Commending Presidential Commutations for Non-Violent Drug Offenders
Dear Friend,
This week, I commended President Obama for commuting the sentences of 61 non-violent, low-level drug offenders incarcerated in federal prison, including two Memphians, honored Vietnam War veterans during a 50th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony at the Memphis VA Medical Center, hosted a Young Professionals Roundtable, delivered the keynote address at the Economic Club of Memphis, and attended the grand opening ceremony of the new Moore Tech School of Welding. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see these updates as they happen.
Commending Presidential Commutations for Low-Level Drug Offenders
Honoring Vietnam War Veterans
Hosting a Young Professionals Roundtable
Speaking to the Economic Club of Memphis
Attending the Grand Opening of the Moore Tech School of Welding
The IRS Urges Public to Stay Alert for Scam Phone Calls
Ensuring Memphians Get the Tax Refunds They Deserve
Commending Presidential Commutations for Low-Level Drug Offenders
On Wednesday, President Obama announced his decision to commute the sentences of 61 non-violent, low-level drug offenders incarcerated in federal prisons, including two from Memphis. These commutations are an encouraging development and a significant step by President Obama toward a more rational and fair justice—something I have long encouraged. But there still remains thousands of Americans languishing in prisons serving unjust sentences, and I hope the President continues his efforts to commute these sentences during his remaining time in office. You can read more about my work on commutations here.
On Tuesday, I honored veterans of the Vietnam War during the 50th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony at the Memphis VA Medical Center. Vietnam veterans went off to a war that was unpopular and remained unpopular when they came home, yet they were still willing to serve our country and make sacrifices for their families and communities. I have three staff members in my office in Memphis who are dedicated to helping veterans with constituent services. If you need assistance, please call my office at (901) 544-4131. You can read more about the 50th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony here.
Hosting a Young Professionals Roundtable
On Thursday, I hosted a Young Professionals Roundtable at my office in Memphis where I discussed my work in Congress and how to make government more accessible to Millennials. We also discussed other legislative priorities for the Ninth District. It is always encouraging to see so many young people invested in making Memphis a better community, and I look forward to continue hosting these Young Professionals Roundtables.
Speaking to the Economic Club of Memphis
On Thursday, I delivered the keynote address for the Congressional Reflections and Perspectives event at the Economic Club of Memphis. I discussed a wide range of my recent legislative work including my trip to Cuba with President Obama, my vote to permanently extend several important tax breaks for families and small businesses, my amendment to the comprehensive education bill to provide funding for professional development on restorative justice and conflict resolution programs, as well as my efforts on the new federal highway funding bill.
Attending the Grand Opening of the Moore Tech School of Welding
On Thursday, I attended the grand opening of the Moore Tech School of Welding. The school was a $1.8 million project made possible by a $1.67 million grant by the Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College Career Training Grant Program, and will help graduate nearly 150 students annually. I would like to thank President Skip Redmond and Chairman of the Board of Trustees John Malmo for their leadership, and I commend everyone who helped make this project a reality. This school represents real investments in education, job preparedness, and the future of Memphis.
The IRS Urges Public to Stay Alert for Scam Phone Calls
The IRS continues to warn consumers to guard against scam phone calls from thieves intent on stealing their money or their identity. Criminals pose as the IRS to trick victims out of their money or personal information. Click here for several tips to help you avoid being a victim of these scams and what to do if believe you have been contacted by a scammer.
Ensuring Memphians Get the Tax Refunds They Deserve
In December, I voted to permanently extend the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which is indexed for future increases, for low and middle income individuals and families. This provision ultimately became law.
April 15th – the deadline to file your 2015 federal tax return – is only a few weeks away. As you prepare your return, I hope you won’t overlook the EITC if you are eligible for it. It is an important credit that can give families a financial boost. Sadly, eligible taxpayers in Memphis and Shelby County have not taken full advantage of the program. I want to encourage everyone who is eligible to consider claiming it when filing their taxes.
Memphians shouldn’t pay more than they owe, and they should receive every penny they deserve in refunds. In 2014, I helped open one of 15 new Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites that operate throughout Shelby County. The VITA sites are available to provide tax return guidance and advice free of charge to ensure that Memphians take full advantage of programs like the EITC and get the tax refund to which they are entitled. More information including a list of all VITA locations and their hours is available at the Shelby County Trustee’s website, and I encourage you to find one near you to help ensure you get every penny you are owed.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress