It has been a busy month in Washington and at home. Here is a look at what I have been working on, what is coming in the weeks ahead, and updates on pertinent issues in the 2nd Congressional District.

What I have been up to…

• Introduced the Protecting Educational Loans for Underserved Students Act (PLUS Act) with members of the Congressional Black Caucus

The PLUS Act would restore reasonable criteria for determining whether a parent seeking funds for their child to go to college has an “adverse credit history,” and includes new provisions for loan counseling to ensure borrowers who receive disbursements have a full understanding of the terms and conditions of the loans and their repayment obligations.

•  Spoke at the Louisiana Legislature on Medicaid Expansion

On April 23, 2014 I discussed the benefits of Medicaid Expansion during a visit to a Health and Welfare committee hearing. I spoke about the large scale job creation that would result from Medicaid expansion in Louisiana and the thousands of residents it would benefit. To watch a video of the hearing click here.

What to look forward to…

• A set of bills on Criminal Justice Reform that would reduce prison time for inmates that make positive life choices and would address the costly practice of solitary confinement.

In an important step to reduce sentencing disparities for drug offenders in the federal prison system, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Justice Department will soon detail new, more expansive criteria that the department will use in considering when to recommend clemency applications for President Obama’s review.

In addition to this positive step, I am preparing legislation that would provide strong incentives for inmates to pursue skills training while incarcerated in return for reduced time. I will also be providing leadership in the area of solitary confinement reforms, by introducing a bill which would have the federal government partner with local law enforcement to address the unconstitutional practices that currently plague the solitary confinement practice. These reforms will save taxpayer money and promote more humane treatment of inmates.

What is impacting the 2nd Congressional District…

•  The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) recently issued a bulletin to its private sector, Write Your Own insurance company partners to provide updated information pertaining to the implementation of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (HFIAA). 

For more information or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact FEMA at 800-611-6122 or click here to visit their website. Please continue to check my website for updates!

• With Hurricane season just around the corner I encourage you to visit Ready.gov to find some easy steps to prepare. Remember to always know your risks, take action to make sure you and your family are prepared for severe weather, and be an example by telling family, friends, and co-workers to do the same.