March 21, 2023
Dear Friend,
This month, 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 Women’s History Month to discussing the importance of childcare and minority-owned businesses, I have been busy listening to your concerns and fighting on behalf of the issues you care about.
Keeping It Local
For generations, inspiring women have shaped our communities. Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia, and State Representative Jessica Bateman (pictured above) are a few of our region’s talented female leaders.
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland announced her March Constituent Spotlight is on Keoki Kauanoe in Olympia, WA. Kauanoe is being recognized for his work as Director of Father Engagement at Family Education and Support Services (FESS), especially his classes focused on Suicide Prevention.
The Congresswoman’s Constituent Spotlight program recognizes exemplary South Sound residents. To nominate someone, fill out this nomination form.
Read more
Strickland Funds Forensic Technology to Increase Public Safety
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland secured federal grant funding for the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) Rapid DNA Forensic Technology for Investigations system to help reduce the testing backlog and improve public safety.
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland visited Charity Hope Family Daycare with Child Care Resources to learn how they both are providing families with quality childcare in the South Sound. Investing in affordable child and infant care is critical to supporting working families and parents in the South Sound.
Read more
More for the South Sound
- Met with South Sound BIPOC and the Thurston County Chamber to discuss how minority and women-owned businesses are critical pieces to supporting our local economy in the South Sound.
- The American Rescue Plan is providing $100 million in grants for the Washington Hospitality Grants. The program will award one-time grants to eligible restaurants, hotels, motels, and other small hospitality businesses in Washington State that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis.
- U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced $2.9M in federal funding for the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT)’s “Connect Across Tacoma” project. The project aims to address the digital divide in Tacoma, improve broadband access, and educate the community.
- Authored an op-ed on how Black leadership is thriving in the South Sound. Across sectors, black leaders are chosen over and over to lead our communities and are fighting for a more safe, just, and secure future.
Updates from the Other Washington
Watch the full video here
This month, House Rules Committee Republicans voted unanimously against Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s (WA-10) amendment to H.R. 347, the Reduce Exacerbated Inflation Negatively Impacting the Nation (REIN IN) Act. Strickland’s amendment would have provided protections for increases to military pay, regardless of the restrictions on executive orders outlined in the bill.
Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) was appointed as Chair of the New Democrat Coalition’s National Security Task Force. This role will strengthen her advocacy for servicemembers and their families in Washington’s 10th District.
Congressmembers Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10) and Andy Kim (D-NJ-03) introduced the Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023 to honor the Buffalo Soldiers and their tremendous contributions and sacrifice to our country.
Other Legislative Action
- Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to hold Russian mercenaries accountable by requiring the Secretary of State to designate the Wagner Group as a foreign terrorist organization.
- Joined fellow Pro-Choice Caucus leaders to send a letter to OMB Director Young to support domestic and global reproductive priorities for inclusion in the President’s budget.
- The Congresswoman co-sponsored the Keep Americans Safe Act, a bill that would make illegal the purchase of magazines holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition. This common-sense legislation serves as a critical step towards addressing the scope of gun violence tragedies.
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:
- FY 2023 Competitive Funding Opportunity; Low or No Emission Vehicle Program
- Climate Program Office (CPO), Climate and Societal Interactions (CSI) Division — Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)
- Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG)
- Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program (EJ TCGM)
- Environmental Justice Government-to-Government Program (EJG2G)
- Community EV Charging & Fueling
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