The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Action Council listed me one of the Best U.S. Representatives for Children, citing my 100% rating on the CDF Congressional Scorecard.  The well-being of America’s children and families is of great importance to me.  I co-sponsored the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, H.R. 2, to provide for an increase to the Federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour.  I was proud to vote in favor of H.R. 2 when it was passed by the House in January, 2007.

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) has been a leading health issue facing Congress.  Congress created CHIP in 1997 with broad bipartisan support.  CHIP provides health coverage for children in working families with parents who either can’t afford insurance or hold jobs that lack health care benefits.  I was proud to speak on the floor in support of the Children’s Health Insurance Program.  It is appalling that in 2007 my colleagues across the aisle rallied against a program that currently provides health coverage for over 6 million children and could ensure the health and wellbeing of an additional 4 million uninsured young people.  The failed Children’s Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act of 2007 and the twice-vetoed Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 all would have provided additional federal funds for Tennessee’s busiest public hospitals as well as a reimbursement provision for services The MED has provided to residents of other states.  These bills failed to pass and, therefore, the Tennessee-specific language was not adopted; however, I will continue working with the Tennessee Congressional delegation to fight for The MED and Tennessee’s other hospitals.

I am also a co-sponsor of the Healthy Families Act, H.R. 1542, to provide paid sick leave for American workers.  If passed, H.R. 1542 would not only provide mandatory paid sick days for workers, but would also allow parents to stay home from work to care for their children without risking the loss of wages. 

One of the most devastating and heart-breaking problems confronting our community is the high rate of infant mortality across Memphis.  The infant mortality rate in the United States is one of the highest of any industrialized nation in the world; furthermore, the city of Memphis has one of the highest rates in the country. In October, I hosted a Capitol Hill briefing on infant mortality, featuring research and medical professionals from Tennessee and across the nation who gathered to discuss this troubling issue. Brian Dobbins and Dr. Ramasubbareddy Dhanireddy from The MED and Erin Do and Jessica Gibson from the State of Tennessee Comptroller’s Office provided different perspectives on the alarmingly high rate of infant mortality in Memphis and what must be done to lower it. 

Since holding the briefing, I have been working with nurses, nurse-midwives, and many health care professionals to draft legislation aimed at reducing infant mortality and improving prenatal care.  I have also supported legislation in the House that addresses prenatal health and newborn health.  I am a cosponsor of H.R. 2236, the Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2007, and H.R. 3825, the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2008.  The community’s response to the tragically high number of infant deaths in Memphis has been powerful and inspirational, and I look forward to continuing our work together to help the mothers, babies and families in the 9th District.

Early education and secondary education are at the forefront of our minds this Congress.  The House has already reauthorized the Head Start program, a measure that I was proud to support.  No Child Left Behind (NCLB) will be reauthorized this year, as well, and I will collaborate with my colleagues to make improvements to the current law.  I continue to monitor the development of the NCLB bill to ensure that it includes reasonable mandates and allots sufficient resources to meet them.  I strongly support the nation’s educators and I will continue supporting initiatives to recruit, train, and retain quality teachers through No Child Left Behind and other legislation, too.

I was proud to receive an A grade on the National Education Association’s Legislative Report Card for voting in favor of and cosponsoring legislation advancing NEA's legislative priorities.  These votes include the 21st Century Competitiveness Act, to strengthen math and science instruction, and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, to combat workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation.  I also cosponsor numerous bills to encourage teachers’ professional development and improve America’s classrooms, including:

H.R. 582 – Teacher Training Expansion Act, which creates incentives for schools and education groups that provide increased training and support for teachers who work with children with disabilities;

H.R. 2287 – Teacher Tax Credit Act of 2007, which allows an annual $2,000 tax credit for K-12 teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, and aides;

H.R. 2617 – Preparing Excellent Teachers Act of 2007, which supports teacher education and mentoring relationships between new and experienced teachers;

H.R. 1828 – Teaching Fellows Act of 2007, which establishes a national teaching fellowship program to encourage individuals to enter and remain in the field of teaching at public schools;

H.R. 1971 – Teach for America Act, which provides recruiting, selecting, training, and supporting a national teacher corps in underserved communities;

H.R. 2903 – Keep Teachers Teaching of 2007, which promotes teacher retention; and

H.R. 2859 – Prepare All Kids Act of 2007, to assist states in making voluntary high quality full-day pre-kindergarten programs available and economically affordable for the families of all children for at least 1 year preceding kindergarten.

I am also a co-sponsor of the Part-Time Student Assistance Act of 2007, H.R. 2017.  If passed, H.R. 2017 will provide access and assistance to increase college attendance and completion by part-time students.  By making it easier for students to attend school part-time, these students will have more time to devote to their children and work.  This act also revises and expands a program that provides grants to institutions of higher education for child care assistance for low-income students; child care access means parents can devote adequate time to their school-work. 

YouTube Videos

• Congressman Cohen Supports Veto Override of the CHIP bill 10/17/07
• Congressman Cohen Speaks in Support of the MED and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) 09/25/07
• Congressman Cohen Rises in Support of the CHAMP Act 08/01/07
• Congressman Cohen Supports Increased Funding for HBCUs 07/18/07