To the attention of:
Barack Obama, US President;
Nathan Deal, Governor of Georgia;
US Senators from Georgia: Johnny Isakson, Saxby Chambliss;
US Representatives from Georgia: David Scott, Henry C. "Hank" Johnson Jr., Jack Kingston, Jim Marshall, John Barrow, John Lewis, John Linder, Lynn A. Westmoreland, Paul C. Broun, Phil Gingrey, Sanford D. Bishop Jr., Tom Graves, Tom Price;
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I am writing to hopefully bring a few important issues to your attention in regards to low income single mothers who are also sucessful recovering meth addicts. June 26, 2004 was the last day I have been a meth user and the first day I was a recovering addict. I did my jail time, sucessfully completed an in house rehab and completed the terms of my probation. It took me several months to find a job close enough to walk due to my driving priviledges being suspended. I worked hard for this company but unfortunately became a victim of sexual harrassment which ended in my loss of employment. Now, a single mother who recieves no help at all from the father, and very limited assistance from any other agency my criminal past still haunts me. I have worked so hard to remain drug free but it seems the punishment I was sentenced to was not enough. I have looked for over 2 yrs for a job and recieve enough food stamps for about 10 days to feed my sons since I have a lifetime ban and will never be eligible. I am to the point now my lights are soon to be disconnected and I went to bed hungry so my sons would not. I have been enrolled in college seeking a BS in psychology with the hope of helping other addicts when I complete my courses. I was allowed to draw UI benefits for approximately 14 months and was not eligible for them to continue while I went back to school because I already had an AA in computer programming. I think more help should be available for those who have proved they want to live as a productive member of society. I just get tired of doors slamming in my face every way I try to go. I dont want to live on the benefits of welfare forever but getting a little help up would sure make the way less stressful.
Thank you for your time,
Melanie Cole
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