RLC Weekly: Kicking Off the August District Work Period

August 2, 2024
In The News

Dear Colleagues,

House Democrats got a head start on the August District Work Period by highlighting key investments that are supporting local leaders and lowering costs for everyday Americans. As Members engage with their communities this month, the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) encourages you to share how you are highlighting the local impact of Democrats’ accomplishments. Here are a few of the highlights from the last week:

Lowering Costs and Saving Time for Taxpayers

Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen joined Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Reps. Brendan Boyle (PA-02), and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) in Philadelphia to celebrate the availability of Direct File in Pennsylvania this upcoming tax season. Direct File, made possible through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, will lower costs by allowing over 1 million Pennsylvanians to file their taxes directly with the Internal Revenue Service. Secretary Yellen and Reps. Boyle and Scanlon shared how this program will help Pennsylvanians save time and money here. Read more on this announcement from RLC Leader Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro here and here.

Building Climate Resilient Communities

RLC Leader Rep. Troy A. Carter (LA-02) joined members of the United Houma Nation and local leaders to celebrate $59.8 million in federal funding for multiple climate resilience projects in Louisiana. Rep. Carter highlighted how this funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act and advances the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 initiative. "Our communities live on frontlines of the climate crisis and witness the growing threats of extreme weather, heat waves, sea level rise, and drought," said Rep. Carter. "This funding will help us become more resilient to these growing threats and sets up Louisiana to lead by example in sustainable, community-focused climate adaptation." Read more on these projects here and here. 

Rep. Wiley Nickel (NC-13) joined North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and local leaders in Clayton, NC, to see how the American Rescue Plan is supporting the Sam's Branch Water Reclamation Facility project and protecting clean drinking water in the state. More on this investment can be found here.

Ensuring PACT Act Benefits

Many House Democrats participated in a social media campaign developed by the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Democrats to ensure Veterans received the PACT Act benefits they earned. The message focused on making sure the Veterans who had completed the PACT Act Intent To File (ITF) last year completed their PACT Act claim within 365 days. See how Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03) and RLC Leader Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) localized this message here and here.

What Else?

  • The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $24 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support 21 clean energy workforce training programs. The programs will focus on supporting jobs that do not require a four-year degree. Read more here.
  • The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Committee created a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Resource Guide to help Members track BIL funding and coordinate with local leaders. Read more on this guide here.
  • The U.S. Department of Transportation announced $427 million for America’s airports made possible by Democrats’ Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Read where this eighth round of Airport Infrastructure Grant funding went 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.