$30 Million for the Future of Memphis
Dear Friend,
This week, I announced $30 million in federal funding to help revitalize the South City Neighborhood and build a better future for Memphis, the Senate held a confirmation for Ed Stanton—my recommendation to President Obama—to be our new federal judge, Middle College High School was selected as a National Blue Ribbon School for exemplary high performance, and the U.S. Secretary of Education spoke out about the need to end the “school-to-prison” pipeline, mirroring legislation of mine the House recently passed. Keep reading to learn more or follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see these updates as they happen.
$30 Million for the Future of Memphis
Bringing Congress to your Corner
Confirming U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton III as our New Federal Judge
Meeting with Memphis Clergy
Honoring Gunnery Sergeant Mike East from Memphis
Cutting the School-to-Prison Pipeline Short
Supporting Memphis Businesses
Grants to Keep Memphis Healthy
Congratulations to Middle College High School
Fighting Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Outcomes
$30 Million for the Future of Memphis
On Monday, I was extremely pleased to announce that our city was selected as one of the President Obama’s Choice Neighborhoods and will receive a $29.75 million federal grant to help revitalize the South City Neighborhood. Our selection as a Choice Neighborhood is the result of several years of working closely with Mayor AC Wharton to present our city’s strong application to HUD Secretary Julian Castro. This infusion of government funds will stimulate additional private investment, a synergy which will prove even more beneficial for Memphis and position us for success. Thanks to Streets Ministries and their staff, including Ken Bennett, for offering their space so we could make this important announcement about the future of Memphis.
Bringing Congress to your Corner
On Friday, October 9th, from 10am to 1pm, my office will hold “Congress on your Corner” office hours at the Benjamin L. Hooks Library. If you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance. We hope you can make it.
Confirming U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton III as our New Federal Judge
In private practice at FedEx, working for the city of Memphis, and as U.S. Attorney, Ed Stanton has proven himself an outstanding lawyer. I was proud to recommend Ed Stanton to President Obama to be our next federal judge, pleased the President nominated him for this position, and I am encouraged that this week the Senate held a hearing on his confirmation. U.S. Attorney Stanton is well-respected by his peers and will serve our country as well as the people of Memphis in an outstanding fashion when he is confirmed.
This morning, I hosted a meeting in my Memphis office with area ministers and clergy to discuss how we can help bring our community together to solve the problems we are facing. I appreciate the many pastors and clergymen and women who graciously attended this morning and look forward to working with them in the future. Lynn Evans from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) joined us this morning to share opportunities for churches and their membership to engage in energy conservation programs, and BlueCross BlueShield’s (BCBS) Jeremy Scruggs also came to discuss the resources BCBS can provide to churches throughout our communities.
Honoring Gunnery Sergeant Mike East from Memphis
Over the weekend, I presented Gunnery Sergeant Francis “Mike” East with a flag that was flown over the United States Capitol on August 14, 2015—the same day the U.S. flag was raised over our Embassy in Cuba for the first time since then-Corporal East helped lower the flag at our Havana Embassy in 1961 after diplomatic ties were severed.
It is appropriate that this flag was presented to Gunnery Sgt. East just days after Pope Francis spoke to Congress. The Pope helped facilitate the dialog between President Barack Obama and President Raul Castro that led to diplomatic ties being re-established this year.
It was an honor to recognize Gunnery Sgt. East for his service to his country. He and I both had the opportunity to watch history being made as guests of Secretary of State John Kerry, and I was proud to join him in Memphis at his own church, St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Cutting the School-to-Prison Pipeline Short
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan spoke out on Wednesday about the need for our nation to break the so-called “school-to-prison” pipeline and stop sending our students to jail. I agree wholeheartedly with Secretary Duncan and am proud that earlier this year the U.S. House approved my legislation to help fix the underlying problems by focusing on better, more effective conflict resolution methods. You can read more about my legislation to cut short the school-to-prison pipeline here.
On Tuesday, I enjoyed meeting with representatives from the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce including Kristen Bland, Kelly Rayne, Ernest Strickland, Phil Trenary, Brad Traverse, and Andre Dean. I’ll continue working in Congress to support our region’s businesses and help create jobs in and around Memphis.
Grants to Keep Memphis Healthy
Yesterday, I announced $1,450,732 in federal funding for Chris Community Health Services and an additional $283,932 for the Memphis Health Center. Christ Community Health Services and the Memphis Health Center provide vital services to our communities, and these new federal funds will help continue to provide the citizens of Memphis with the health care they need, regardless of where they live or how much they make.
Congratulations to Middle College High School
Congratulations to Memphis’ Middle College High School on being selected this week as a National Blue Ribbon School for exemplary high performance. Keep up the good work!
Fighting Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Outcomes
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With black women twice as likely to die from breast cancer as their white counterparts, I’ll spend the month fighting to expand Medicaid in Tennessee so that we can help reduce the gap in breast cancer outcomes and provide Tennessee women the health care coverage they need to stay alive.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress