RLC Weekly: Sharing Resources That Help

December 13, 2024
In The News

Dear colleagues,

In the final weeks of the Biden-Harris Administration, the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) and House Democrats are tapped into their communities sharing relevant funding announcements and the dangers of what could happen under the Trump Administration. Here is a look at their efforts:

Defending Direct File and Lowering Costs

Politico reported this week that 29 House Republicans are urging President-elect Trump to eliminate Direct File on "day one." This program, created by Inflation Reduction Act, has helped over 140,000 Americans file their taxes for free with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and underscores Democrats' commitment to lowering costs. See the following reactions from Reps. James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), House Armed Service Committee Ranking Member Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), and House Committee on Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06).

Building Safer Communities

Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) teamed up with St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch to celebrate a $3.6 million Safe Streets and Roads for All grant in her district. In this video, you will see Rep. Castor and local leaders describe how this funding will bolster 18 projects to improve the health and safety of their community. See how Rep. Castor amplified this content here.

Sharing Resources That Help

As House Democrats continue to fight for good-paying jobs and protect workers, RLC Leader Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) met with his Labor Advisory Board to discuss how federal funding can help workers in his district. Rep. Soto reports that they had a robust conversation about infrastructure projects, federal grants, and Biden Administration rules related to extreme heat. See more from Rep. Soto here.

Rep. James E. Clyburn (SC-06) took to social media to share important reminders and resources on the Affordable Care Act's open enrollment period. "President Biden's American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act made health care plans more affordable than ever—just $10/month for most people," he wrote. Watch the video here.

\What Else?

  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $737 million in funding to assist in the purchase of an estimated 2,400 zero-emission vehicles for 70 applicants. Read more on the first-ever Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program here.
  • The Department of the Interior is announcing a $65 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to continue fulfilling settlements of Indian water rights claims. Read more on this development 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.

Sincerely Yours,