Ending the Federal Use of Private Prisons
Dear Friend,
This week, I commended the Obama Administration for ending the use of private prisons for some federal inmates, celebrated the 81st anniversary of Social Security, attended a celebration honoring the United States’ diplomatic relationship with Kenya, and met with HUD’s Memphis Field Director Sernorma Mitchell. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see these updates as they happen.
Ending the Federal Use of Private Prisons
Celebrating the 81st Anniversary of Social Security
Honoring the United States’ Diplomatic Relationship with Kenya
Meeting with HUD’s Memphis Field Director Sernorma Mitchell
Bringing Congress to your Corner
Ending the Federal Use of Private Prisons
I am pleased that the Obama Administration is phasing out the Department of Justice's use of private prisons for some federal inmates. I have fought against private prisons for over 25 years as a Tennessee State Senator and now as a Member of Congress. Private prisons are both less safe and less effective at providing correctional services than government-run prisons. No one should profit from crime, nor should any entity that benefits from harsher sentences be part of the equation of sentencing and crime.
Celebrating the 81st Anniversary of Social Security
Sunday was the 81st anniversary of Social Security. More than just a retirement program, Social Security is a lifeline that keeps millions of Americans out of poverty. Over 110,000 citizens of the Ninth District rely on Social Security to help pay for basic necessities like food, healthcare and housing. Read my statement on the anniversary here.
Honoring the United States’ Diplomatic Relationship with Kenya
On Saturday, I attended five-time World Kickboxing Champion and my friend Anthony “Amp” Elmore’s Safari Homecoming Celebration to honor President Obama’s legacy with Kenya, to honor Tom Mboya, a Kenyan trade unionist and educationist, and to honor the United States’ 60-year diplomatic relationship with Kenya.
Meeting with HUD Memphis Field Director Sernorma Mitchell
On Tuesday I met with Sernorma Mitchell, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Memphis and Nashville Field Offices Director. We discussed a variety of topics such as my office’s relationship with HUD, HUD’s relationship with the city of Memphis, increasing housing vouchers for Memphians, and the delinquent Global Ministries Foundation properties.
Bringing Congress to your Corner
During the summer and fall, my office is holding “Congress on your Corner” events. Please mark these dates on your calendar. 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.
- Thursday, September 1st from 12pm-2pm at the Orange Mound Community Center (2572 Park Ave)
- Friday, October 14th from 12pm-2pm at the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins St.)
Please visit my website at https://cohen.house.gov for more information on Congress on your Corner.
As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress