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April 14th to 18th 2008 proved a pivotal, productive week for the estimated more than 6 million American expats living around the world. Concerns relating to voting simplification, citizens rights, social security, medicare and taxation were brought directly to lawmakers in Washington DC.
Representing on behalf of the expatriate community were the Association of Americans Resident Overseas AARO, the American Citizens Abroad ACA, the Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas FAWCO, the French-American Foundation FAF, Congressional members from the Americans Abroad Caucus AAC, Republicans Abroad, legislative representatives and THE EXPAT SHOW.
"The many years of non-partisan dedication to expat advocacy by AARO, ACA, FAWCO and others has resulted in the creation of a powerful, influential campaign." notes the OAW. Quoting Lucy Laederich of FAWCO "Our main focus is to grow the AAC and promote these voting bills" As Jacqueline Bugnion Director of the ACA points out to The Expat Show: “We are strongly in support of the Working Americans Competitiveness Act, introduced in the House by NY Congressman Gregory Meeks and in the Senate by SC Senator Jim DeMint. As tax reform will be on the top priority list of Congress in 2009.”
Topping off the week was an enthusiastic reception featuring inspired addresses by Co-Chairs of the AAC, NY Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and S.C. Congressman Joe Wilson. In her strong appeal to the attendees, Congresswoman Maloney emphasized:“With the 2008 election only months away, it is critical that we raise awareness now about the problems that overseas Americans face when voting. Congress must provide the necessary leadership to ensure that the three to six million American citizens who live and work abroad or serve in the military are being represented at the local, state, and federal levels. My legislation, H.R. 4237, the Overseas Voting Practical Amendments Act, will make simple fixes to the system that will help count the votes of all Americans living abroad. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass this important and patriotic bill.”
FAWCO’s Lucy Laederich tells producer Tai Aguirre: “If we didn't have Carolyn Maloney we'd be in trouble”
AAC member CA Congressman Michael Honda also spoke on the impotance of the voting bill. FAWCO President Celeste Brown hosted the event and brought on the podium a special, energetic talk by PEW Foundation Senior officer Michael Feagan. An informal discussion followed.
(Visiting the reception was NJ Congressman Donald Payne who took Congressman Wilson's friendly nudging to join the caucus in good stride.)
"I was honored that THE EXPAT SHOW was invited by the AAC to be part of this historic event. My sincerest thanks to Andrew Coyne of the AARO, Lucy Laederick, Celeste Brown, Mary Burgher of FAWCO, Janet Steinmetzer of the FAF, Congressman Wilson and Press Secretary Ryan Murphy, Jacqueline Bugnion of the ACA, Cynthia Dillon of REPUBLICANS ABROAD, Lloyd Yavener VP CLEMENTS INTERNATIONAL and so many others for their support of the show and for making me feel very welcomed. It's a very exciting time for expats" says Tai.
For more information visit:
http://www.overseasamericansweek.com
http://www.theexpatshow.com
http://www.aaro.org
http://www.fawco.org
http://www.republicansabroad.org
http://www.aca.ch
http://www.french-american.org
©taico productions
THE EXPAT REPORT 914 422 1990
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