April 21, 2023
Dear Friend
This month, I want to update you on my visits around the South Sound and what I have been doing to serve you in the other Washington. From hosting USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development to discuss the Farm Bill and SNAP benefits to improving access to public transit in the South Sound, I have been busy listening to your concerns and fighting on behalf of the issues you care about.
Keeping It Local
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland hosted USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small in Washington’s 10th Congressional District with the Pierce Conservation District to tour The Farm at Franklin Pierce Schools.
The pair spoke with several stakeholders about the importance of the 2023 Farm Bill Reauthorization and the need to expand minority land ownership, SNAP and nutritional benefits, and educational access, especially for underrepresented communities.
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Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced her April Constituent Spotlight, Army Veteran Layne Harper. Harper is recognized for his incredible work serving over 10,000 fellow veterans as a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) for the National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS).
Read more
The Thurston County Foodbank does the vital work of distributing food and other necessities to families, seniors, and community members impacted by food insecurity across the South Sound. I visited to learn how federal support can best help them expand services to meet demand.
Read more
Summertime is right around the corner, which means its passport season. Passport agencies see increased requests and longer processing times this time of year, so plan ahead to renew before your summer vacation.
More for the South Sound
- Announced a $1.8 million Community Project Funding request for Intercity Transit’s Zero Fare Bus Stop Access Improvement Project. The Project will work to provide critical access for residents to key services and address equity issues by renovating 145 frequently used bus stops to increase transit operating efficiency, reduce passenger travel times, and increase passenger safety and access.
- Visited the distinguished members of the 446th Airlift Wing at JBLM, which is a critical global resource that provides combat and aid air support around the world.
- During Ramadan, Congresswoman Strickland visited the Islamic Center of Tacoma’s new mosque and learned about their renovations, plans for a clinic, and food bank that serves South Sound community members.
Updates from the Other Washington
Strickland, Bacon, Warnock Push To Restore Servicemember Housing Allowance
Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation Mandates Department of Defense To Restore BAH To 100%
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland and Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Restoration Act to address the housing crunch that servicemembers and their families face. The legislation would mandate that the Department of Defense (DoD) restore the full BAH benefit and increase access to affordable housing, on and off base. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) is introducing companion legislation in the Senate.
Strickland Introduces Legislation To Increase Funding For Gun Violence Prevention Research
Strickland Pushes For Classifying Gun Violence As Public Health Crisis
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Representatives Elissa Slotkin (MI-07) and Mark Takano (CA-39) introduced the Gun Violence Prevention Research Act to fund Center for Disease Control (CDC) research into the nation’s ongoing gun violence epidemic. This legislation would authorize $50 million, each year, over the next five years to boost firearms safety and gun violence prevention research.
Other Legislative Action
- Mifepristone, a key abortion drug, has been safe and effective for over two decades. As a leader in the Pro-Choice Caucus, the Congresswoman is committed to continuing the fight for women’s rights and speaking out against revoking the government approval on Mifepristone.
- Introduced Military Food Security Act and Military Family Nutrition Access Act, to exclude ‘Basic Allowance for Housing’ from income calculations for essential food access programs.
- Spoke with Roll Call, to talk about the bipartisan effort to boost our troops’ housing allowance.
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:
- FY23 COPS Hiring Program: Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services
- FY23 COPS School Violence Prevention Program: Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services
- FY 2023 EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs: Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration
- FY 2023 – FY 2024 Pollution Prevention Grants: Environmental Justice Through Safer and More Sustainable Products, Environmental Protection Agency
- Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program: Department of Defense, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation
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