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Dear Friend,
It's Joe Courtney. Here with an update on Veterans Day, filling jobs in the health care sector, and lots more. As always, thanks for starting your weekend here with me.
The American People Make Their Voices Heard
Thank you to the people of Connecticut’s Second District for once again choosing me to be your representative in Congress. It’s the greatest honor of my life to serve you in the House of Representatives. I never have, and never will, take it for granted. The people of the Second District showed their engagement and commitment to the democratic process by casting over 376,000 votes – the most of any Congressional District in our state.
The American people cast their votes nationwide in this election, and after the dedicated work of patriotic election officials in Connecticut and across the country, the results confirm that Donald Trump prevailed and will serve as the next President of the United States. Now we as a nation must respect the voters and facilitate a peaceful transfer of power, which is foundational to healthy democracy.
Regardless of who holds the Oval Office, I will always use my vote in Congress to uphold our constitution and represent the people of the Second District to the best of my ability. There is a lot of work to do in Washington right away – maintaining a strong job market, lowering the cost of living, particularly housing, health care, and childcare – all issues that I am determined to get results on.
Most importantly, I’ve heard the clear desire from all corners of our region to restore civility, not only in the halls of Congress, but in our nation’s public arena and discourse, which is essential to unify our great nation. I promise I will continue working every day to advance the common good while fighting for our priorities in Congress.
Observing Veterans Day
This Monday, November 11th, our nation observes Veterans Day – a day to honor those who wore our nation’s uniform and recognize the sacrifices they have made to keep us safe.
I have the honor of representing over 46,000 veterans in Congress, the largest population of any Congressional District in Connecticut. My office and I are committed to providing our veterans and their families with the services they deserve: helping them access earned benefits, retrieving lost service medals, and addressing the devastating challenges the veteran community faces.
Today, to mark the holiday, I joined Quinebaug Valley Community College’s Veterans Day ceremony.
Filling Jobs in the Health Care Sector
Nationwide and here in eastern Connecticut, the health industry needs trained professionals to fill jobs and provide communities with adequate access to care. Today, I joined the Eastern CT Healthcare Partnership at the Northeast CT Healthcare Career Expo – hosted by Quinebaug Valley Community College. Over 100 students from high schools across northeastern Connecticut were there to learn about career opportunities in the health care field, tour Quinebaug Valley’s health care training labs, and attend hands-on employer-led workshops.
The Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board’s (EWIB) Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (MPI) is nationally renowned for its job training. The Eastern Connecticut Healthcare Partnership is a collaborative effort by EWIB, health care employers, social service agencies, and schools like QVCC. Both the MPI and the Healthcare Partnership receive federal funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. So far, 49 students have been placed in health care jobs for their programs.
Opening Uncas Leap Heritage Park
After a 14 year effort and the use of $2.8 million in federal funding, last week, we celebrated the opening of the new Uncas Leap Heritage Park in Norwich. Uncas Leap Heritage Park has a special significance for Norwich and is a sacred part of the Mohegan Tribe’s history. The beautiful public space is an excellent addition for the Norwich community, and we were joined by a great crowd to mark its opening.
Preventing Youth Substance Use
The Vernon ROCKS coalition is leading local efforts to prevent youth substance use. They are set to receive a 5-year grant from the federal Drug Free Communities program, and last week, I caught up with Vernon Youth Services Director Michelle Hill and Youth Services Project Director Cassie Schene on how the funding will support their work.
Local, on-the-ground, community organizations have been critical in fighting back against the substance use and addiction crisis. Thanks to their prevention efforts, we have seen a major reduction in devastating overdose deaths in our region. The work is far from finished. It’s a top priority of mine in Congress to bring home resources to support their work and to stop deadly drugs from entering our communities.
Catching Up on the Cross Sound Ferry
Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act three years ago this month. Its five-year spend for projects across the country is still being rolled out, and I'm working to bring home funding to our towns.
Last week, I visited the Thames Shipyard to catch up on New London's Cross Sound Ferry with its Vice President Rich MacMurray and discuss infrastructure priorities aimed at improving passenger service.
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| Rep. Courtney with Rich MacMurray, John Wronowski, and Adam Wronowski. |
Through 50 years in operation, the Cross Sound Ferry has grown in popularity and expanded its service. I'm supporting their efforts to secure Infrastructure Law funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program to improve operations. With a booming economy up and down the Thames River, new infrastructure improvements will allow the Cross Sound Ferry to meet our region's service needs.
Thank you for taking some time to read my update. If we can be of any assistance, don't hesitate to give my Norwich office a call at (860) 886-0139. Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
Member of Congress
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