Wishing you and your families a safe and happy holiday season. While our respective traditions may be different, we are united by the gratitude and hope this season brings.
Our accomplishments this year give me hope for even brighter days ahead. Just this month, I proudly cast my vote to protect the right to love who you want, how you want. We passed the Respect for Marriage Act to prevent states from denying LGBTQI+ and interracial couples the right to marry.
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I secured a better, safer future with my co-conspirators for justice in the
White House (President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, left) and in Congress (Congressman Chuy Garcia and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, right).
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Now, while the year winds down, we’re fighting to the finish to deliver for the people. This week, we passed the FY23 Omnibus Spending Bill, which included $22.6 million in funding that I secured for 15 community projects across the Fighting Fifth.
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From honoring our civil rights legacy, to strengthening our infrastructure, to investing in our HBCUs, these funds will change lives from corner to corner of our District. One of the most important parts of this job is being an advocate for you and bringing resources to your doorstep will always be a top priority. |
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As always, we are here to help. If you need assistance with a federal agency, give my office a call at (404) 659-0116. Our office hours have adjusted for the holiday season starting Dec. 23rd, but our phone lines will be monitored so that we may respond to any immediate needs.
I look forward to seeing you in 2023!
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Congresswoman Nikema Williams
Georgia's Fifth District
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I’m bringing the voice of the Fighting Fifth to House Democratic leadership!
I was elected by my colleagues to serve as Region 8 Whip, lining up support in the House from members of the Georgia and Florida Congressional delegations, and I was appointed by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries to the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee!
With my new positions, I will help lead Democratic efforts on critical policies including closing the racial wealth gap, protecting voting rights, and stopping Republican rollbacks on abortion.
Left: In December, I logged into my first Democratic Steering and Policy Committee meeting. Looking forward to making the Fighting Fifth heard in the 118th Congress!
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IRA Grants Open Now
There are $149 billion worth of incentives and investments from the Inflation Reduction Act that are available now. These programs will make investments that our communities can feel for generations. More information including who is eligible to apply for these opportunities is available on my website.
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Stay Ready this Holiday Season
Between extreme winter weather, holiday fire danger, and other risks it is important you and your family have an emergency readiness plan. At ready.gov and gema.georgia.gov you can get more information on keeping your house safe, what to do in a weather situation, how to receive emergency alerts and more.
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Accurate Information and Legal Resources for Abortion
If you need information on your abortion rights, ReproductiveRights.gov is the website to visit. There you can find all the information you need right to access reproductive health care, including birth control, abortion services, other preventive health services, and health insurance coverage. Know your rights with ReproductiveRights.gov.
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The Federal Government is Hiring
If you’re looking for a job, the federal government has a listing for you! Visit usajobs.gov to search for all open positions. If you want to Build a Better America, there are jobs available as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Those opportunities are available at bil.usajobs.gov.
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Federal Grants
Federal grants are available for just about everyone: government agencies, non-profits, businesses, and some individuals. To learn more about what grants are available for you or your organization visit grants.gov.
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Free COVID-19 Tests
Keep yourself and your loved ones safe from COVID-19 with routine testing. Every U.S. household can order four free at-home COVID-19 tests at covidtests.gov or calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
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Community and Bilingual Volunteers Needed for Tax Season
The IRS is seeking volunteers to train for the upcoming tax filing season as part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs. Bilingual volunteers are particularly needed. To learn more about these programs and apply as a volunteer visit IRS.gov/volunteers.
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Vaccine Finder
Flu season is in full swing and there are new COVID-19 variants. The best way to protect yourself from catching either is with vaccines. At vaccines.gov, you can find the latest information on who needs which vaccine or booster and most importantly: where to get the shots you need.
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Deferred 2020 Social Security Taxes Due
If you are an employer or self-employed individual that chose to defer paying part of your 2020 Social Security tax liability, your second annual installment of the deferred amount is due on Dec. 31. More information is available on the IRS’ website.
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SIGNED BY PRESIDENT BIDEN |
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President Biden signed my legislation to rename Atlanta’s Veterans Affairs Medical Center after Senator Max Cleland. Senator Cleland, who served in Vietnam before becoming a U.S. Senator, was a true stateman and hero to Georgians. I’m proud to have worked with our Georgia Senators to honor a man who represented the best of Georgia.
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Access to testing for sexually transmitted diseases and infections should never depend on your insurance status or how much money is in your bank account. My Equity in STD Testing Act will ensure that everyone can access STD testing. This is one step toward creating a more just and equitable healthcare system and I’ll keep fighting to bring everyone access to essential healthcare.
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Election Mail Act
In November, the American people stood up loud and clear in defense of democracy. It’s my duty in Congress to listen to the people and take common-sense action to modernize and protect our elections. My Election Mail Act will make sure our vote-by-mail systems work for every voter by getting ballots to (and from) voters on time, allowing voters to track their ballots through the mail, and more!
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People Over Long Lines Act
Just as with voters who vote by mail, voters who cast their ballots in person should be able to make their voice heard quickly and efficiently. The People Over Long Lines (POLL) Act requires state governments to make sure that no voter has to wait in line for more than 30 minutes – and provide $500 million to make that a reality. No one should have to spend all day in line to cast their vote.
With the Election Mail Act and POLL Act, I've now introduced seven bills in the 117th Congress to protect the sacred right to vote!
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Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act
Our Fighting Fifth small businesses are the backbone of our community, and everyone should have a fair shot at opening those businesses. Our HBCUs are already building our next generation of business leaders – and the federal government has to back up that work. I’ve introduced the Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act to create a new grant program for HBCUs to support minority student entrepreneurs and business owners.
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We must make sure that any victim of human trafficking, or anyone who notices a potential victim, knows where to turn for help. I voted to pass the Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022 to post the contact information for the National Human Trafficking hotline in all federal buildings and in the restrooms of U.S. airplanes, trains and buses; as well as airports, train stations, and bus stations.
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Puerto Rico Status Act
The people of Puerto Rico should have a choice and a chance to determine their own political future. I voted to bring that choice one step closer with the Puerto Rico Status Act, which would give Puerto Ricans autonomy to decide how they want to be part of the United States. Next up: the Senate needs to do the same.
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Police De-Escalation Training Act
As many as half of all fatal police shootings involve people struggling with mental illness. Our friends, family, and neighbors experiencing mental health crises deserve law enforcement that is prepared to effectively and safely respond and protect them. I voted to pass the Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training Act to secure the money and training to make that happen.
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Opposed the National Defense Authorization Act
Earlier this month, I voted against this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. As we continue to underinvest here at home, I believe that we must find better balance to keep Americans safe while investing in our future.
I'm hopeful that the enactment of my Cost of War Act, which was included in the NDAA, will create the transparency we need to find that balance. I look forward to a future where our funding increases are for affordable housing, health care, paid leave, and child care.
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Congress in Your Community |
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My team set up at the Forest Park library earlier this month to answer questions and start the casework process with constituents seeking help from federal agencies.Thank you to everyone who joined us!
Stay tuned for 2023 Congress in Your Community dates!
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Supporting our HBCUs: Celebration Bowl & UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball |
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A mind is a terrible thing to waste and I had a fabulous time at two of my favorite events of the year. I started at the Celebration Bowl with Allstate, who presented $75,000 in scholarships to help build the next generation of HBCU made scholars.
Later, I joined Mayor Andre Dickens for the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball! This year’s event raised a record-breaking $2.1 million for scholarship support.
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Team Nikema Helped Melissa and Piece of Cake from Atlanta
Melissa is the co-founder of Piece of Cake bakery and since October of 2021 was attempting to receive her Employee Retention Tax Credit from the IRS. The bakery was unable to secure a response from the IRS about two outstanding payments. After expediting the request, the IRS sent the two last payments totaling $748,968.
Melissa said: “We are so thankful for Congresswoman Williams to expedite our Employee Retention Tax Credit. We’ve had a really hard year and we are beyond appreciative.”
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