Dear Friends,
Inaction is no longer an option.
For far too long, gun violence has ravaged communities across our Nation, upending lives and ripping families apart. Here, at home, we’re seeing increased reports of gun violence in our community. We’ve reached a point in this epidemic where people have legitimate concerns about making it home at the end of the day, from police officers to teachers and students to store cashiers and churchgoers.
Just six weeks ago, our community endured one of the deadliest days in law enforcement history when a dangerous person who should never have had a gun took the lives of four officers. I am of the belief that we can prevent these types of tragedies by passing common-sense gun restrictions and ensuring our law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to fight this violent scourge.
During Gun Violence Awareness Month, and every month, I remain committed to depoliticizing the issue of gun violence in America and building bipartisan coalitions to meet urgent needs of our community.
Even one life lost is too many. We must act now. |
Families now have more ways to get their kids the nutrition they need in summer when school meals aren’t available. USDA’s SUN programs offer convenient, flexible options to help kids reach their full potential! |
Free meals and snacks are available to all kids 18 and under at schools, parks, and other eligible locations. No application needed! Find meal sites in your community. |
Some rural communities now offer SUN Meals To-Go, which you can pick up or have delivered to your home. See where it’s available. |
SUN Bucks is a new grocery benefit that offers families $120 per eligible child in the summer. Find out if SUN Bucks is available where you live and learn more. |
The Sallie Mae Fund’s Completing the Dream Scholarship Program helps students from under-resourced, underrepresented, and underserved communities complete their post-secondary education.
Students on-track to complete their degree or continuous education program who are facing financial challenges may apply to receive a one-time scholarship of up to $2,500 to help complete their post-secondary education program.
Scholarship applications for AY 2024-25 are being accepted now through 12/6/24 or until all scholarship dollars have been awarded. |
Passport acceptance facilities are hosting acceptance fairs across the United States. Most events are for first-time customers and children using Form DS-11 to apply. Adults who are eligible to renew a passport by mail using Form DS-82 don't need to apply in person. |
Two weeks ago, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The rebates will help selectees purchase over 59 clean school buses in 14 school districts across North Carolina and 531 nationwide. CMS is one of the school districts that will split $900 million in grant funding to replace old, diesel-powered school buses with electric models. – for a total of $8.6 million for 25 buses through the 2026-2027 academic year.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan joined schoolchildren, district leaders and community members in Jackson, Miss. to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs. |
Emma Serrano is an intern in our DC Office this summer. She is a rising junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill studying political science, public policy, and Spanish for the legal professions. She previously interned at the U.S. Department of State and Law Library of Congress and hopes to pursue a career in the Foreign Service. Emma is passionate about language accessibility and co-leads Linking Immigrants to New Communities (LINC), an organization that provides free English lessons to second language learners across the globe. She also previously served as a teaching assistant for the Foreign Policy Association, where she led a recitation section on international affairs. In her free time, Emma enjoys reading, teaching swim lessons in her neighborhood, and spending time with her family. |
Kaylee Johnson is an intern in our District Office this summer. Born in Staten Island, NY, she has been a Charlottean since the age of four. After graduating from the CMS system, she graduated from Central piedmont Community College in May 2024. In the fall, she will attend Spelman College as a political science and sociology major with a minor in psychology and refugee and forced migration studies. She aspires to become a published author, philanthropist, human rights activist, and work to end pressing issues such as child marriage and period poverty in the United States. After college, she hopes to complete a Master's Degree and use her knowledge to dismantle the “walls” that children from low socioeconomic backgrounds face, and erect “bridges” in their place.
|
As the school year comes to a close, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of the graduates in the 12th District and around North Carolina, including my granddaughter Joclyn!
Whether this is the first of many graduations or your last, take pride in your accomplishment, and always remember that your education is the most powerful tool you can use to change the world.
I wish you the best in all of your future endeavors!
That's where I'll lay my hat this week.
God Bless, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D.
|
|
|
|
