A Message from Gabe:

Greetings Rhode Islanders,

Everyone deserves to gather, worship, and learn without fear for their safety. But unfortunately, this isn’t the case for many Americans. This week, I had the honor of joining the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island to highlight the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, an important federal initiative that helps nonprofit organizations invest in security measures and training to protect individuals against possible threats.

Congressman Amo speaking at the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Briefing.

There has been a sharp increase in the number of threats and reported violence against faith-based organizations and nonprofits, even in our community. Earlier this year, a suspect was arrested for trying to start a fire at Shiloh Gospel Temple, a predominantly Black church in North Providence. And nationwide, we have seen the number of antisemitic incidents have been on the rise for several years, with a 200% increase since 2022.

This year, the program funded 17 grants in Rhode Island — totaling more than $2.2 million for nonprofit and religious institutions in our state. However, only 43% of grant applicants across the country received funding. Simply put, the program doesn’t have enough funding to meet the ever-increasing demand. Hate-based violence and extremism have no place in America. And that’s why I am proud to take a leading role in the bipartisan effort to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

Congressman Amo conducting a question & answer session during Nonprofit Security Grant Program Briefing.

Thanks to the national security supplemental I support earlier this year, there will be a second round of Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding. If you work with a nonprofit and are concerned about security, I strongly encourage you to apply. The application opened on Wednesday, December 4, and closes on January 15, 2025. If your organization has any questions or need assistance with the application process, please call my District Office at (401) 729-5600.

I am working to make our communities safe and ensure Rhode Island is a welcoming, inclusive, and secure home for all.

Sincerely,

Gabe Amo

Member of Congress

*DISTRICT DISPATCH UPDATES* As we close out this year, I want to make sure you continue to receive our regular updates by clicking the button below!

Attention Medicare Beneficiaries! ⚠️The Medicare Enrollment period is OPEN until December 7!⚠️ Act now to review your current plan and Medicare coverage options. I hope you will look at the new benefits that Democrats helped deliver. This includes: $2k out of pocket spending cap Rx drug price negotiation $35 insulin cap per month Take advantage of this opportunity to compare  plans and find coverage that fits your health care needs for 2025! For more information, click HERE.

This past Small Business Saturday, I highlighted support for small businesses across Rhode Island’s First Congressional District. In Fiscal Year 2023, the federal government set a record, awarding more than $178 billion or 28.4% of all federal contract dollars to small businesses. Of that record-breaking number, $76.2 billion went to small disadvantaged businesses — a big win for promoting equity in entrepreneurship. These investments will help level the playing field, creating opportunities, and helping small businesses drive growth for their communities. For more information, click here.
	The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) has been a game-changer in supporting fire departments and emergency responders secure the equipment, protective gear, vehicles, and training they need to keep us safe. The AFG Program application period closes on: Dec. 20, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET. If you are a Fire Department, Nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Service (EMS), or State Fire Training Academy you may be eligible to apply! For an Application Checklist, click here. If you are interested in applying for an AFG award, click here.
This week, Governor Dan McKee issued a statewide drought advisory — citing low rainfall, dropping groundwater levels, and dry stream conditions, especially in northern Rhode Island. As a result of low amounts of rain, Rhode Island's Drought Steering Committee recommends voluntary water conservation. Residents are encouraged to: Fix any potential sources of leaks. Apply water saving settings for appliances. Follow local water restrictions. For more details on the Governor’s declaration, click here. For tips on how to save water, check out resources from the Environmental Protection Agency here.

	I met with the Ukraine Parliament’s Secretary of the Security Defense Committee Colonel Roman Kostenko to hear updates on their effort to defeat Putin’s aggression. As a member of House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am committed to supporting our Ukrainian allies in their fight for democracy.
	From the Wheeler School to Washington, D.C., I am always grateful to welcome Rhode Islanders to our office! I especially enjoyed learning how these students are committed to civic engagement and how they are already making a difference in our community.
	I was honored to administer the oath of office for my new municipal colleagues in Middletown and Barrington. I look forward to working with all of our local public officials to support our communities!
	At Rhode Island Kids Count’s annual Celebration of Children’s Health & Well-Being, I discussed one of my priorities in Congress — youth mental health. Congress must do more to combat stigma, reduce barriers to treatment, and increase the availability of providers.
	To celebrate Small Business Saturday, I spent time with state and local officials discussing my efforts in Congress to support small businesses, expand access to credit, and invest in our vibrant local business community!
	Expanding housing is a top priority for me in Congress. Last week, I checked out a new neighborhood redevelopment project in Central Falls to see firsthand how the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit is helping build more homes for Rhode Island families!

Constituent Casework Success Stories If you need assistance with a pending Internal Revenue Service case or other federal agencies, our district office is here to help! Call: 401-729-5600 Email: [email protected]

New $1 Million Dollar Federal Grant Helps Blackstone River Restoration Take Shape

Our state just got a big boost with a $1 million federal grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s America the Beautiful Grant Program.

Our delegation secured these federal funds to help the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management study the Blackstone River and identify solutions to restore its natural infrastructure. These resources will allow us to better understand and protect this icon of our state’s industrial history and strengthen our local ecosystem. This is an exciting effort to restore the Blackstone River and keep it vibrant and resilient for years to come.

For more details, click here.

If you need help with personal casework: Contact the District Office in Pawtucket: 1070 Main Street, Suite 300 Pawtucket, RI 02860 Phone: (401) 729-5600 Fax: (401) 729-5608

If you need help with legislative issues: Contact the Washington, D.C. Office: 1119 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4911 Fax: (202) 225-3290