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Securing Federal Funding for the Memphis Minority Business Center

April 29, 2016
Enewsletters

Dear Friend,

This week, the Memphis Minority Business Center received a $1.4 million grant to continue operations for the next five years, I introduced a bill to incentivize finding a treatment and cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, I was saddened by the passing of civil rights icon Rev. Dr. Samuel “Billy” Kyles and Memphis civic leader and businessman Pat Carter, I received the Champion for Children award for my work on children’s issues, and met with a representative from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital about biomedical research funding. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see these updates as they happen.

Securing Federal Funding for the Memphis Minority Business Center
Finding a Treatment and Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease
Remembering Reverend Dr. Samuel “Billy” Kyles
Remembering Pat Carter, Jr.
Confirming U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton III as our New Federal Judge
Receiving the Champion for Children Award
Investing in Biomedical Research
Fighting for Affordable Higher Education
Bringing Congress to your Corner
The IRS Urges Public to Stay Alert for Scam Phone Calls

Securing Federal Funding for the Memphis Minority Business Center

On Thursday, the Memphis Minority Business Center, the first ever in Tennessee which I helped create, received a $1.4 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to continue its operations for the next 5 years. Read more here.

Finding a Treatment and Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease

On Wednesday, I introduced the bipartisan EUREKA Act with Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN-02) which would provide $10 million for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies to create prizes to accelerate discovery and development for new prevention measures, treatments, and cures for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Read more here.

Remembering Reverend Dr. Samuel “Billy” Kyles

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On Tuesday, Memphis lost a legendary clergyman and civil rights advocate with the passing of Reverend Dr. Samuel “Billy” Kyles. I extend my sympathies to his devoted wife and wonderful children. I honored Rev. Kyles on the House floor today. You can watch my speech here.

Remembering Pat Carter, Jr.

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On Wednesday, Memphis lost civic leader and businessman Pat Carter, Jr. Pat was a leader in both the private and political sectors of Memphis. He was a respected voice in Whitehaven and at the Chamber. I will remember him for his civic mindedness and extend my sincere sympathies to his family and friends.

Confirming U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton III as our New Federal Judge

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On Wednesday, I had a call with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office urging a Senate confirmation vote in consideration of U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton III for District Court Judge for the Western District of Tennessee. U.S. Attorney Stanton is fourth in line of all the district judges waiting to be confirmed by the Senate. If, in addition to the Republican standstill on the Supreme Court confirmation, the Senate leadership chooses not to have confirmation hearings for District Court Judge vacancies, I will push to have Ed Stanton re-nominated for District Court Judge for the Western District of Tennessee by the next President. I would like to thank Tennessee Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker for their support of U.S. Attorney Stanton for this position and I hope Majority Leader McConnell will choose to move forward with judgeship confirmation votes before President Obama leaves office.

Receiving the Champion for Children Award

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On Wednesday, I received the 2015 Champion for Children Award from the First Focus Campaign for Children for my work on children’s issues such as child trafficking prevention and foster care. Read more here.

Investing in Biomedical Research

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On Thursday, I met with Peter Mercredi (pictured above) from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to discuss the importance of federal investment in biomedical research. I am proud to serve as a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus and look forward to reaching across the aisle to support increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and our nation’s best research facilities like St. Jude.

Fighting for Affordable Higher Education

On Monday, President Obama and Vice President Biden announced a new $100 million competition to expand tuition-free community college programs. In Tennessee, we achieved this through state lottery funds which have done so much for education in the state. While I wished that Tennessee Promise had not thwarted funding needed for the HOPE scholarships to grow with inflation and tuition increases, I'm proud my work as a Tennessee State Senator is still helping Tennesseans with college costs. You can read more about the President’s new competition here.

Bringing Congress to your Corner

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Thanks to all who came by “Congress on your Corner” at the Whitehaven Branch Library this morning. On Friday, May 13, from 12:30pm to 2:30pm, my office will hold “Congress on your Corner” office hours at the Orange Mound Community Center at 2572 Park Ave. 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.

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 you believe have been contacted by a scammer.

As always, I remain.
Most sincerely,
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Steve Cohen
Member of Congress

Issues:9th DistrictChildren and FamiliesCivil RightsEconomy and JobsEducationHealth CareMemphisMillingtonShelby CountyTennessee