By Congressman Michael Turner
As your representative in Congress, I have the opportunity to work to help make government agencies better serve you and your neighbors. Whether helping residents of Ohio’s third District address a personal case with a federal agency, arrange tours of select sites in Washington, D.C. or providing aid in obtaining a federal grant, my office can be of assistance.
For example, my office can help constituents seeking information or assistance from the Department of Education. Information on student aid, education financing, grants, teaching resources, and research and statistics can all be obtained via the Department’s website, www.ed.gov. A toll-free phone call can also be made to 1-800-421-3481.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website offers information on healthcare services, including the Affordable Care Act, at www.healthcare.gov. Here, you can find insurance options, understand the new law, sign up to receive future information releases and more.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides immigration forms, information on laws and regulations, field office location information, how to obtain “green cards” and visas, requirements for obtaining a permit for working in the US, adopting from overseas, and more. Most of that information can be found at www.uscis.gov. The toll-free phone number for the agency is 1-800-375-5283. While my office cannot expedite or influence the outcome of immigration cases, we can help ensure residents receive a response to inquiries in a timely way.
If you are having trouble obtaining information or a response from the International Revenue Service (IRS), we can contact the agency on your behalf regarding tax refunds, individual tax information, business tax information, changes in laws and “Frequently asked questions” and more. Much general information is also available on the IRS website, www.irs.gov, or via its toll-free phone number, 1-800-829-1040.
Residents seeking information on unemployment insurance, wages, services in the State of Ohio, employment law advice, and extension of health care insurance can find it through the Department of Labor’s website, www.dol.gov. The Department’s toll-free phone number is 1-866-4-USA-DOL. We can also request a review of cases relating to these matters.
The Library of Congress houses information on past and current legislation, U.S. History and research centers around the country. Most information can be found at www.thomas.loc.gov, as can links to the House or Representatives and senate websites. Here, you can find information on individual Representatives, the districts they represent, find information on debates, bills and amendments, the voting schedule and what is currently being debated on the House and Senate floors.
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offers enrollment information, regulations and guidance information, and forms for Medicaid, Medicare at www.cms.gov. CMS can also be contacted by toll-free phone at 877-267-2323.
Constituents seeking advisories regarding travel overseas, passport and visa requirements, foreign and international embassy and consulate contact information, and student travel recommendations can find it via the Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov. Please also always feel free to contact my office for assistance in this regard.
The U.S. Small Business Administration website, www.sba.gov, is an information resource for small businesses, small business owners and prospective business owners. Here, you can locate information on applying for business grants, plan your business, take free online courses, and obtain information and assistance on financing a start-up business.
My office can help you apply for Social Security benefits for retirement, survivors, and those who are disabled; learn how to comply with requirements, especially those placed on businesses; obtain your earnings statement, and more. Information on these topics, as well as forms and publications explaining benefits to you, is available on the Social Security Administration website, www.ssa.gov; through its toll-free phone number at 1-800-772-1213
For information on Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings and forms, laws and regulations, brokers and advisors, visit www.sec.gov. If you are having trouble this information, my office can help expedite the process.
Our veterans deserve our gratitude and respect. That includes ensuring the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsive to the needs of all veterans, especially those who are disabled or who need special care as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. Disabled veterans and veterans’ survivors are especially vulnerable, but my office can help with any inquiry related to VA services. Much information on VA forms and benefits can be found at www.va.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000.
Finally, the United States Government Official Website offers information on federal employee benefits and grants, as well as information about the federal government as a whole, at www.usa.gov.
As always, I hope you will never hesitate to contact my office with any inquiry you may have that can help us serve you better. My Dayton office is located at 120 Third Street, Suite 305, Dayton, Ohio, 45402; you can call us at 937/225-2843 or fax us at 937/225-2752. My Wilmington office is located at 61 East Main Street, Suite One, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177; you can call us at 937-383-8931 or fax us at 937/383-8910.
We are here to listen, help and serve you.