RLC Weekly: Wrapping Up the District Work Period
Dear Colleagues,
Ahead of the House returning next week, House Democrats and the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) are bringing back examples from their districts of the Investing in America agenda’s impact. This August District Work Period highlighted that more and more investments from the 117th Congress are reaching local economies and making a difference. Be sure to check out the RLC In the News section of our website to keep track of these events. Here are some of the most recent highlights:
Addressing Local Concerns
RLC Leader Rep. Robin L. Kelly (IL-02) sat down with Our Chicago: ABC7 over Labor Day weekend to talk about House Democrats’ work to improve maternal health care, end gun violence, and reduce the cost of living for Illinois families. During the interview, Rep. Kelly reiterated her commitment to promoting public safety and addressing the "slow-motion massacre" of gun violence across America, highlighting key provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) that she is working to implement. As students and teachers go back to the classroom, RLC Leaders are ensuring the gun safety legislation and mental health funding made possible last Congress are available to every community across America. Watch the full interview with Rep. Kelly here.
On California's Northern Coast, RLC Leader Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) met with California Department of Transportation District 3 to see how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is protecting salmon and steelhead spawning grounds and replacing old fish-blocking culverts. It is indicative of the continued work of House Democrats and the Biden administration to protect ecosystems and fight back against climate change. Read more on this story here.
Celebrating Connection
As the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law greatly expands the RAISE Discretionary Grant opportunity at the U.S. Department of Transportation, RLC Leader Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) joined the city of Bainbridge Island to celebrate a $16.13 million federal RAISE grant for 34 projects related to local and regional trail design. Rep. Kilmer summed up the impact of these projects with the following statement: "It has been said that roads segregate, and trails integrate. I like that notion, because what we’re really celebrating is connection. Connecting Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap counties. Connecting cities and tribes and all those points along the way. Connect recreationists to nature, people to jobs, students to schools." Watch more from this announcement here.
In addition, RLC Leader Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) welcomed a slew of federal investments from the Investing in America agenda and highlighted the wide-ranging impact on the local economy. From protecting water mains to delivering efficient pathways for commuters, Rep. Trahan showed how these investments are unlocking economic potential in Massachusetts. For more on these recent investments from the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, visit Rep. Trahan's website here.
What Else?
- U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona held a multi-state road trip to hear from students and highlight how schools are doubling down on accelerating student learning, including through workforce development programs made possible through the Investing in America agenda. Click this article for a recap of the visits.
- The House Labor Caucus welcomed the U.S. Senate's reconfirmation of Gwynne Wilcox to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) this week. This development comes as the NLRB is taking key positions on workers' rights and holding bad actors accountable. Read more from the Labor Caucus 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.