Foster Youth Briefing
As Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, it was such a joy to speak with so many foster youth advocates in Washington D.C. I was able to hear from an expert panel on legislative priorities to better serve America’s foster youth, and share Caucus priorities during the 118th Congress.
Supporting LGBTQ Veterans
I voiced my opposition to House Republicans’ hateful provisions in their appropriations bill and stood up for our selfless LGBTQ veterans on the House floor. Watch here.
Expanding Access to Healthy Food
With more Americans being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at younger ages, it is vital that we work to expand access to nutritious foods in all communities. I joined the Joint Economic Committee hearing, where our witness Ms. Brown-Friday testified to the importance of encouraging healthy eating habits at an early age. WIC is an important tool in these efforts, and it's why I champion robust funding, and stand against any proposed cuts. Watch here.
Legislative Updates
I am working to ensure our child welfare system meets the needs of all of our children and families. That’s why I introduced my legislation, Family Poverty is Not Neglect Act, to ensure that children are not separated from their parents in the child welfare system solely because of poverty. My legislation would help families access the resources they need and work to keep loving families together.
I joined several of my Ways and Means Committee colleagues in supporting a package of bills aimed at improving the Health Professions Opportunity Grant (HPOG) to increase career pathways for TANF recipients. My legislation would expand education and training through HPOG to include doulas and midwives, helping TANF recipients enter family-supporting careers while addressing America’s maternal health crisis.
I joined a breakfast event with child welfare advocates and experts to discuss the Hidden Foster Care System, where child welfare officials make informal arrangements to care for children, often in family care, but without court review, due process, or support from the state. As Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I am working to better understand this trend and appreciated the chance to hear from leading experts.
Social Security’s Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) help millions grapple with inflation and meet their needs. I introduced legislation with my dear colleague, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, that would exempt COLA and veteran’s benefits from SNAP benefit eligibility and benefit determinations. Our COLAs Don’t Count Act would help protect robust SNAP benefits for seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
ICYMI: Media Updates
I was so proud to support the Inflation Reduction Act, which took historic action, finally allowing Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs and cap the out-of-pocket price of insulin at $35 for Medicare beneficiaries. During a press conference with Protect Our Care, we heard compelling, powerful stories from my constituents that only magnified the need to lower the cost of life-saving prescription medicine. Read more here.
After Governor Evers made the historic, bold decision to fund our public schools for the next 400 years using his special veto powers, I shared my thoughts with Ali Velshi on MSNBC. Watch here.
I joined CSPAN’s Washington Journal to discuss the Ways and Means Committee hearing held on our welfare program, also called Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. Watch here.
I joined Mayor Johnson and officials from National Wildlife Federation, Milwaukee Water Commons, and Harbor District in celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act and the recently announced breakwater project grant. I am excited about the opportunities this historic legislation can bring to communities in Milwaukee to support climate resiliency, clean energy, and good-paying jobs.
