Weekly Recap: We are in this together
This was an especially busy week of fighting for the families, workers, and small businesses of our district. Here’s what you may have missed:
Since we’ve all been overwhelmed with what can feel like never-ending bad news recently, I’m excited to share with you a bright spot from this week: I am proud to have led the effort to successfully secure a $630M contract for the Philly Shipyard that will bring nearly 1,200 jobs back to the region.
Philadelphia has been home to our nation’s shipbuilding for more than two centuries, and there is not a better and more capable workforce anywhere else in the country. This contract is a testament to the experience and expertise that the men and women who work at the Philadelphia Shipyard demonstrate on a daily basis, and an investment in Philadelphia’s workforce.
This has been a year long effort and I am so grateful to everyone who worked with us to make this possible!
Read more here: https://link.medium.com/JndZrITCz5
Led a letter to United States Postal Service Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan inquiring about access and distribution of safety supplies to postal workers and letter carriers during COVID-19.
Throughout the duration of our nation’s response to this pandemic, USPS employees have remained steadfast in their commitment to their work.
Knowing that the mail will be delivered reliably day in and day out is vital to the health and wellbeing of millions of Americans, and it is critical that we protect those affording us these services with the equipment required to work safely. We must ensure that postal workers have the PPE necessary to safely perform their jobs and protect the public
Read our letter here: https://twitter.com/repmgs/status/1247264005804249088?s=21
Joined Pennsylvania delegation in calling on Congressional leaders to include investments in SNAP in the next COVID-19 relief legislation.
I was proud to join my colleagues in calling on Congressional leaders to increase minimum SNAP benefits, put a stop to rules that weaken SNAP eligibility, and ensure the delivery of food to our neighbors who cannot safely leave their homes.
SNAP plays an essential role in the battle against hunger for nearly 2 million individuals in Pennsylvania, including seniors, children and individuals with disabilities. SNAP is one of the most vital social safety nets for Pennsylvanians and Americans across the country, and it must continue to play a critical role in reducing hunger and poverty throughout the COVID-19 health crisis.
Read our letter here: https://www.casey.senate.gov/download/?id=F0593AF1-EB60-4B78-BD9C-B18E4EA140D9&download=1
Joined Pennsylvania delegation on a bipartisan letter urging Alex Azar, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Rear Admiral Erica G. Schwartz, Deputy Surgeon General to support Montgomery County’s only community testing site.
I want to thank my colleague and friend, Rep. Madeleine Dean, for her leadership on this critical issue. Testing is our way forward, and I am grateful that HHS has reversed its decision which would have closed our community testing site in Montgomery County, a site that also serves it’s Delaware County neighbors.
Read our letter here: https://dean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-madeleine-dean-wrote-letter-alex-azar-secretary-health-and-human
Hosted a live tele-town hall for seniors to discuss resources available during COVID-19
Social distancing brings a particular set of challenges to our seniors, so I wanted to host a town hall focused on giving an update on resources available to seniors at federal, state, and local levels, and to answer questions.
I was grateful to be joined by several experts on the phone to assist me in answering your questions:
- Leah Finlayson, Esq., Director of Victim Services, Senior Law Center
- Janet Baldo, Elder Victim Legal Advocate in Delco, Senior Law Center
- Dr. Barry Jacobs, AARP Contributing Psychologist
Dr. Jacobs, Leah, Janet and I answered your questions ranging from testing, unemployment compensation, voting, to PPE and hazard pay.
Watch the town hall here: https://www.facebook.com/RepMGS/videos/682656252537678/
Hosted our first virtual Congressional Youth Cabinet
I am so grateful to our students for their energy and passion — I love connecting with my young constituents!
