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Women & The Environment
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Congressman Becerra, myself, and Leader Pelosi demanding answers and action regarding the Flint Water Crisis.
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The month of April featured the opportunity to address two important issues that I have been passionate about throughout my time in Congress: income inequality and protecting our environment.
On April 12th, I was proud to offer a statement highlighting the significance of Equal Pay Day and the overwhelmingly unfair disparity between a man’s earnings and a woman’s earnings found in today’s workplace. For so many families here in the 4th District that rely on the income of a sister, mother, or grandmother, Equal Pay Day reflects the reality that millions of women do not receive equal pay for equal work. The need for equal pay affects every working woman – whether in the boardroom or as a tipped worker. While Equal Pay Day is undoubtedly a good way to raise awareness on this issue, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.
The same can be said when it comes to our environment and combatting climate change or protecting access to clean water. On April 22nd, I took a moment to recognize Earth Day because as a nation, we face significant environmental changes that affect the public health of our citizens. This is not only true in Maryland, but in many parts of the nation such as Flint, Michigan as well. In order to ensure clean water, clean air, and safe living environments for people, we must harness 21st Century solutions and ensure government accountability.
When it comes to fighting for equal pay in the workplace or promoting the future viability of our environment, as the Representative for Maryland’s 4th Congressional District, I will continue to serve and do what is best for the residents of our local communities.
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Supporting Hear the Maryland Crunch Program with Maryland Hunger Solutions.
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Fighting To Keep Meal Programs in Our Schools
It is no secret that when children are hungry, they are not able to maximize their potential in the classroom. I have made it a priority to ensure that children living in the 4th District have access to free meal programs that prove to be so instrumental in their educational success.
That is why I spoke out against a draft child nutrition reauthorization bill that would result in thousands of children in Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties enduring the school day hungry. By reducing the reach of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a provision that makes it easier for schools in low-income areas to get the resources they need to feed their students, this bill diminishes the chances for these students to succeed academically.
Furthermore, it jeopardizes the health and well-being of these young students overall, since for many students, the meals offered through the free meals program may present their only opportunities to eat throughout day. Limiting the resources that so many young people rely on to succeed is wrong.
Addressing Poverty in the 21st Century
Being poor is hard work. As a young mother, I struggled to raise my son on my own and let my loved ones know that I was struggling to make ends meet. In April, I spoke at the Steering & Policy Committee on “The Failure of Trickle Down Economics in the War on Poverty” with my colleagues to make the case for the positive impact of safety net programs on reducing poverty.
50 years after President Johnson’s War on Poverty, too many Americans continue to live in poverty. The silence and shame associated to poverty keeps people on the outskirts of hope because the war on poverty is now a war on the poor. It is clear that we need 21st century solutions to end poverty today.
Working To Keep the Internet Free
When H.R. 2666, the No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, came to the floor of the United States House of Representatives for a vote, it was clear the legislation did not have the best interest of the American People in mind.
I voted against H.R. 2666 because this legislation further complicates the job of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Overall, H.R. 2666 restricts the authority of the FCC and gives way to larger companies unethically monopolizing the market. I have always believed in free Internet and will continue to oppose laws that would restrict the free flow of information.
Statement on House Hearing Regarding WMATA Metro System
As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and because so many of the residents of Maryland’s 4th Congressional District are impacted by the happenings of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) Metro System, I released a statement after a joint hearing was held by two House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittees.
The joint hearing, “Examining the Safety and Service of D.C Metro,” was intended to review the state of the D.C. Metro System and determine the expectations under the leadership of Metro General Manager Wiedefeld.
Over my time in Congress, I have worked with several other lawmakers to find solutions to Metro’s problems and to find ways to guarantee the safety of all Metro riders. As I said in my statement, I am committed to moving forward, in partnership with General Manager Wiedefeld, to enact lasting solutions and restore riders’ confidence in our Capitol’s Metro system.
Hosted Annual STEM Forum
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Keynote Speaker Mr. Dean Garfield, Chief Executive Officer of the Information Technology Industry Council, with students from Prince George’s County & Howard County High Schools and featured panelists.
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Every year I’ve hosted a STEM Forum, which brings students together with experts and professionals from the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts. This year marked my 6th Annual STEM Forum on Capitol Hill and we welcomed a variety of distinguished panelists and speakers as a way to engage with students in explaining both the opportunities that exist in the STEM/STEAM fields and the ways students can take advantage of them. Forum participants included professionals from the public and private sector, students, and educators.
The forum’s Keynote Speaker, Mr. Dean Garfield, Chief Executive Officer of the Information Technology Industry Council, stressed the importance of future technological involvement, saying, “In the 21st Century, it is not enough to be a user, but [you must be] a driver of where technology goes.”
Additional programming included panels on pre-college challenges to finding and forming STEAM talent, integrating art into STEM/STEAM through performance, building the next generation of the STEM workforce, and integrating art into STEM/STEAM through drawing with a team from the Art Way Alliance.
In late April, the White House announced a new package of programs to advance active science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for young children in and partnered with the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Invest in US, and various public and private sector leaders. The White House’s STEM learning announcement follows the efforts of the President’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative and the Council on Women and Girls to ensure that all children including underrepresented students in STEM can reach their full potential.
Programs such as advance active STEM education are a step in the right direction. Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve promoted STEM programming for students and all residents of the 4th Congressional District. It’s clear that we are missing talented young minds as innovators in our 21st Century economy. In order to bridge the innovation gap, we need the inclusion of young people of color and girls as technological innovators. It all begins in the classroom with science, math, music, and art.
My office is here to assist you with a variety of constituent services. In 2016, my office has recovered and saved a total of $1,177,743.41 for constituents in Maryland’s 4th District. The amount of money saved and recovered has helped constituents save their mortgages, claim their veterans benefits, and so much more. I am proud to share these numbers with you and the continued success stories we’ve brought to constituents and their families of Maryland’s 4th District.
| As of May 6, 2016: |
| Total Constituent Requests
for Assistance: |
199 |
| Total Cases Closed: |
255 |
| TOTAL YTD Recovered and/or Saved: |
$1,177,743.41 |
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2016 Calendars Available
Call (301) 516-7601 to request yours.
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What:
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Art Competition Reception
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When:
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May 14, 2016
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Where:
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Harmony Hall Regional Center
10701 Livingston Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744
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What:
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Nonprofit Forum
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When:
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June 28, 2016
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
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Where:
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Charles Herbert Flowers High School
10001 Ardwick Ardmore Road
Springdale, MD 20774
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What:
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College and Career Fair & Forum
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When:
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October 15, 2016
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
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Where:
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Oxon Hill High School
6701 Leyte Drive
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
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Click here to sign up!
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Taxes
Landscaping
- F16AS00108, Youth Engagement, Education, and Employment Programs, Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
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- FR-6000-N-05, Resident Opportunity & Self-Sufficiency Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development
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- RFA-ES-16-003, BD2K Mentored Career Development Award in Biomedical Big Data Science for Intramural Investigators (K22)
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- W81XWH-16-BCRP-INNOV, DoD Breast Cancer Innovator Award, Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army – USAMRAA
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Washington, D.C. Office
2445 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-8699 main
202-225-8714 fax
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Prince George's County Office
5001 Silver Hill Road, Suite 106
Suitland, Maryland 20746
301-516-7601 main
301-516-7608 fax
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