Sequestration Hurting Our Schools and Students
This week I spoke on the House floor about the negative effects sequestration is having on Pre-K and Head Start programs in Memphis and across the country. I also spoke and voted against the GOP “Working Families Flexibility Act” – legislation that only offers greater flexibility to employers and lower wages to workers.
Sequestration/Pre-K/Head Start
The Working Families Flexibility Act
Protect Student Loans
National Commission on Federal Marijuana Policy
Israel and Turkey
The Full Faith and Credit Act
Idlewild Elementary
Helsinki Commission
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
Memphis College of Art Commencement
Memphis Child Advocacy Center
EnergySmart Memphis
Grant Announcements
Sequestration/Pre-K/Head Start
Yesterday I spoke on the House floor about the negative effects sequestration is having on schools and students in Memphis and across the country, especially on Pre-K and Head Start programs. I voted against the bill that led to sequestration because I knew it would lead to devastating cuts to education and other priorities. The negative impact of sequestration was obvious then and should have been foreseen by my colleagues in Congress. Click here to see my remarks on how sequestration is hurting our schools and our students.
The Working Families Flexibility Act
Wednesday was one of the saddest days the House of Representatives has ever seen. The GOP-led House voted to take away the 40-hour work week. I spoke and voted against the GOP “Working Families Flexibility Act” – legislation that only offers greater flexibility to employers and lower wages to workers. Under this bill, workers will not get paid for hours that exceed 40 hours per week. That compensation will instead go into a pot that will be controlled by their employer.
Under the measure, an employer can refuse to allow a worker to take time off to deal with a family member or attend a parent-teacher conference. This is not real flexibility for workers. Also, the legislation would give employers what amounts to an interest-free loan paid for by the workers’ wages since unused comp time will be paid back at the end of the year. This proposal is simply another ideological assault on workers, another mean-spirited attack on workers’ rights, and another Republican message bill that will never become law.
Protect Student Loans
This week I authored an Op-Ed in the Memphis Flyer about how a college education should not be only for the lucky few, but should be an opportunity for all those with skill and determination. But with college tuition growing rapidly, the doors of opportunity are closing on more of today’s students. This is driving many young Americans to assume historically high levels of student debt.
The problem will only get worse if Congress does not act soon. On July 1, interest rates on subsidized Stafford student loans will double, from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. Congress should also act immediately to pass my bill, the Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Fairness Act, to give Americans the same protections on private student loans that they had just a few short years ago. Student loans should be an investment that pays off -- and can be reasonably paid off. Click here to read my Op-Ed in the Memphis Flyer.
National Commission on Federal Marijuana Policy
This week I was interviewed by the Cato Institute about my legislation to create a National Commission on Federal Marijuana Policy. The Commission would undertake a comprehensive review of the federal government’s current policies toward marijuana, particularly in light of the growing number of states where marijuana is already legal for medicinal or personal use. We also discussed my recently talking to President Obama about possible changes to the Control Substances Act and other important drug policies. Click here to see the interview.
Israel and Turkey
On Tuesday I spoke on the House floor about the improving relations between Israel and Turkey. I’m happy that America’s two best friends in the Middle East, Israel and Turkey, have normalized diplomatic relations and are sending Ambassadors back to each other’s respective capitals. On March 19, I met with Turkish Ambassador Namik Tan in Washington, D.C. and broached with him the need to repair the diplomatic relationship between Israel and Turkey – the oldest, most prominent democracies in the Middle East. The flotilla raid in 2010 fractured what was once a strong alliance between Israel and Turkey.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent apology will go a long way toward promoting peace in the Middle East and strengthening the bond between the United States, Israel and Turkey. I recently wrote to Prime Minister Netanyahu to congratulate him for making the apology and I received a kind note in response. I also wrote to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogun thanking him for accepting the apology and committing to the normalization of diplomatic relations. It is vital for the stability of the region that Israel and Turkey return to their once-friendly relationship and I applaud President Obama for his diplomatic statesmanship that has brought about this very important rapprochement.
The Full Faith and Credit Act
This week I voted against the misnamed “Full Faith and Credit Act” which would ensure that if House Republicans cause a default on our nation’s debt, bondholders from China and other foreign nations would be paid first – putting payments to Americans at risk. Rather than taking steps to work out a common sense budget, Republicans are wasting time on this message bill to nowhere that will undermine our economy and harm middle class families. This legislation is nothing more than a plan for default, which once again recklessly risks the full faith and credit of our great country. The legislation would renew the GOP-manufactured economic uncertainty that has already harmed American workers and businesses over the past two years, most notably with the debt limit brinksmanship in July and August of 2011.
Idlewild Elementary
A group of more than 50 students from Idlewild Elementary were in Washington, D.C. this week. I am a proud alumnus of Idlewild Elementary and was thrilled to be able to host the Idlewild children. I was happy to meet with them at the U.S. Capitol to discuss the importance of Congress and government, working hard in school, and pursuing a higher education. While with them for a photograph on the Capitol steps we crossed paths with my good friend and colleague Congressman John Yarmuth, who thrilled the students by stepping into several photos.
Helsinki Commission
On Wednesday I participated in a hearing on the Ukraine’s leadership of the Helsinki Commission, particularly human and civil rights and political freedom in the fragile, young democracy. At the hearing I brought up the violent and political attacks on People’s Deputy Oleksandr Yelyashkevych, and journalists Oleksii Podolsskyi and Georgiy Gongadze (who was killed). In April I met with Daniel Novick – a Memphian whose father-in-law is Mr. Yelyashkevych. I also brought up what is being done to address anti-semitism across Europe. Click here to learn more about this Helsinki Commission hearing.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
With the spotlight shining on the critical need for mental health care reform in our country, we must also educate the nation about children’s mental health and promote comprehensive, grass-root efforts to eradicate scrutiny, discrimination and repercussions that deter our children, youth and families in need of care from seeking consistent help.
Our goal is to keep mental health a part of national dialogue 365 days a year. Plans are underway for a year-long conversation on the matter as groups like the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health develop interactive online and in-print awareness materials that will debunk myths and expose the often unspoken stigmas that plague our families, bringing mental health out of the shadows and into our everyday conversations to improve the health of our children and our nation.
Memphis College of Art Commencement
Tomorrow I will speak at the Memphis College of Art Commencement. I served on the Board of the college for 20 years and helped secure funding for the Burton Callicott Auditorium and the Ted Rust sculpture, Ikon, which graces the entrance to the school. I am proud to speak at the college about the importance of art and a higher education in society.
Memphis Child Advocacy Center
The Memphis Child Advocacy Center serves children who are victims of sexual and severe physical abuse through prevention, education and intervention. The group’s vision is a community where children are safe, families are strong and victims become children again. Click here to learn more about this group’s important work for our children and our community.
EnergySmart Memphis
EnergySmart Memphis is a year-long energy education and home improvement initiative designed to help Memphians save money on their energy costs. EnergySmart Memphis is a partnership between MLGW, City and County government agencies, Community Development Corporations and non-profit organizations, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Through EnergySmart Memphis, an estimated 3,000 MLGW customers will receive in-depth energy conservation training; eligible customers will have weatherization improvements made to their home through this initiative; and a series of Energy Education Workshops will be conducted city and county-wide at area libraries. The initiative includes weatherization kits for qualified homeowners to receive minor and major home repairs. Click here to learn more.
Grant Announcements
I regularly release a list of grant announcements from federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, and others. These federal funding opportunities are available to faith-based and neighborhood associations, nonprofits and other community organizations in the 9th district. The announcements are updated regularly on my website.
Wishing you a happy and safe weekend, and Go Grizzlies!
As always, I remain,
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress