Edition 30

Dear Friend,

The re-election campaign is in full swing and so are the monsoons!

It has been a busy month.  From the 4th of July events around the district (see the story below) to major legislation passing in Congress, the slow days of summer are moving fast.

From hosting the Governor to community forums on water and solar energy, it has also been a full month in the district.  With my husband Mark and his crew travelling in Japan where they were sharing the success of Kibo, the new laboratory of the International Space Station, and both of the kids away at camp, my time in July has been focused on wrapping up key legislation. Below are a few highlights of some of the laws passed this month that I feel are critical for all of us in Southern Arizona.

We continue to have many opportunities to work on the campaign and we need you! Although my opponent is running a tough campaign, our Cactus Roots have been growing wider and stronger each day. I hope during these slow days of summer that you will drop by if you have a chance. The energy and enthusiasm in the campaign headquarters is electric.

Thanks again for all of your support — let’s keep working together!

New GI Bill Goes into Effect

This month, I was proud to see President Bush sign into law the bipartisan “Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008″.  This new GI Bill provides educational assistance for soldiers who have chosen to serve in active duty after 9/11.

I am proud to have supported this historic legislation that honors the sacrifice the men and women in uniform have made who serve this country in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world since September 11th. The bill went into effect immediately after the President signed the legislation on July 15th.  It covers up to four academic years of college and/or advanced education for our troops. It also allows those benefits to transfer to family members as well.

For more information on the GI Bill, visit www.newgibill.org.

Solar and Water Forums Draw Hundreds

This last month, I hosted back-to-back events on two key concerns for Arizona: expanding the use of solar energy and ensuring continued access to clean water.

On Monday, June 30, I joined with the Arizona Research Institute for Solar Energy (AzRISE) to host the Southern Arizona Solar Energy Development Conference at the Arizona Historical Society in Tucson. This day-long event was aimed at government policy makers who recognize the need to make solar energy an integral part of the area’s future growth.

On Tuesday July 1, I hosted a Water Issues Town Hall at the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Sahuarita. This three-hour event is being held in response to constituent concerns about water availability and use.

At both events, hundreds of Arizonans and public officials turned out to discuss these critical issues and what we could do next to find solutions to the complex problems they present.

I was appreciative of all of our public officials – from Mayor Walkup to the Arizona Corporation Commissioners who took the time to participate – as well as the hundreds of people like you from around Southern Arizona who came to learn, listen and share your own expertise.

Firefighters, Police and Sheriffs Endorse

This week, I received the endorsement from three of the outstanding organizations who work to protect Arizona’s public safety: the Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs (AZCOPS Local 7077), the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona and the Tucson Fire Fighters Association. I am honored to receive this endorsement from our men and women who serve to protect us here at home.

We can make our communities safer from crime, fires and other public safety hazards if we dedicate resources and stay prepared. I am grateful for this endorsement which comes due to my strong track record of dedication to their work in Washington.

Medicare Improvements Pass Into Law

This month, I was proud that we passed H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act.  Democrats, Republicans and organizations like AARP, the National Rural Health Association and the American Medical Association all came together to support legislation aimed at safeguarding access to health care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries.

As the representative of a district comprised of many rural communities, I know that access to quality health care, when you live outside of our major cities can be a very real challenge, particularly for seniors. That is why I was among a bipartisan majority who voted for this necessary legislation last month. This bill guarantees improved access to health care with a better reimbursement process for doctors, community hospitals and ambulance services. It adds skilled nursing facilities, hospital-based dialysis centers and community mental health centers as sites for the Medicare telehealth program.

President Bush’s vetoed the bill, threatening to deny access to Medicare services to millions of seniors and people with disabilities. I believe his veto challenged the very core of the Medicare program.

I was proud to join 383 of my colleagues in voting to override President Bush’s shortsighted veto. We take seriously our commitment to ensure that nothing violates the promises we have made to our seniors. The Senate also voted to override the veto and this bill is now law.

Campaign 2008: Celebrating the 4th of July

On the 4th of July this year, I was proud to celebrate the birthday of our country with folks from across Southern Arizona. I personally had a chance to be in all three counties in our district with my family and was caught up in the wonderful celebrations.

Fifty-five of our Cactus Roots volunteers took part in campaign activities in 9 different cities all over the district, they marched in 4 parades and participated in 15 events distributing over 3000 stickers.

It was so wonderful to have an opportunity to celebrate the birthday of our country with the diverse communities across our district.  From Douglas to Patagonia to Oro Valley, I am always touched by the unique ways our community finds to celebrate the birthday of this great country.

Thank you Cactus Roots!

National Day of the Cowboy

This month, the House passed H. Res. 984, a resolution I sponsored that officially designates July 26, 2008 as the “National Day of the Cowboy.” H. Res. 984 represents the first time that the U.S. House of Representatives has officially recognized the contribution of the Cowboy and Cowgirl to America’s culture and heritage (although it was previously recognized in the Senate).

I am pleased to be a part of the National Day of the Cowboy designation and appreciate the hard work of the people of Willcox in pushing for this recognition of our state’s unique history.  On June 20, 2008, the National Day of the Cowboy resolution also passed in the Arizona State Legislature, making Arizona the first state to pass the resolution.

Our legendary Cowboy and Cowgirl are embraced and respected by people the world over as a symbol of rugged individualism.  They represent a drive to explore, hard work and adventure while demonstrating the personal determination to survive.  Join me in congratulating the Cowboys and Cowgirls who have made Arizona the state it is today.

Thank You!!!

This month, President George W. Bush held a private fundraiser for my opponent in Tucson. With tickets at $1,000 per person, and a photo with the President costing $10,000, the Arizona Daily Star reports that the breakfast was one of the largest single day fundraisers in Tucson history.

We sent a note out and our Cactus Roots responded with great enthusiasm showing their eagerness for change in Washington!  With a goal of $10,600 — $100 for each day left until the election and a new administration, over $13,000 was raised in just three days with many of you sending wonderful messages of support and commitment for change.

The same week, our campaign had a great event with Governor Napolitano (and a door price of $15 or higher based on what you could afford) and the energy was electric. Thanks to all of you who participated in appeal and those who came to hear the Governor. We are thankful for her clear leadership for the state and your strong support for the campaign.  If you were out of town for the drive and would like to contribute, it is not too late – click here and send a message that you too want a new direction in Washington!

Three more weeks to win an ice cream cone!

We know that it is tough to walk door to door – especially in this August heat.  So, to make it a bit sweeter, we are thanking volunteers who participate in walking door to door with my personal favorite – an ice cream cone from Baskin Robbins.    If you would like to help out the campaign, please drop by our campaign headquarters, 4444 E. Grant, any time and sign up.  We also have work you can do from our air conditioned office or at your home.  Together we are working for another victory on November 4th!

Sincerely yours,

Gabrielle Giffords