Press Credentials Available for Presidential Inauguration - DEADLINE - December 15th

National CAPACD invites our members to forward this message to their local ethnic and regional media contacts.  Media credentials are now being issued for the swearing-in ceremonies of President-Elect Barack Obama. 

The application process for media credentials for the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, controlled by the Senate media galleries, will end on Monday, December 15, 2008.

Credentialing information for official inaugural events such as the parade, the balls, and other events leading up to and following the swearing-in ceremony that are organized by our committee, the Presidential Inaugural Committee, will be announced later this month.

Below is information by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies that provides information about the process for requesting credentials for the swearing-in ceremony.

Media Credentialing Information:
2009 Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies

WASHINGTON, DC - The application process for media credentials for the 2009 Inaugural Ceremonies has begun, and will run until December 15, 2008.

All requests for media credentials for the inaugural ceremonies will be handled by the Senate media galleries. Media wishing to obtain credentials for the swearing-in ceremonies must apply for credentials through an on-line application process. The cut-off date to apply is December 15. Instructions and the online application are featured on each of the gallery websites.

Senate Radio/TV Gallery
Senate Daily Press Gallery
Senate Periodical Press Gallery
Senate Press Photographers’ Gallery

The number of media credentials issued for the swearing-in ceremonies will be limited by space constraints. Completion of an application does not guarantee that credentials will be issued.

Media credentials for other inaugural events (parade, balls, and any other inaugural events) will be handled by the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) once it is formed. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies expects that the PIC will be up and running by next week, and will post a link to its website as soon as it becomes available.

2) President-Elect Obama Taps Steven Chu for Secretary of Energy

President-Elect Obama has reportedly chosen Steven Chu to lead the Department of Energy (DOE).  We at National CAPACD are excited to see a Nobel-prize winning Chinese American take a prominent Cabinet position, and we would also like to point out the role that the DOE can play in the lives of low-to-moderate income Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. 

The DOE primarily focuses on energy security, scientific discovery and innovation, and environmental responsibility as it relates to our country’s energy resources.  However, they also have programs targeted towards low-income communities.  Recognizing that high energy costs often create a huge burden for low-income families, DOE funds state programs to assist low-income households with energy, primarily through two programs.

1.    Low-Income Weatherization Assistance – This program disburses funds to all states, which in turn weatherize low-income households, using the services of more than 1,000 local community partners.
2.    Low-Income House Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program is conducted with the Department of Health and Human Services.  LIHEAP provides block grants to the states to use for reducing low-income energy bills through bill payments and limited energy-efficiency improvements.

In general, state funds are used to supplement federally funded programs in the state rather than create separate networks.  These additional funds allow these programs to reach additional needy recipients.  The implementation of low-income energy programs varies by state.  Additional information is available through the National Association for State Community Services Programs.

National CAPACD members should contact their state agency to find out more about these programs and how they are implemented in your neighborhood.  We hope that Steven Chu as Secretary of Energy continues these valuable programs serving low-income communities, and we congratulate him on his nomination.

3)  Webcast - Rethinking Vacant Properties: Properties as Key Assets

The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and the National Vacant Properties Campaign are hosting a Webcast.  Today more than ever, vacant properties are one key to the health and vitality of neighborhoods. With more vacant and foreclosed properties, crime and blight increasingly concern neighborhood leaders.  But community development has the opportunity to be a catalyst in the strategic reuse of vacant properties, and community developers are part of creative and effective vacant properties initiatives. Join this webcast to examine the latest strategies in making vacant property reclamation a part of sustainable communities.  Speakers will provide an update on vacant properties foreclosures, present innovative practices, offer implementation insights, and open the webcast for extensive audience participation.

When:       December 17
                2:00 - 3:30 pm EST

Panel:       Joe Schilling -  National Vacant Properties Campaign
                Julia Ryan - LISC Community Safety Initiative
                Heidi Murcherie - Detroit Vacant Properties Campaign
                Julia Seward - Moderator

Who:         CBOs, policymakers and government leaders, smart growth and community partners, planners, community safety officials

To Join The Meeting: click or paste the link below:
https://cc.readytalk.com/r/16nbii3t38ddh
Dial In: 866.740.1260
Access Code: 4559813

Questions? about joining the webcast or for agenda information