RLC Weekly: Real Investments in Real People
Dear Colleagues,
The Investing in America agenda is investing in all Americans, and the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) and House Democrats are communicating this during the District Work Period. As millions of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, the RLC is showing how the Investing in America agenda is delivering lower costs, safer infrastructure, and more good-paying jobs. Here are some of the highlights:
Delivering Quality Jobs and Quality Health Care
RLC Leader Rep. Troy A. Carter (LA-02) hosted two events this week touting the Investing in America agenda. First, he hosted U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to celebrate new investments in a battery materials processing plant in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, which will allow this plant to avoid layoffs and create more good-paying jobs in the Pelican State. Click here to read the story.
In addition, Rep. Carter hosted an LA-02 Curbside 'For the Love of Veterans' event to provide a central location for people to get connected with federal programs, including PACT Act benefits. The RLC reports that the Department of Veterans's Affairs has received 3,823 PACT Act claims from Rep. Carter's district as of November 10, 2023. For more district-level briefings on the success of the PACT Act, view the RLC's website here.
Tracking Progress
It's crucial to RLC Leaders that every corner of the country receives a fair share of federal investments. To track this progress, RLC Leader Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02)and his team created an interactive map that plots the Investing in America agenda in California's Second Congressional District. From the American Rescue Plan to Community Project Funding, Rep. Huffman's team is ensuring that Northern Californians see how their government is working for the people. View this map here and his Grant Summary here.
Making an Impact
The RLC continues to enhance coordination between the Biden-Harris Administration, Congress, and regional stakeholders to ensure the Investing in America agenda is implemented effectively and efficiently. RLC Leader Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) invited Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton and other state officials to his DC office to discuss their work securing disaster relief, promoting conservation, and partnering to implement a $250 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will protect clean water. This is one of the many ways Rep. Soto is working with state and local leaders to build a stronger, more climate resilient community.
What's Next?
- The Environmental Protection Agency has made $2 billion available through their Environmental and Climate Justice Program (ECJP) Community Change Grants, which will support community-driven projects related to clean energy, climate resilience, and environmental and climate justice. These grants, administered through the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR), mark the single largest investment in environmental justice in EPA's history. More details on these grants are found here.
For more updates on how to help implement the Investing in America Agenda locally, please follow us on social media and share your story on how these investments are making a difference in your community. You can also visit our website for additional resources that will help track these historic investments. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!