Register for My Next Tele-Town Hall

One of the most efficient ways for me to directly engage my constituents is through tele-town halls.  Since last year, I have hosted several of these forums, each time reaching thousands of community residents interested in discussing the challenges facing America today.

For each tele-town hall, I begin by updating listeners on recent developments in Congress and then take questions for the duration of time.  Listeners routinely offer their perspective and raise different questions about issues such as the economy, jobs, health care reform, illegal immigration and national security, among other topics. 

The viewpoints and suggestions offered during these interactions are always valued and remain an important part of what helps shape my position on some of the major policy issues before Congress.  I look forward to maintaining this constructive dialogue and have every intention to host more of these forums in the future.

My next tele-town hall, which I hope you can join, is scheduled for March 9th at 6:20 PM PT.  If you would like to participate, I encourage you to contact my El Cajon office at 619-448-5201 before the end of the day on Monday, March 8th, and provide your name, address and telephone number.  Registering for this forum means you will also be included in future town hall events.  Each call lasts approximately one hour but listeners are welcome to spend as much – or little – time on the phone as desired.    

Of course, for those who are late in registering for the March 9th town hall, you can always be added to the call-list for future events by contacting my office and providing the necessary information.       

Job Fair Draws Large Crowd

On February 19th, I hosted my second community job fair.  Over two thousand job seekers showed up to meet with representatives from 44 area businesses, most of which collected resumes and offered professional advice.  Some even conducted informal interviews.  Altogether, the event was a tremendous success. 

The job fair turnout is a clear reminder of the current decline in our economy and job market.  Our focus must stay on achieving sustainable economic recovery and growth through policies that encourage businesses to start hiring again.  Beyond this, I intend to do all I can to help unemployed members of our community get back to work – including hosting more job fairs. 

Restoring lost jobs and rebuilding our local workforce is one of my highest priorities.  As economic recovery efforts continue, much of my attention remains on creating real jobs and new opportunities for American workers.  My recent commentary titled Crushing the Status Quo with Policies that Work reiterates the importance of job creation in today’s economy, including  the restoration of our nation’s manufacturing base. 

Congress Braces to Reform Education Law

This year, Congress is expected to consider legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), previously amended under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002.  Most of these provisions have since expired and Congress must now examine the full complexity of existing education policy.  

The House Education and Labor Committee will begin this process on March 3rd when Secretary of Education Arne Duncan appears before the Committee to provide an assessment of education programs previously created under NCLB and offer ideas for reform.  As a member of the Committee on Education and Labor, I am eager to receive Secretary Duncan’s testimony and learn more about his perspective.

It is far too early to predict where this process might lead but there are several principles that I believe are important to education reform.  These principles include:

• Restoring Local Control.  Academic standards, testing systems and curriculum should be set by states and local educators to ensure those who know their children best are able to shape their education to excel in the classroom and later in the workplace;
• Empowering Parents.  Parents should have a greater role in selecting and participating in the learning environment that best serves their children’s needs;
• Letting Teachers Teach.  Burdensome federal requirements should be removed to ensure our teachers and local schools have the freedom to operate and innovate as they think best;
• Protecting Taxpayers.  Taxpayer dollars should be spent wisely, eliminating ineffective programs and making investments that help students achieve success.

The guidance and instruction children receive at home or in the classroom is fundamental to their growth.  Our efforts, whether as parents, teachers or policy makers, should focus on achieving the best results and preparing today’s children for the future.