The weather is finally starting to cool down and Autumn is right around the corner. The August district work period has also ended which means I’ll be back in D.C. next week. I’ve enjoyed being home, meeting so many people, hearing your ideas, and eating all my favorite comfort foods. Here’s a recap of our last few weeks in NM-01: Addressing the Gap in Available Skilled Tradespeople | Trades jobs are an integral part of our country—society literally would not function without them. That’s why it was so important for me to host a roundtable with our unions, tradespeople, and trade schools to discuss the need for more tradespeople in the workforce and what we can do to make that happen! We also discussed not just the trade school to career pipeline, but how we can keep our workers in New Mexico to work on projects in the state. I’m determined to make New Mexico the best place for labor—a place where workers get good pay, benefits, and union protections. Inspiring the Next Generation of Climate Leaders | I am so honored every time I get to talk to students and young people in the community, and this time is no execution. Last week, I went to Manzano High School and spoke to students about conservation and the importance of a more just and resilient climate future. It is everyone’s job to give the next generation the tools they need to make decisions about their future, and the students that I met are doing a fantastic job with those tools. The future is bright! Protecting and Caring for Our Elders | Whether it’s protecting Social Security and Medicare or fighting for affordable housing, I am dedicated to supporting our seniors. I held a town hall in Rio Rancho so I could listen to seniors in NM-01 about issues affecting them directly. I bring everything the community says back to D.C. and put your ideas into action. Tackling the Behavioral Health Crisis | Our communities are struggling and need help. Lack of affordable housing and access to mental health resources and the fentanyl epidemic are contributing factors in the behavioral health crisis. That’s why I’ve brought together leaders across the district to address what is happening in our communities. I’m grateful for the leaders in Sandoval County, our Pueblo and County officials, behavioral health officials, and first responders on the frontlines helping those struggling with addiction and the opioid crisis. We must address this crisis head-on. Working Towards a Just Climate Future | Environmental justice means a sustainable future for EVERYONE. We must move toward a climate-resilient future for the sake of our children and our children’s children, but we must do it in a way that won’t harm our most marginalized communities. So, when my good friend Day Hochman-Vigil, invited me to a climate infrastructure roundtable at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe, I had to go and hear from New Mexicans about what they need. It’s all hands-on deck to build the future we want to see and I’m proud to be on the team fighting for a clean future. If I can assist you or your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to our District Office at (505) 346–6781! If you’d like to keep up to date on what I am working on in Washington, D.C., you can subscribe to our newsletter here and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok. | Rep. Melanie Stansbury Member of Congress | Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others! | Washington, D.C. Office 1421 Longworth House Office Building (202) 225-6316 | Albuquerque Office 6301 Indian School Rd NE Suite 420 Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505) 346-6781 | |