| | | | If you are having trouble viewing this E-newsletter, click here. Recent News
Celebrating the Harriet Tubman National Monument
It was an honor to attend a signing ceremony at the White House where President Obama established the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument in Maryland. The monument comprises more than 11,000 acres in Dorchester County, Maryland, on the Eastern Shore. In conjunction with other properties along the East Coast, the monument will serve to protect segments of the Underground Railroad.
As one of Maryland's own, Harriet Tubman came to embody the strength, courage, and determination of the abolitionist movement as she risked her own life to save the lives of hundreds of slaves. As we recognize the 100th anniversary of her death, the creation of this national, historical park will serve as a poignant reminder of her incredible life and share her inspiring story for generations to come.
 | President Barack Obama designates several national monuments, including the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument in Maryland, during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office, March 25, 2013. |
Grant Spotlight | U.S. Department of Labor Grant Announcement
Training to Work – Adult Reentry grants: Any nonprofit organization with 501 (3)(c) status may apply for these grants to serve offenders returning to areas with high poverty and crime rates. This program will provide training and employment for inmates ages 18 and older participating in state or local work-release programs. These participants have approved release dates typically ranging from 6 to 9 months and are still under state or local correctional supervision. Grantees must provide training that leads to an industry-recognized credential and focus the training on in-demand industries and occupations in which ex-offenders are eligible to work. Original Closing Date for Applications: | May 02, 2013
The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is May 2, 2013. Applications must be received no later than 4:00:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Click here for additional information. |
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Working to Bring the FBI Headquarters to Prince George's County
On March 13th, I testified in support of bringing the FBI Headquarters to Prince George's County before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
In my testimony, I noted that, "Prince George's County is home to 15 Metro stops – the most in our region. The county provides easy access to the White House and downtown Washington, DC, the Capital Beltway, the Department of Homeland Security's new campus at Saint Elizabeth's, and our region's airports, while having the lowest price of real estate near Metro's facilities throughout our region."
"In addition, over 67,000 federal employees reside in Prince George's County and the County has shown a strong commitment to attracting economic development and providing an affordable high-quality of life for its residents. Prince George's County is right for the FBI, and will do right by the FBI."
You can watch my full testimony here.
Fighting to Increase Minimum Wage
The Fair Minimum Wage Act, which follows Pres. Obama's call to raise the federal minimum wage in his State of the Union address, would increase the federal minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $10.10. This increase would raise in three steps of 95 cents, setting an adequate base before implementing automatic adjustments to keep pace with the rising cost of living. The legislation also includes a raise in the tipped minimum wage for the first time in 20 years, a bill which I reintroduced in the 113th Congress via H.R. 650, the WAGES Act.
Congressional action is long overdue to tie an increase in the minimum wage to inflation that will help ensure working families do not continue to live in poverty. Since the last raise in the federal minimum wage five years ago, a dozen states around the country raised their minimum wage because when families can afford basic necessities it helps grow the economy. These efforts must be met with action at the federal level.
According to a 2009 report by the National Employment Law Project, the tipped minimum wage of $2.13 has lost 36% of its value in real terms since it was established in 1991. As a result, waitresses and waiters suffer three times the poverty rate compared to the overall workforce. Since 1991, tipped workers have seen their wages frozen at $2.13 and are a reason why living standards continue to fall for this segment of our workforce. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and workers all across the country to get this done.
My Statement on House Passage of Continuing Resolution to Avoid Government Shutdown
On March 27, the House approved the Senate-passed Continuing Resolution (CR) that avoids a government shutdown. The legislation passed 318-109.
It is disappointing that we are once again left with the choice of funding our government in short-term intervals or not at all. We still must all work together to get rid of the irresponsible cuts through sequestration that will devastate federal workers, programs, agencies, and civilian contractors. The impact of a government shutdown on an economy still in recovery had to be avoided, but we still have work to do.
As we move forward, it is my hope that common sense will prevail and we can work together to reduce our deficit responsibly, while getting people back to work and investing in America's future.
Attending Women's History Month Event at US Census Bureau
March was National Women's History Month, and as a part of events occurring across the area, I provided remarks to a group of women at the U.S. Census Bureau. The theme of the event this year was "Women Inspiring Innovation." At the event, I spoke about my career path, including my work as a public interest advocate and as Executive Director of the National Network to End Domestic Violence. I also encouraged women not to shy away from suggesting innovative ideas in the workplace.
The event was a great opportunity to highlight the increasing role of women in government and the voice and leadership they bring to the table. The 113th Congress is the most diverse in history, with a combined 98 women Representatives and Senators.
The U.S. Census Bureau is located in Suitland, MD, and employs many residents of the 4th District. | Hosting STEM Forum and Discussing STEM Education with Students
I hosted a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) forum with local and federal government officials, business stakeholders, and students from across the region. In a series of three panels, participants spoke on ways to build a STEM workforce and create partnerships between colleges and business. The event addressed the importance of teaching STEM in schools and the need to create training programs that will ensure our workforce is ready to compete for jobs in the 21st Century global economy. Students in the audience also participated in the conversation sharing stories of how STEM initiatives have sparked their interest in related careers.
As a member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, I will continue to be a leading advocate for STEM initiatives in Congress. | Hosting a Photo Exhibit Highlighting Changing Landscape of Women and Girls in Afghanistan
In conjunction with ART WORKS Projects and co-presented by UN Women, I hosted a multimedia art installation highlighting the changing landscape experienced by women and girls in Afghanistan. I was joined by Sultana Hakimi, the wife of Afghan Ambassador Eklil Hakimi, who is an avid proponent of Afghan female empowerment.
The exhibition features photography from ten international photojournalists and depicts the status of women and girls in areas of peace and security, education, economic development, and access to healthcare. A timeline of women's rights accompanies a collection of essays and writings by journalist Elizabeth Rubin and curator Leslie Thomas.
For more information on this project, please visit http://email.capitolenews.com/q/VOoiIFZE7AUIRVUesCbOvOthFgEbrnDF1_tUydNzo8iwtVtGmNnDF55Pe. | 
| Coffee Conversation in Prince George's County | | Saturday, April 6, 2013
9:30 am – 10:30 am | | Montpelier Cultural Arts Center
9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD
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| | Women's Health Expo:
Health tests and screenings, exercise activities, healthy cooking demonstrations, and much more. | | Saturday, April 13, 2013
8:30 am – 2:00 pm | | Prince George's Ballroom and Kentland Community Center
2411 Pinebrook Avenue, Landover, MD 20785
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| Click to enlarge |
| | | 4th Annual Nonprofit Forum | | Monday, June 10, 2013
Time: TBD | | Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD
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Please feel free to forward this information to your family and friends. To learn more about these efforts, to express your views, or to sign up for email updates, please visit my website. You can also connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.
Sincerely,
Donna
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