Edition 31

Dear Friend,

This month I have had a chance to see many of you during my busy schedule in the district.  From a tour of the outstanding Cancer Center at the University of Arizona to speaking to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, it has been an opportunity to be with all of you – and enjoy some spectacular monsoons as well.

For the many who have been giving their precious time and energy to the campaign during this long hot summer, thank you! To all of our strong supporters who send in the monetary gifts to make the campaign possible, thank you!  We know that together, we can and do make a real difference in people’s lives across the state and the country.

I want to highlight in this newsletter a few Congressional successes — as well as to highlight some of our exciting upcoming campaign activities.

I look forward to seeing you soon on Monday, September 1st – see the invitation below – or at another campaign event soon!

Marana Success

The Federal Emergency Management Agency officials told Marana in July of last year that after a nationwide process of remapping flood plains, it had determined a huge chunk of town was in what FEMA calls a Special Flood Hazard Area, where there is at least a 1 percent chance of heavy flooding in any given year.  FEMA had based its findings on a survey of levees and levee-like structures. It ruled that man-made structures such as the Central Arizona Project canal, Interstate 10 and the Union Pacific railroad tracks did not provide adequate flood protection because they were not built with the same materials used in actual levees. The result was Marana residents whose homes fell within the area in question were faced with expensive flood insurance, and the town was confronted with a slowdown in a housing market that was already fragile.

In September, I issued a request on behalf of Marana that FEMA delay the submission of its new flood maps until Marana had a chance to complete a comprehensive floodplain analysis and as a result FEMA announced that it would allow Marana time to conduct its drainage study.

This comprehensive three-volume floodplain study, now completed, represents a major accomplishment for the Town of Marana, its residents and its future. By working closely with my congressional colleagues, town leaders and officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, we have demonstrated that collaboration can lead to common sense solutions.

As a result of this seven-month study, FEMA now is considering the flood mitigation impacts of Interstate 10, the Central Arizona Project canal and the Union Pacific railroad tracks when it issues revised floodplain maps next year. This is a significant reversal of the agency’s previous position. Recognition of the potential flood mitigation impact of these levee-like structures achieves thee major goals for Marana:

* Changes the size of the floodprone areas from approximately 19 square miles to 3 square miles;
* Reduces the number of structures in the floodprone areas from approximately 2,000 to 250; and
* Cuts the cost of flood insurance for the homes in the floodprone areas.

Public safety is the reason we must have accurate flood mapping. I believe this study gives the federal government and town leaders the hard facts and scientific data they need to protect Marana and plan for its future development.

Protecting Medicare and Social Security

This August was the 73rd Anniversary of President Roosevelt’s signing of the Social Security Act — one of the greatest expressions of America’s commitment to the common good, our work ethic, and respect for our elders.

Protecting both Social Security and Medicare is a top priority for me in Congress — it is a promise we simply cannot break to our seniors.  In 2006 I drew a line in the sand on protecting Social Security and I continue to stand in defense of both of these important programs that provide a safety net for our parents and grandparents.

Overriding President Bush’s veto, this month Congress successfully passed the Medicare Physician Payment Bill (HR 6331) which ensures that physicians will be able to continue to treat Medicare patients with the current reimbursement structure.  For many healthcare professionals, the reduction in pay that President Bush threatened would have meant a decision to turn away Medicare patients.  While not a permanent fix for the Medicare payment system, the passage of this bill shows is another example of this Congress’ commitment to providing quality health care for seniors.

Labor Day Ice Cream Social!

Come, bring your families and celebrate the contribution of working men and women of this country with our Labor Day Ice Cream Social!  Meet others who are working on the campaign, build your own sundae, and get energized for the last nine weeks!

I will give a report on highlights from the Democratic Convention and our campaign team will have exciting activities for all ages — so bring the kids! Don’t miss the fun:

Ice Cream Social and Convention Report
Monday, September 1st, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
IBEW Hall, 750 S. Tucson Blvd.

Let us know if you can attend – email Jim@www.GiffordsforCongress.com or call 512-0012.

Come and join the fun — we would love to see you there!

We Need You at the Polls!

This Tuesday, September 2nd is the Primary Election.  Sign up to work a polling location and get folks involved.  This is a great time to meet voters and tell them why you are working for Gabrielle and why this election is so important.

Please call us if you can give us an hour on Tuesday — the best times are between 7 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. — but we will use you whenever you can go.

You can pick up your supplies at the Labor Day Ice Cream Social!

To sign up, please email Jim@www.GiffordsforCongress.com or call 512-0012 and ask for Jim.

The Yard Signs are Here

Are you ready to be the first on the block with your Giffords for Congress yard sign?

Contact Jim at campaign headquarters (512-0012) and find out how to get your sign!!!

If you are not in Tucson: Signs will be available this weekend at the Cochise County Democratic Headquarters (1010 E. Fry Dr., Sierra Vista), the Green Valley Democratic Headquarters (101 S. La Canada Dr., Suite 70), and the Northwest Democratic Headquarters (2860 W. Ina Rd. at the corner of Shannon, next to Oro Valley Bicycles).

Calexico & Jim Adkins in Concert for the Cactus Roots!

Come hear some great music and get involved!  On Saturday, September 20th, Tucson’s own hometown band Calexico, as well as Jimmy Eat World’s lead singer Jim Adkins, are playing at our first ever GO VOTE 2008 concert and festival at the Rialto Theatre downtown.

I will be there — and together with the concert, the festival will include ways that you can get involved with community organizations participating from across Southern Arizona. Make a difference and hear great music at the same time!

Click here to get more information and to buy tickets. Special rates for students! Ticket sales are a contribution to Giffords for Congress.

Drop by Campaign Headquarters

As we move into the last stretch of the campaign season, I look forward to working together with you to keep change happening across our state and nation.  If you would like to help out the campaign, please drop by our campaign headquarters, 4444 East Grant Road, any time and sign up.  We always have work you can do from our office, on the street or at your home.  Together we are working for another victory on November 4th!

Sincerely yours,

Gabrielle Giffords