Congressman Paul Cook's Newsletter: April 28, 2015

Congressman Paul Cook Introduces Soda Ash Competitiveness Act to Secure American Mining Jobs

Last Friday, Congressman Cook introduced HR 1992, the American Soda Ash Competitiveness Act. Soda ash, or Sodium Carbonate, is used to manufacture glass and produce chemicals, detergents, paper, and other products. This bill would set the royalties collected on soda ash at a two percent rate for five years.

In 2006, Congress passed the Soda Ash Royalty Reduction Act (SAARA), which temporarily reduced the royalties collected on soda ash by the federal government from six percent to two percent. This was done in response to Chinese manufacturing of artificial soda ash. China’s heavily subsidized manufacturing program has made it the largest producer of soda ash in the world. The royalty reduction was meant to keep U.S. producers competitive and to ensure that the domestic soda ash production capability is maintained. SAARA expired in 2011, returning the royalty rate to six percent. This was later reduced to four percent in 2013, where it stands today. In October 2015, without this bill, it is scheduled to return to six percent

The American Soda Ash Competitiveness Act would return the royalty to a two percent rate for five years, giving the mining industry time to continue growing into foreign markets, and protecting hundreds of good-paying jobs.

Aside from the economic benefit, promoting American soda ash is good for the environment. While American soda ash is found naturally, Chinese soda ash is produced synthetically. Chinese synthetic production uses twice the energy which results in over three times the carbon emissions as natural soda ash production.

This bill has significant bipartisan support. Reps. Lummis (R- WY), Himes (D- CT), Brooks (R- AL), Bonamici (D- OR), Valadao (R- CA), Walters (R-CA), and Schrader (D- OR) joined Rep. Paul Cook as original cosponsors of the bill.

Cook said, “This is an important bill that will protect a vital industry, grow jobs, and do this with little impact to the federal budget. Sodium carbonate production is a $1.8 billion industry within the U.S., providing over 3,000 direct jobs. Soda ash is mined in my district and is exported through California ports. This bill will protect and expand mining jobs in my district, while strengthening our national security.”

Congressman Cook Applauds Recent Sage Grouse Announcement

Last week, Congressman Cook released the following statement after the United States Department of the Interior announced it would not list the sage grouse found in California and Nevada as an endangered species:

Cook said, “The announcement by Secretary Jewell is recognition of the hard-work done by state and local governments to protect sage grouse habitat. Because of this effort, the sage grouse habitat has been stabilized and draconian federal regulations will not be implemented. This is a victory for my constituents who would have faced economic harm if the sage grouse was listed as an endangered species.”

Congressman Cook Supports Prescription Drug Enforcement Legislation

Last Wednesday, Congressman Cook voted for HR 471, the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2015. This bill passed the House with bipartisan support.

This bill offers a critical and comprehensive approach to combating prescription drug abuse by increasing collaboration between the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), prescription drug distributors, and pharmacies. The bill also directs intergovernmental agency collaboration and integration regarding drug abuse enforcement and preserving patient accessibility between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the DEA.

Said Cook, “I’m proud to have voted for this legislation because it establishes greater protections against the inappropriate use of prescription drugs. This bill brings greater clarity and transparency to the requirements for safe and secure distribution of these medicines.”

Art Competition Submissions are IN!

There was record breaking participation in this year's Eighth Congressional District Art Competition. Each of the students did a great job, I'm very proud of them. I'll be announcing the winners next Monday, May 4 on my Facebook page.

If you are interested in seeing this year’s submissions, please click here.

Yucaipa Music and Arts Festival

On Friday, May 1 – May 3, the City of Yucaipa will host its 4th Annual Yucaipa Music and Arts Festival. The event will feature musical entertainment and artistic exhibits for the whole family. In addition to the musical stylings of A Flock of SeaGulls and James Wesley, the event will feature booths selling selections from local farmers. A Band Slam competition between up and coming youth bands, a Gem and Mineral Show, carnival rides, and food vendors.

Attendance and parking for the event is free. Tickets and wristbands will be sold by staff for carnival rides and some events. For more information on this event call 909-790-7460.

Wrightwood Book Sale

On Saturday, May 2, from 10AM to 3PM, the Friends of the Wrightwood Library will host their spring book sale at the Wrightwood Library on Apple & Pine in Wrightwood. All money raised from the sale of heavily discounted books will support Wrightwood library and community scholarships. For more information or to donate gently used books to the event, call Dee Potter at 760-249-4351.

High Desert Job and Resource Fair

On Wednesday, May 6, several Tri-Community organizations and church groups will host a High Desert Job and Resource Fair from 10AM until 2PM in Phelan. More than 30 employers will be in attendance from fields including financial services, education, customer service, health care, and law enforcement.

This event will take place at the Calvary Chapel of Phelan at 4501 Neilson Road, Phelan, CA 92371

Job seekers and employers alike, please register by clicking here.

The Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program

VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program is offered annually (as funding permits) by the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Programs to fund community agencies providing services to homeless Veterans. The purpose is to promote the development and provision of supportive housing and/or supportive services with the goal of helping homeless Veterans achieve residential stability, increase their skill levels and/or income, and obtain greater self-determination.

Only programs with supportive housing (up to 24 months) or service centers (offering services such as case management, education, crisis intervention, counseling, services targeted towards specialized populations including homeless women Veterans, etc.) are eligible for these funds. The program has two levels of funding: the Grant Component and the Per Diem Component.

For more information, please click here.

Acquired Property Sales for Homeless Providers Program

The Veterans Benefit Assistance (VBA’s) Acquired Property Sales for Homeless Providers Program can assist homeless provider organizations in acquiring property for use as a social service center or transitional housing facility. Every property the VA obtains through foreclosures on VA-insured mortgages can be made available for purchase by homeless providers with a 20 to 50 percent discount. Program resources are dependent upon available VA Acquired Properties.

For more information, please click here. 

A Tip For Veterans' Transitioning Out of The Military

It is to your advantage to submit your disability compensation claim prior to separation, retirement, or release from active duty or demobilization. Processing times tend to be much shorter for claims submitted pre-discharge than after discharge. Pre-discharge programs provide Servicemembers with the opportunity to file claims for disability compensation up to 180 days prior to separation or retirement from active duty or full-time National Guard or Reserve duty (Titles 10 and 32).

For more information, please click here.