energy and energy-efficient buildings, but many Republicans complain that the lack of revenue sharing would give states zero incentive to allow drilling off their shores.
On the floor Tuesday morning, obviously upset Republicans protested the short amount of time they had to digest the nearly 300-page bill, as well as the bill’s closed rule status, which allows for no amendments – a move intended to avoid anticipated Republican attempts to bring the drilling much closer to shore.
Shays also expressed his disapproval of the Democratic handling of the bill.
“It seems to me we should be having an open and honest debate on the energy issue,” he said. “It is unfortunate the majority did not allow more meaningful dialogue on how we can work together on a bipartisan basis to address our looming energy crisis.”
The legislation – the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act – comes after nearly five weeks of Republican protest on the House floor over the August adjournment without allowing a vote on the GOP’s own energy bill. Shays participated in the protest on Aug. 6.
“At a time when energy costs are so high, Congress should be working overtime to reduce demand, increase supply and address speculation in the oil futures market,” Shays said.
####
