June 14, 2021

Dear Friend,

Last week, I had the opportunity to show U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh around North Texas. We had the chance to check in with our local leaders, community organizations and frontline health workers and to discuss the American Families Plan, American Jobs plan, and the benefits of establishing a national paid leave policy.

I hosted Secretary Walsh for events with the Dallas Regional Chamber, the Garland VA Medical Center, Semones Family YMCA and the Dallas Public Library. We also visited a Baylor, Scott & White vaccine site to see the incredible progress our local frontline workers have made in vaccinating our community and making safe reopening a reality. I was proud to join Secretary Walsh in urging every North Texan to get their vaccine as soon as possible.

Highlights of U.S. Secretary of Labor Walsh’s visit to North Texas

Everyone should have the ability to provide for and care for their families. That’s why I was glad we heard from Dallas employers that are leading the way in providing paid family leave policies at a roundtable discussion with Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and the Dallas Regional Chamber. I took a leave to be with my sons after they were born, and I am working to make this a reality for every family.

I was also proud to visit the Garland VA with Secretary Walsh and introduce him to the hardworking frontline health workers who have been treating veterans with COVID-19 and are doing an excellent job delivering vaccines. I worked hard to secure the Garland VA Medical Center to support our growing veteran population and I’m grateful to caregivers who provide vital support to our community.

It was great to be back at a place so pivotal to my childhood, the Semones Family YMCA, where Secretary Walsh and I discussed the importance of affordable child care. I know firsthand that places like The Y are so important to parents and kids across America.

The Dallas Public library is supporting the community by providing hotspots and laptops to families in need, thanks to vital funding from the CARES Act. The pandemic made it clear that high-speed internet access is a critical part of our infrastructure and I’m grateful to the hardworking library staff members who play an integral role in our community.

I thank Secretary Walsh for taking the time to visit with us in North Texas. In Congress, I will continue to focus on helping to pass the American Families Plan and the American Jobs plan to grow the middle class, support families with children, and invest in critical infrastructure to create an economy that is stronger than ever. 

Sincerely,

Colin Allred
Member of Congress