Closing the Digital Divide

Dear Friend,

Broadband is an essential 21st century infrastructure, and we must ensure that every community – regardless of zip code – has access to this critical tool and the vital economic opportunities it provides. In order to help bridge the digital divide, I recently introduced the Broadband Stock Acquisition in Local Exchanges (SALE) Act.

This important legislation presents rural internet service providers with a cost-efficient mechanism to improve existing services and grow broadband infrastructure. Broadband delivers fundamental opportunities and by making investments to close the digital divide, folks in rural areas are empowered with greater ability to participate in the workforce and better connect to the healthcare system. Students will also be provided more choices in their education, and rural communities will have more access to compete in the global marketplace.

Click here to read more about the Broadband SALE Act.

Defending Our Most Vulnerable

I’m proud to receive a 100% score card from the Georgia Life Alliance – the National Right to Life affiliate in Georgia – for supporting pro-life legislation in Congress.

I remain committed to fostering a culture that defends our most vulnerable in Georgia and across America.

Thanks for Visiting!

It was great to meet with folks from the Georgia Credit Union Association yesterday. We had a production discussion about protecting consumer information and data security. Thanks for stopping by!

Tax Tips

Tax season is upon us. While I am sure this isn’t anyone’s favorite time of year, I want to share some resources to make it a little less painful. Below, you will find the latest information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), explaining how to most efficiently file your taxes.

Every year the IRS encourages taxpayers to e-file their returns and use direct deposit to receive refunds. To those taxpayers who have not previously used e-file, the IRS emphasizes using it this year to avoid paper-related processing delays. Taxpayers can file electronically by using a tax professional, IRS Free File, or other commercial tax preparation software. The IRS cautions that paper-filed tax returns and paper checks will take even longer this year.

The IRS urges taxpayers to be tax ready. Last year’s sweeping set of tax changes not only affected individuals and their families but may also affect the tax return they’re filing this year. The IRS recognizes that filing this year may be challenging for some taxpayers, and it’s important to understand how to claim credits and deductions, get a refund timely, and meet all tax responsibilities.

Much more information is available on IRS.gov.

Need a Passport?

Please keep in mind that the summer travel season is fast approaching, and passports must be valid for at least 6 months from your return date for almost all international travel. If you need to apply for a new passport or renew a passport, please plan to apply early as this is the busiest time for passport operations at the Department of State. Processing times as of February are 8-11 weeks for routine processing and 5-7 weeks for expedited processing, not including the time it takes for the Department of State to begin processing the application or the time in which it takes them to mail the passport back to you.

Please be aware of many scams out there in which companies claim that they can expedite your passport. All legitimate information necessary to apply for a new passport or renew an expired passport is available at travel.state.gov. Passport books are valid for all international travel while passport cards are only valid for travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean by land and sea only and are not valid for any international air travel.

My office can assist with passport issues in some situations. If you have applied for a new or renewed passport and it has not been returned to you within 3 weeks of the date of your travel, or you need to obtain a passport for emergency travel within 2 weeks, please contact my district office in Newnan for information about the options available to you.

The Week Ahead

This week, the House will consider the following pieces of legislation:

H. Res. 132 – Responding to the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023
H.R. 538 – Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

H.R. 1059 – SECURE Notarization Act of 2023
H.R. 1108 – To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission to grant a license or construction permit through a system of competitive bidding
H.R. 1123 – Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act
H.J. Res. 30 – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights"
H.R. 347 – REIN IN Act

As always, I’m here to serve you. Please contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to keep track of upcoming legislation and events!

Sincerely,

Drew Ferguson
Member of Congress