July, 2014 WEBSITE | SUBSCRIBE | FORWARD TO A FRIEND | SHARE ON:
 

 Click here to subscribe to Matt's Memos!
 
 Friend,

I hope you will continue to share with me your ideas and opinions about public policy and the work of Congress.  Your feedback on how legislative proposals would affect your job, your business, or your family is enormously useful to me in my role.  Please keep the comments coming.  You can also stay up to date by subscribing to my newsletter or you can find me on Facebook!

I look forward to continuing to serve you.

Visit with ProJeCt of Easton's Sizzle Program
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of visiting ProJeCt of Easton's SIZZLE at Shawnee Elementary School in Forks Township, a free summer reading program for disadvantaged elementary students.  Every summer the program helps over 200 students maintain and improve their skills that were gained during the school year.

ProJeCt is a community benefit human service agency founded by local clergy and community leaders in the wake of the Martin Luther King Jr. assassination and in response to the rising tide of poverty and social unrest of 1968. Organizations like ProJeCt play a vital role in our community by leveling the playing field for disadvantaged youth.

I look forward to meeting with more organizations from the 17th district and addressing the challenges confronting non-profits today. 
 
        
Rep. Cartwright greeting SIZZLE students before a summer reading session.  ProJeCt of Easton, Inc. receives federal funds through the state for adult basic education and ESL/Civics as part of the Workforce Investment Act, now the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act.  They also receive Community Development Block Grant funds through Northampton County.

Protecting Consumers From Unreasonable Credit Rates Act
 
To protect consumers from payday lenders, I recently introduced the Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act. Various federal and state loopholes allow unscrupulous lenders to charge cash-strapped consumers extremely high APR rates for everyday purchases.  For some loans, such as car loan payments, APR rates go as high as 3,500%. 

We need safeguards to protect potential consumers from payday lenders who have a disproportionate effect on low income communities.  Research by the Center for Responsible Lending found that in eleven states and the District of Columbia the enforcement of a 36% APR cap saved consumers $1.4 billion per year without limiting the access to credit.

This bill would establish a maximum APR equal to 36% and apply to all transactions including, mortgages, car loans, credit cards, overdraft loans, car title loans, refund anticipation loans, and payday loans. It would also encourage the creation of alternative small dollar lending practices and direct civil courts and State Attorneys General to enforce the new cap.

While Americans recover from the Great Recession, this bill would protect the hard earned resources of consumers so they do not fall into the hands of predatory lenders.
 
​Summer Grants Update
As your Congressman, my main priority is representing the 17th district in Washington. My office recently announced the awarding of the following federal grants from the Department of Homeland Security administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

  • The Artisan Fire Company in Jermyn, PA was awarded $98,991 to purchase one Pass (Personal Alert Safety System) device.

  • The Gouldsboro Volunteer Fire Company in Gouldsboro, PA was awarded $24,225 to purchase 10 units of outer protective clothing.

  • The Mahantongo Fire Company in Pitman, PA was awarded $258,000 to purchase a tanker/tender vehicle.

  • The Good American Fire Company in Mahanoy City, PA was awarded $53,485 to purchase 20 sets of outer protecting clothing.

  • The Ryan Township Emergency & Rescue Squad Inc. in Barnesville, PA was awarded $149,554 to subsidize the purchase of an ambulance.

  • The Girard Hose company #1 in Giradville. PA was awarded $13,633 for the purchase of 7 sets of outer protective clothing.

  • The Citizens Fire Co. #1 in Tamaqua, PA was awarded $12,939 to help purchase a thermal imaging camera.

  • The Laflin Borough Volunteer Fire Company in Laflin, PA was awarded $20,634 to help purchase ten sets of outer protective clothing.

  • The Yorkville Fire Company No.1 in Pottsville, PA was awarded $256,500 to upgrade their mobile radio system.

  • The Tuscarora Fire Company in Tuscarora, PA was awarded $52,250 to help purchase eight self-contained air packs.
How to Contact me

Click here to subscribe to Matt's Memos!
You can reach me at Cartwright.house.gov or by contacting any of the offices listed below:

Scranton District Office
226 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
(P) 570-341-1050
(F) 570-341-1055

Easton District Office
One South Third Street
9th Floor
Easton, PA 18042
(P) 484-546-0776
(F) 610-252-3257
Pottsville District Office
121 Progress Avenue
Suite 310
Pottsville, PA 17901
(P) 570-624-0140
(F) 570-622-2902

Wilkes-Barre District Office
20 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Suite 201
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(P) 570-371-0317

Washington, DC Office
 1419 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
(P) 202-225-5546
(F) 202-226-0996

NOTE: Please DO NOT respond to this email as this inbox is unattended. To contact my office please click here
 
 
NOTE: Please DO NOT respond to this email as this inbox is unattended. To contact my office please click here