Last week, Georgia was hit by Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc on the southern part of our nation. My heart goes out to all those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene, especially to the families who have tragically lost loved ones. The scale of destruction has been unimaginable, and my prayers are with the entire community as we begin to heal and rebuild. I am committed to ensuring that everyone gets the help they need during this difficult time, from emergency relief to long-term recovery efforts. In Congress, I will continue working alongside my colleagues to provide the necessary resources and support to aid in the recovery process and help our communities emerge stronger. | September marked the 53rd Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference (ALC)! Last week, I joined my CBC colleagues at the 53rd Annual Legislative Conference for a week full of panels, awards, and celebrations. | On day one, I hosted a panel titled Heirs & Hustles: Guard the Grind, Protect Family Legacy, where we tackled the issue of heirs' property—how it disproportionately impacts Black families, costing billions in lost generational wealth and widening the racial wealth gap. I shared how I'm addressing this with my HEIRS Act. You can read about my panel here. | During ALC, I was honored to receive the first-ever Sapphire Award for Economic Empowerment from the American Investment Council and the National Association of Investment Companies, recognizing my work to close the racial wealth gap through entrepreneurship and equitable access to capital. I was also named a Champion of Community Development by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation for my efforts to create more affordable housing. | As y’all know, in the #FightingFifth, we work hard and play hard! At this year’s 2nd Annual South Got Something to Say Sneaker Ball, hosted by me and Congresswoman Lucy McBath, we brought down the house. The event was packed with community leaders and politicians, including Mayor Dickens, and featured an unforgettable performance by Goodie Mob. | Grateful for the powerful conversations, connections, and commitment to moving our communities forward—from vision to victory! | As always, I am proud to be your Congresswoman and here to serve. You can reach my District office at 404-659-0116 or my Washington D.C. office at 202-225-3801. Yours for the People, | Nikema Williams Member of Congress | Hurricane Helene Resources | The IRS has released tax guidelines for civilians and businesses and individuals in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It also applies to areas in Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia that have been designated disaster areas by FEMA. -
Extension of certain tax filing deadlines: IRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax -
Tax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses: IRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments – like government assistance payments – are generally excluded from gross income. -
Waiver of fuel excise tax: In response to fuel disruptions resulting from the hurricane, IRS has waived the federal excise tax on dyed diesel within the impacted areas. This relief is retroactive to Sept. 26, 2024 and will remain in effect through Oct. 15, 2024. | Response to the BioLab Fire | EPA Region 4 is working as part of Unified Command with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Rockdale County and the BioLab company to respond to the fire at the facility in Conyers. EPA is monitoring air quality for chlorine and related compounds. Though the fire has been put out, the EPA will continue to monitor until the material stops smoldering. The odor threshold for chlorine is very low, meaning people can smell it at very low concentrations that do not cause harm. If you have symptoms that may be related such as nose, throat, or eye irritation, or difficulty breathing -call your health provider or the Georgia Poison Center at 404-856-6252.
For the latest info from the EPA, visit https://www.epa.gov/ga/conyers-ga-biolab-fire
| Congressional App Challenge | Y'all, the Congressional App Challenge is closing soon! I’m calling all middle and high school students in the #FightingFifth to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win. Whether it’s a class project, after school activity, or summer creation, you can enter individually or in teams. You can submit any app you worked on November 1st, 2023, to October 24th, 2024 The final deadline is October 24th, 2024. Winning apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for a year. I can't wait to see your creativity in action! #CodeYourFuture
Click here to learn how to submit your app.
| Applying to a U.S. Service Academy | Is someone in your life interested in attending a service academy? These institutions build teamwork, integrity, and perseverance—qualities that last a lifetime. If someone you know is interested in applying to West Point, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, or U.S. Air Force Academy, the final deadline to submit an application is October 28th, 2024 at 5:00 PM.
Click here to apply.
| Protecting Abortion Access | Abortion is essential healthcare that 1 in 4 women will need in their lifetime. I proudly led a resolution affirming abortion as a human right alongside Rep. Greg Casar, Rep. Alma Adams, Rep. Troy Carter, Rep. Jennifer McClellan, and Rep. Jamie Raskin. This resolution follows reports on the tragic deaths of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller, who lost their lives because they couldn’t access legal abortions or timely medical care in Georgia. Their deaths are directly linked to the state’s restrictive abortion ban, a result of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. We must ensure every woman has access to the care they need. Read the press release here and watch the full press conference below. | Strengthening Access to Contraceptive Care Act | Over 19 million women in our country—especially women of color—are stuck in areas where they can’t access essential health care, like birth control. That’s why on World Contraception Day, Rep. Yadira Caraveo, MD, Rep. Lois Frankel, Congresswoman Kathy Manning and I introduced the Strengthening Access to Contraceptive Care Act; to expand access and make sure every woman can get the care she deserves. Read the press release here. | Securing Your Freedom to Vote | We are a little over a month away from Election Day and changes to the voter rolls threaten to suppress the voices of Georgia voters. I sent a letter to Governor Kemp with concerns about how his administration may be illegally cracking down on voters. The right to vote is sacred, and I will always fight to ensure every vote is counted. Read the full letter here. | 100 Year Anniversary for Booker T. Washington High School | September marked the 100th Anniversary of Booker T. Washington High School! At a special ceremony with alumni from across Atlanta, including City Councilmember Byron Amos, I proudly presented a Congressional resolution to commemorate their centennial year. Notable alumni include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Lena Horne, and Lil Baby. | Securing Funds For Youth Safety and Transportation: Boys & Girls Club | I was proud to present $2.5 million in community project funds to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Our youth are our greatest asset, and that investment supports their limitless potential and our collective future. | Constituent Service in Action: Passport Day | Team Nikema Celebrated National Passport Month! by teaming up with the Atlanta Passport Agency. They helped more than 100 constituents efficiently apply for their passports. Stay tuned for the next District Passport Day! | Students from and academy reps joined us for our #FightingFifth Service Academy Day. Service academies build teamwork, integrity, and perseverance—qualities that will serve you well in both military and civilian life. | Forest Park Back to School Bash | I enjoyed the Forest Park Back to School Bash sponsored by Forest Park School Board member Victoria Williams. Our students are the future, and we must give them the tools to achieve excellence. | One of my favorite events is Atlanta's Annual Senior Ball, hosted by Mayor Andre Dickens. I tried my best to keep up with Atlanta's seniors, but they definitely know how to party. Our seniors paved the way for Atlanta to be what it is today, and they deserve to be celebrated. | Congress in Your Community: The Wellness Edition | Team Nikema collaborated with the Mayor's Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for Congress in Your Community: The Wellness Edition. Everyone who participated was able to enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation, while learning how to protect their mental health. | Promoting Affordable Housing with HouseATL | Fighting to secure homes & generational wealth for Atlanta’s families at the HouseATL Home Expo. From heirs' property to deed fraud, I’m working in Congress to protect Black families from losing their land and close the racial wealth gap. | Fun with KABOOM! and the Harlem Globetrotters | I Celebrated National Public Lands Day with the Harlem Globetrotters, KABOOM!, and the The YMCA Youth and Teen Center! National Public Lands Day is about moving, having fun, and enjoying our beautiful public lands. Keep playing, keep moving, and keep exploring! | Connecting with Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Bryan Johnson | I’m committed to ensuring that students in the #FightingFifth, like my Carter Cakes, have everything they need to thrive. I met with Atlanta Public Schools’ new Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson to discuss his plans for student safety and success. | Listen to a Constituent We Helped on Passport Day | Do you need assistance with a federal agency? Call my office at (404) 659-0116 | | Washington, D.C.
1406 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3801 | Atlanta
100 Peachtree Street NW | Suite 1920
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 659-0116 | |
