This July marked two years since the passing of my friend, mentor and predecessor, Congressman John Lewis. I think of him often, and while I can never fill his shoes I strive to build upon his legacy daily. |
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John Lewis Memorial Freedom Ride |
Thank you to the Metro Atlanta Cycling Club for organizing the John Lewis Memorial Freedom Ride as a salute to Congressman Lewis. I was so glad to pay tribute with Mr. Lewis' nephew Jerrick! |
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I’ve been asked what he would think about the state of affairs today: the assault on reproductive freedom, the threats to marriage equality and overall erosion of our basic rights.
I don’t have to wonder what he would think.
In 1997–25 years ago–on the floor of the House of Representatives, Congressman Lewis said while debating an abortion bill before Congress: “this is not a debate that should be occurring in Congress today.” He added: “No government, federal, state, or local, should tell a woman what she can or cannot do with her body.”
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Before I go, a quick thank you for all of your well wishes as I recovered from my second bout of COVID-19–and what a difference two years makes! I am thankful for the protection from my vaccination and booster, if you haven’t already gotten yours please do so as soon as possible! |
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Congresswoman Nikema Williams
Georgia's Fifth District
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My office is always available when you need assistance with federal agencies. Get in touch with my office through my new website, still found at NikemaWilliams.house.gov. Team Nikema is looking forward to hearing from you!
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The unprecedented infant formula shortage is hurting families everywhere.
HHS has compiled resources that may be able to assist families searching for formula. ➡️
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File Your Taxes Early
If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return for any reason, there is no reason to wait until the October 17 deadline to file. The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to file their returns electronically as soon as they can to avoid possible penalties and fees. Learn more here.
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F.L.O.A.T. Utility Assistance Program
The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management launched the F.L.O.A.T. program to assist residents who need help with past-due account balances. This program is for customers with outstanding balances of $300 or greater, qualifying single-family residences with past due balances, and aims to provide resources to customers with financial challenges. This program is available now until October 20, 2022. For more information about qualifications, questions, or scheduling appointments at locations near you, please dial 3-1-1 and/or visit atlantawatershed.org/float.
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Monkeypox Resources
Monkeypox vaccines are in Georgia. Distribution is being prioritized to Clayton, Dekalb, Fulton, Gwinnett and Cobb Counties.
Most vaccines are available by appointment only due to limited demand. Please contact your local county health boards to learn more about their specific programs.
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Reproductive Rights
An extremist Supreme Court stripped people of their right to healthcare when they overturned Roe v. Wade. Reproductive healthcare–including abortion–is essential. For more information on your rights and resources, visit ReproductiveRights.gov.
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Respect for Marriage Act
Love is Love, full stop. I represent the LGBTQI+ Capital of the Southeast and many of my friends and constituents have watched in horror as this extremist supreme court strips everyone of basic rights. It is unacceptable that anyone should wonder if their marriage will be next.
The Respect for Marriage Act repeals the Defense of Marriage Act and enshrines into law a fundamental freedom: the right to marry whoever you choose.
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Ensuring Access to Abortion Act
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade unleashed a devastating reality where access to abortion care depends on your zip code. For many, especially in the South, this means traveling across state lines is the only option to get the care needed.
The Ensuring Access to Abortion Act protects the right to interstate travel to seek an abortion. People crossing state lines for abortions–and the people who help them–must be free to do so without the threat of civil or criminal penalties.
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Government Funding Minibus
House Democrats invested in American families and the American economy with a package of government funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2023. This legislation will support Georgia families, create good-paying jobs and protect Georgians health and well-being.
The bill also included eight of my community funding projects for 2023–resources that will directly serve the people of the Fighting Fifth. You can view a list of the first round of projects passed here (link to press release). I look forward to passing the remainder of my community projects and putting this money to work for you.
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Active Shooter Alert Act
Since 2009, communities across the nation–including our own–have been torn apart by nearly 300 mass shootings. We have a long way to go to ending this senseless gun violence altogether, we must address the challenge of keeping the public informed in the event of active shooter incidents.
The Active Shooter Alert Act will establish a program similar to the AMBER Alert system, allowing law enforcement to efficiently alert the public when the unthinkable happens. This is a commonsense way to help keep our communities safe.
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Expanding Access to Homeownership
45 million people do not have enough credit history to be accurately scored and many of them are our friends, family and neighbors. Even if they’ve worked hard and could make the payments, their credit invisibility makes it virtually impossible to get a loan. I’ve lived this reality and it’s frustrating.
I’m determined to unlock the promise of homeownership for everyone, that’s why I introduced legislation that tasks lenders with considering additional information that wouldn’t be found in a traditional credit report if the potential borrower requests. Things like utility and rental payment history.
We must give everyone who does the hard work a chance to succeed and my bill is a step toward increasing affordable homeownership opportunities for all.
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In Atlanta, we know the value of building bridges so everyone can come together as we create stronger communities.
I was inspired by the Beloved Benefit and the participants reaffirming their commitment to moving everyone forward. And if that wasn’t enough–we were treated to a live performance from Atlanta’s own Usher!
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Carter, Leslie and I joined the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena to pack 1 million meals for people facing food insecurity.
Growing up I didn’t have much and my family had to rely on help for food so I know what the families we served are going through. The more we invest in our communities, the more we get back.
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Out in the field at the Chattahoochee Headwaters |
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The source of about 70% of Atlanta’s drinking water comes from a little creek that is the headwater of the Chattahoochee River.
My press secretary Ed visited the headwaters where he learned about efforts to protect our water, conserve the Chattahoochee National Forest, and increase accessibility to our public lands.
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Constituent Success Story: Marshall L. and Vickie P. of Atlanta |
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I worked with my team to secure a 2020 IRS refund check and delayed stimulus payment for Marshall and Vickie of Atlanta. Turns out, their IRS refund check was higher than anticipated–a welcome relief.
They wrote: “I give the strongest thank you for relentlessly keeping on the IRS and your efforts to help your constituents with a seemingly dysfunctional IRS.”
If you are in need of assistance with the IRS or any other federal agency, do not hesitate to get in touch with my office at nikemawilliams.house.gov, or give us a call at (404) 659-0116.
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