Press Releases

“This is welcome news and will help to alleviate some of the financial burden that has been placed on the county in the aftermath of these storms, Congressman Cohen said. “I applaud President Obama for moving so swiftly to help our district, and look forward to working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the White House to get these funds distributed as soon as possible.”

“Memphis is one of the hardest hit cities in the nation as a result of the foreclosure crisis and these funds are going to make a real difference for those families facing the devastating prospect of losing the roof over their heads and having to live in a shelter -- or worse, living on the streets,” Congressman Cohen said. “These federal funds are the textbook example of how the ARRA is reinvesting in our communities and helping struggling families to recover from this economic crisis.

Congressman Cohen also announced that the COPS Office intends to make grant announcements in the coming weeks.

“Our veterans deserve the best care that our nation can provide for them. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of medical professionals in rural and underserved areas, and we need to do everything we can to encourage them to serve our veterans,” Congressman Cohen said. “This modest increase in funding could swell the ranks of the VA’s doctors, nurses and mental health care professionals by providing them with help to alleviate their student loan debts. It’s a real win-win.”

Congressman Cohen also praised the work of Memphian Anthony “Amp” Elmore for his work in educating and enlightening people about the cultural and economic importance of Africa. Mr. Elmore’s home in Memphis has become a showcase for African artifacts, fabrics and art that has become known as “African style.”

Tomorrow, Congressman Cohen will join with Mr. Elmore in the official opening and weekend celebration of the “Safari House Museum & Cultural Institute” located at 1035 Semmes in Memphis, Tennessee.

“Nowhere have the effects of the mortgage foreclosure crisis been more acutely felt than in my district. In Memphis, the dream of homeownership has turned into a nightmare of adjustable interest rates and roller coaster monthly mortgage payments. Millions of American families need similar relief, but I’m concerned that the government’s efforts so far may not be working as well as it could,” Congressman Cohen said. “We need to be prepared to act more aggressively to help distressed homeowners.

The new “Federal Funding Map” details most of the federal funding that has flowed into the district since January of this year. While not an absolute total, so far more than $370 million has been awarded in either direct federal funding or through grants. The lion’s share of more than $277 million has come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that Congressman Cohen voted to support and was signed into law earlier this year by President Obama.

The federal funding will be used to create housing, help qualified families with affordable housing, fund homelessness programs, train medical professionals, undertake important genetic research, and preserve jobs in the arts community.