- Nov 11, 2009
- 31,096
Know your enemy. I fully expect he will be one of our senators, all too soon . . .
From his email:
Dear Neighbor:
I wanted to take a moment to share a brief update about how my staff and I have been working for the people of the 8th District. It is a surpassing honor to continue serving as your Representative in Congress.
As always, I encourage all 8th District residents to connect with me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. If you need help with a federal agency and want to request my assistance, please complete the online request form here, and my District Office will be in touch.
All Best,
Jamie Raskin
Rebuilding our Nation’s Infrastructure
Clean drinking water, revitalized roads, updated public transportation, accessible broadband and more are on the way to neighborhoods across MD08 and America, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). I’ve worked for months with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to pass this critical legislation that charts our course for a sustainable, modernized, American-made future—For the People and for our nation’s competitive success in the 21st century. American cities, towns, suburbs and everywhere in between will feel the IIJA’s investments in working people.
For a breakdown of some of the IIJA’s most substantial investments in Maryland, click here. To watch a short video on the IIJA, click here.
In November, the House also passed the Build Back Better Act, which makes the most significant investment in the American people’s quality of life in more than a half-century. This companion bill to the IIJA takes decisive climate action, cuts taxes for working families, curbs predatory drug pricing, and is closer than ever to President Biden’s desk. To read my full statement on the Build Back Better Act, click here, and to read more about the legislation, click here.
Giving Thanks
Although we’ve all undoubtedly faced hardship through the past year, we can each be grateful for a family member, a neighbor, a friend, or one of the countless local heroes serving our district and beyond.
I hope you all had the chance to share a meal or two with your loved ones this November. Our Thanksgiving local hero, Caroline Babylon, helped bring that experience to hundreds of Carroll County families with Carroll County Food Sunday. As executive director, she oversaw distribution of 400 turkey dinners in her native Westminster, as well as Taneytown and Eldersburg. To watch our full discussion, click here.
Honoring Our Nation’s Veterans
Rep. Raskin celebrating John “Mickey” Karnes and MD08’s veterans in Memorial Park
In November, I was glad to celebrate those patriotic Americans who nobly served our nation in our own community. Francis Scott Key Post 11 led a moving ceremony in Frederick's Memorial Park, and I was thrilled to meet Legionnaire of the Month John “Mickey” Karnes. I shared a few photos here.
I was also delighted to recognize Dr. Cynthia Izuno Macri as our local hero on Veterans Day. Dr. Macri served for nearly four decades as a military oncologist, and in her retirement she continues to support her fellow Maryland veterans on the Maryland State Veterans Commission. To watch our full conversation, click here.
Supporting Federal Employees of the Eighth District
In my 5th annual forum, I discussed the Federal Employees Health Benefits program with top experts: Ed DeHarde, Deputy Associate Director of Healthcare & Insurance Federal Employees Insurance Operations at the Office of Personnel Management, Tammy Flanagan, NARFE benefits expert, and Walt Francis, consultant and author. To watch our full forum, click here, and for more information, including links to resources, click here.
Standing Against Sexual Harassment and Forced Arbitration
In workplaces across America, forced arbitration clauses prevent survivors of sexual assault and sexual harrassment from meaningfully seeking justice under the law. 60 million Americans work each day under contracts preventing them from pursuing legal action for harassment—many without even knowing it. I spoke out in a House Judiciary Committee hearing against forced arbitration here.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment or violence at work, you can call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at 800-656-4673 for confidential crisis support 24/7.
Honoring the Local Heroes of the 8th District
Each week, I look forward to recognizing a member of our MD08 community as a Local Hero. What began as a series recognizing the efforts of Marylanders protecting Marylanders during the COVID-19 pandemic has expanded to feature a wide range of MD08 heroes who strengthen our district in myriad ways.
When MD08 Local Hero Sue Wronsky’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she not only stepped in to provide care, but used her experience to advocate for Alzheimer’s patients and the 15 million family caregivers who help them nationwide. I was honored to recognize Sue’s activism during National Family Caregivers Month. You can watch our full discussion here.
In November, we also recognize the advocacy and sacrifice of the transgender community during Transgender Awareness Week. With transgender Americans still facing discrimination and disproportionate risk of violence, organizations like Frederick County’s Frederick Center are leading the way to a more inclusive future, with community support and programming. I was delighted to recognize Vice Chair Amilynn Adams as a local hero, and speak with her about her military service and the Center’s work. When Amilynn came out, she was the most senior openly trans person on active duty in the Uniformed Services. She continually inspires her friends and neighbors to live their truth. You can watch our full conversation here.
Delivering Federal Funding to Maryland
Robust federal investment in Maryland gives our state and local partners the resources they need to best serve Marylanders. In November, I was thrilled to join my Maryland congressional delegation colleagues in announcing several federal funding initiatives that will help our state and the Eighth District thrive.
Our state’s museums and libraries can foster a lifelong love of learning in Maryland’s students, but only if they have the resources to meet oncoming challenges—like social distancing requirements under COVID-19. I’m pleased to report that Maryland museums and libraries will receive $474,461 from the American Rescue Plan to make continuing adjustments related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public health infrastructure at all levels of government can save lives. This past November, my congressional delegation colleagues and I announced $17,624,885 in federal funding for the Maryland Department of Health to strengthen the prevention and control of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases across the state.
An additional $1.6 million in federal funding to the Maryland Department of Health will bolster the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. This data-driven effort is helping our state confront the opioid epidemic head-on, and this funding will support that essential work.
Demanding Transparency from Private Prisons
Although private prisons receive federal funding, they are not subject to the most basic transparency requirements of their public counterparts, such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Private Prison Information Act, introduced by myself and Senators Cardin (D-MD) and Leahy (D-VT) this past month, will require that government agencies comply with FOIA requests relating to private prisons, jails or detention facilities, including immigration detention facilities. This initiative will not only increase transparency, it will further public understanding and help safeguard prisoners’ civil rights. .
Investigating the January 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol
This past summer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed me and eight bipartisan colleagues to serve on the House’s Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. Our committee is moving with a sense of urgency fit to investigate the most sweeping violent attack on the halls of Congress since the War of 1812. In our investigation, we are obtaining information from witnesses, analyzing documents, and diligently reviewing each tip we receive. Each day brings us closer to understanding how violence erupted at the Capitol on January 6.
From his email:
Dear Neighbor:
I wanted to take a moment to share a brief update about how my staff and I have been working for the people of the 8th District. It is a surpassing honor to continue serving as your Representative in Congress.
As always, I encourage all 8th District residents to connect with me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. If you need help with a federal agency and want to request my assistance, please complete the online request form here, and my District Office will be in touch.
All Best,
Jamie Raskin
Rebuilding our Nation’s Infrastructure
Clean drinking water, revitalized roads, updated public transportation, accessible broadband and more are on the way to neighborhoods across MD08 and America, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). I’ve worked for months with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to pass this critical legislation that charts our course for a sustainable, modernized, American-made future—For the People and for our nation’s competitive success in the 21st century. American cities, towns, suburbs and everywhere in between will feel the IIJA’s investments in working people.
For a breakdown of some of the IIJA’s most substantial investments in Maryland, click here. To watch a short video on the IIJA, click here.
In November, the House also passed the Build Back Better Act, which makes the most significant investment in the American people’s quality of life in more than a half-century. This companion bill to the IIJA takes decisive climate action, cuts taxes for working families, curbs predatory drug pricing, and is closer than ever to President Biden’s desk. To read my full statement on the Build Back Better Act, click here, and to read more about the legislation, click here.
Giving Thanks
Although we’ve all undoubtedly faced hardship through the past year, we can each be grateful for a family member, a neighbor, a friend, or one of the countless local heroes serving our district and beyond.
I hope you all had the chance to share a meal or two with your loved ones this November. Our Thanksgiving local hero, Caroline Babylon, helped bring that experience to hundreds of Carroll County families with Carroll County Food Sunday. As executive director, she oversaw distribution of 400 turkey dinners in her native Westminster, as well as Taneytown and Eldersburg. To watch our full discussion, click here.
Honoring Our Nation’s Veterans
Rep. Raskin celebrating John “Mickey” Karnes and MD08’s veterans in Memorial Park
In November, I was glad to celebrate those patriotic Americans who nobly served our nation in our own community. Francis Scott Key Post 11 led a moving ceremony in Frederick's Memorial Park, and I was thrilled to meet Legionnaire of the Month John “Mickey” Karnes. I shared a few photos here.
I was also delighted to recognize Dr. Cynthia Izuno Macri as our local hero on Veterans Day. Dr. Macri served for nearly four decades as a military oncologist, and in her retirement she continues to support her fellow Maryland veterans on the Maryland State Veterans Commission. To watch our full conversation, click here.
Supporting Federal Employees of the Eighth District
In my 5th annual forum, I discussed the Federal Employees Health Benefits program with top experts: Ed DeHarde, Deputy Associate Director of Healthcare & Insurance Federal Employees Insurance Operations at the Office of Personnel Management, Tammy Flanagan, NARFE benefits expert, and Walt Francis, consultant and author. To watch our full forum, click here, and for more information, including links to resources, click here.
Standing Against Sexual Harassment and Forced Arbitration
In workplaces across America, forced arbitration clauses prevent survivors of sexual assault and sexual harrassment from meaningfully seeking justice under the law. 60 million Americans work each day under contracts preventing them from pursuing legal action for harassment—many without even knowing it. I spoke out in a House Judiciary Committee hearing against forced arbitration here.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment or violence at work, you can call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at 800-656-4673 for confidential crisis support 24/7.
Honoring the Local Heroes of the 8th District
Each week, I look forward to recognizing a member of our MD08 community as a Local Hero. What began as a series recognizing the efforts of Marylanders protecting Marylanders during the COVID-19 pandemic has expanded to feature a wide range of MD08 heroes who strengthen our district in myriad ways.
When MD08 Local Hero Sue Wronsky’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she not only stepped in to provide care, but used her experience to advocate for Alzheimer’s patients and the 15 million family caregivers who help them nationwide. I was honored to recognize Sue’s activism during National Family Caregivers Month. You can watch our full discussion here.
In November, we also recognize the advocacy and sacrifice of the transgender community during Transgender Awareness Week. With transgender Americans still facing discrimination and disproportionate risk of violence, organizations like Frederick County’s Frederick Center are leading the way to a more inclusive future, with community support and programming. I was delighted to recognize Vice Chair Amilynn Adams as a local hero, and speak with her about her military service and the Center’s work. When Amilynn came out, she was the most senior openly trans person on active duty in the Uniformed Services. She continually inspires her friends and neighbors to live their truth. You can watch our full conversation here.
Delivering Federal Funding to Maryland
Robust federal investment in Maryland gives our state and local partners the resources they need to best serve Marylanders. In November, I was thrilled to join my Maryland congressional delegation colleagues in announcing several federal funding initiatives that will help our state and the Eighth District thrive.
Our state’s museums and libraries can foster a lifelong love of learning in Maryland’s students, but only if they have the resources to meet oncoming challenges—like social distancing requirements under COVID-19. I’m pleased to report that Maryland museums and libraries will receive $474,461 from the American Rescue Plan to make continuing adjustments related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public health infrastructure at all levels of government can save lives. This past November, my congressional delegation colleagues and I announced $17,624,885 in federal funding for the Maryland Department of Health to strengthen the prevention and control of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases across the state.
An additional $1.6 million in federal funding to the Maryland Department of Health will bolster the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. This data-driven effort is helping our state confront the opioid epidemic head-on, and this funding will support that essential work.
Demanding Transparency from Private Prisons
Although private prisons receive federal funding, they are not subject to the most basic transparency requirements of their public counterparts, such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Private Prison Information Act, introduced by myself and Senators Cardin (D-MD) and Leahy (D-VT) this past month, will require that government agencies comply with FOIA requests relating to private prisons, jails or detention facilities, including immigration detention facilities. This initiative will not only increase transparency, it will further public understanding and help safeguard prisoners’ civil rights. .
Investigating the January 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol
This past summer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed me and eight bipartisan colleagues to serve on the House’s Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. Our committee is moving with a sense of urgency fit to investigate the most sweeping violent attack on the halls of Congress since the War of 1812. In our investigation, we are obtaining information from witnesses, analyzing documents, and diligently reviewing each tip we receive. Each day brings us closer to understanding how violence erupted at the Capitol on January 6.
