March 16, 2023
Dear Friend,
As we finally begin the 118th Congress, I want to take a moment to update you on my visits around the South Sound and what I have been doing to serve you in the other Washington. From honoring Black History Month to hosting Washington’s 10th Congressional District’s Valentines for Veterans & First Responders program, I have been busy listening to your concerns and fighting on behalf of the issues you care about.
Keeping It Local
Black History is American History. It is important to recognize and celebrate how Black Americans have shaped this country even though the work is far from done. The Congresswoman visited and spoke with Rev. David Reaves and Dr. Thelma Jackson on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day last month and gave a policy update on how we can continue to do more to highlight the contributions of the Black Community in the district.
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland announced her February Constituent Spotlight is on Nadine Gerber from Olympia. Gerber is being recognized for her work as President of the McLane Elementary Parent, Teacher, Student Organization (PTSO).
The Congresswoman’s Constituent Spotlight program recognizes exemplary South Sound residents. To nominate someone, fill out this nomination form.
After receiving nearly 4,000 valentines from 36 schools and organizations, valentines were given to veterans and first responders across the South Sound.
U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Co-Chairs of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, celebrated their PUGET SOS Act, which was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2023. The Congresswoman also secured federal grant funding to help protect salmon from toxic chemicals.
More for the South Sound
- Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland secured federal grant funding for the Hope for Heroes Horsemanship Center in Yelm. This therapy center provides support and treatment for active duty and veterans experiencing PTSD.
- Spoke on the House floor, honoring the service of Lourdes “Alfie” Alvarado-Ramos. Alfie will retire from her role as Director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs after 52 years of distinguished service in the military and public service.
- Gave a House floor speech, honoring the life and service of Harvey Drahos, a beloved WWII veteran who lives in the South Sound.
Updates from the Other Washington
Earlier this month, Congresswoman Strickland re-introduced the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act to protect American’s right to travel for reproductive care.
Other Legislative Action
- Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland introduced a bipartisan bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim in recognition of his extraordinary heroism, leadership, and humanitarianism.
- This month, she re-introduced the bill, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Land Into Trust Act of 2023. The bill allows the Puyallup Tribe to move 17 acres of land they own into trust to expand economic growth and restore their ancestral homeland.
- Opposed the SHOW UP Act, a messaging bill that blatantly ignores the hard-fought lessons the pandemic taught us: telework saved the lives of workers while allowing the federal government to continue serving communities, families, and businesses, ensuring the distribution of lifesaving funding and essential services.
Serving You
The Congresswoman and her team are here to help you navigate these agencies, cut through the red tape, end delays, and much more. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (360) 459-8514 or contact us HERE.
Grants Corner
Federal grants are typically awarded and available to non-profit organizations, city, county, state, and other local government entities. Opportunities for federal funding are competitive. For more information on federal grants, please visit grants.gov or call the office: 360-459-8514.
Upcoming grant opportunities include:
- Climate Program Office (CPO), Climate and Societal Interactions (CSI) Division — Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL): Department of Commerce
- 2023 Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund: Department of Transportation – DOT Federal Highway Administration
- BJA FY 23 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program: Department of Justice – Bureau of Justice Assistance
- BJA FY 23 Connect and Protect: Law Enforcement Behavioral Health Response Program: Department of Justice – Bureau of Justice Assistance
- BJA FY 23 Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes: Department of Justice – Bureau of Justice Assistance
- 2023 Port Infrastructure Development Program Grants: Department of Transportation – Maritime Administration
For more information on these grant opportunities, please click HERE.
As always, I work for you. If you need assistance, you can sign up for a casework appointment or call my Lacey office at (360) 459-8514 or my D.C. Office at (202) 225-9740. For more updates, make sure to sign up for my newsletter and follow me on social media.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Strickland
Member of Congress