Government Assistance and You

The Department of Labor's new website can help you identify the government assistance programs you may be eligible for. This website has information on programs across all agencies, whether you are searching for assistance in education, child care, healthcare, housing or utilities. After you answer a series of questions about yourself, the website will return a list of government programs which you may be eligible for, along with information about how you can apply. Go to www.govbenefits.gov for more information.

Extending Daylight Savings Time and Saving Energy Costs

Along with more sunshine and warmer weather, April also brings daylight savings time, allowing us to enjoy more of our day. And if the current energy bill passes the Senate, we could see two more months of longer days. Currently, daylight savings begins in early April and continues through late October. But if the new legislation is passed, we would set our clocks forward the first Sunday in March, and we wouldn't change them back until the last Sunday in November.

Besides having more recreational time, higher economic activity, and less crime and traffic related fatalities, extending daylight savings time is more energy efficient. We could save upwards of 100,000 barrels of oil a day, equaling an annual savings of more than $300 million. I will be sure to keep you updated as this bill moves through the Senate.

New Food Pyramid Introduced

The USDA has released an upgraded food pyramid aimed at simplifying and targeting your health and dietary needs. The new pyramid can be modified depending on your age, gender, and the amount of physical activity you do each day. Also, serving sizes have been replaced with cups and ounces, which are much easier to measure. I encourage you to check out the new food pyramids at: www.mypyramid.gov.

Scam Alert

Scam artists are calling Middle Tennesseans' promising a free federal grant for your education, home repairs, home business or unpaid bills if you call a toll free number. If you call, the company will ask for personal information, such as your bank account number, and will ask you to pay a one time fee, ranging up to $200. If you believe that you may be a victim of this scam, please contact the FTC at www.ftc.gov, or call 1-888-382-4357.