RLC Weekly: Driving Home Investments
Dear Colleagues,
The latest Investing in America Tour has inspired the Regional Leadership Council’s (RLC) continued work to tell the full story of the investments passed in the 117th Congress. From rail crossings to breakwaters, RLC Members have spent the District Work Period informing their local communities about the significant benefits of the Investing in America agenda and its impact on daily life. Here are some of the highlights from this week:
Revitalizing Local Economies
RLC Leader Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) welcomed U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg to Port Orchard, WA, to celebrate federal funding that will replace the Port Orchard Marina Breakwater and electrify ferries in the area. The project was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will enrich the local economy for the next generation of Washingtonians. Read about the impact of this legislation here.
This visit came after Rep. Kilmer was recognized for introducing the RECOMPETE Act, which has inspired a pilot program that will revitalize local economies experiencing economic distress and workforce issues. As Rep. Kilmer puts it: "I grew up in a community that, when I was a kid, exported wood products all over the world, and now there's real fears that their main export is going to be young people.” Read how the Recompete Pilot Program will help change that here.
Driving Home Investments
Following the USDOT’s announcement of new funding for railroad crossings, RLC Leader Madeleine Dean (PA-04) not only amplified the local story that announced this federal funding, but she held her own event to drive home the $16 million project. This is a great example of RLC Members consistently informing their constituents about how the 117th Congress continues to make life safer and better. Read the story here and here.
Looking Out for Families
To contrast the consequences of a House Republican agenda that threatens to raise health care and grocery costs, RLC Leader Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) held two town halls to help his constituents benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act and improve health outcomes in Central Florida. The meetings centered around Medicaid, ACA subsidies, and the upcoming Farm Bill, and they were crucial in helping the communities most impacted by extreme Republican policies. Check out the coverage of this health care town hall here. Learn more about the agriculture event here.
What’s Next?
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As of July 1, 2023, Americans on Medicare Part B can see their insulin copays capped at $35 per month. For inspiration on how to relay these life-changing savings, see examples from RLC Leaders Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Rep. Tony Cárdenas, and Rep. Jared Huffman.
- The Biden administration approved the largest development in offshore energy in America history. The announcement is projected to create thousands of good-paying union jobs and will help America lead the world in transitioning to clean energy. Read more about the project here and here.
For more updates on how to implement the Investing in America agenda in your community, please follow us on social media and share your story on how these investments are making a difference in your district. You can also visit our website for additional resources to help track these historic investments.