The DeSaulnier Digest: Efforts to Increase Public Safety and Support Workers, Students, and Teachers
AT A GLANCE
In this week's Digest, you will find information on:
- Recent events in Contra Costa celebrating our community's diversity;
- Mark's work in the Education & Labor Committee to support workers, students, and teachers; and
- Democrats' efforts to increase public safety, advance justice, and protect democracy.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Rainbow Community Center Grand Opening
We celebrated the grand opening of the Rainbow Community Center's new location in downtown Concord. Rainbow Community Center provides vital resources, programs, and services to support the LGBTQI+ community of Contra Costa. It was a joy to celebrate all of the organization's accomplishments thus far and to recognize the dedicated work of volunteers and local activists.
Concord's First Festival Latino
As we observe Hispanic Heritage Month, our office came out to celebrate the first ever Festival Latino in Concord. It was a joy to gather with community members to enjoy food, music, and art and to celebrate the diversity and culture the Latino community brings to Contra Costa County.
Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service
We had the privilege of joining the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District for a memorial service in recognition of fallen firefighters. We reflected on their legacy as we gathered to honor their bravery and sacrifice.
IN COMMITTEE
Congressman DeSaulnier Chairs Hearing on Expanding Unemployment Insurance
During the pandemic, expanded unemployment insurance gave American families & workers a lifeline. This week, as Chair of the Committee on Education and Labor's Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, Congressman DeSaulnier held a hearing on how we can ensure the system keeps working for all Americans in hard times while avoiding waste & fraud. Tune in by clicking here or on the image below.
Mark Stands Up for Students and Teachers at Education and Labor Committee Hearing
Supporting both the educational and mental health needs of students & teachers is one of Mark's top priorities. Tune in to hear him speak with experts about this at another recent Committee on Education and Labor hearingby clicking here or on the image below.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
DeSaulnier Votes to Restore Integrity to Election System
Congressman DeSaulnier voted for bipartisan legislation to protect free and fair elections, uphold the rule of law, and defend the Constitution by supporting the Presidential Election Reform Act (H.R. 8873). Crafted in response to attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election - including the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol - the Presidential Election Reform Act would implement several common-sense measures to safeguard your vote against any future attempt to interfere with the certification of election results. The bill passed, with Congressman DeSaulnier's support, by a vote of 229-to-203.
Mark Supports Bill to Help Student Loan Borrowers in Abusive Relationships
A federal program that encouraged married couples to consolidate their student loans was terminated in 2006, but there is not currently a way for borrowers with abusive or uncommunicative partners to separate their loans. Congressman DeSaulnier voted for House passage of the Joint Consolidation and Loan Separation Act (S. 1098), which would allow those in abusive relationships to separate their student loans. Having passed the House by a vote of 232-to-193 after previously passing the Senate, the bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.
House Passes Public Safety Legislation with DeSaulnier's Support
Every American deserves to feel safe in their community. Last week with Congressman DeSaulnier's support, the House passed strong, commonsense action that would help prevent crime, build stronger, healthier relationships between law enforcement and communities, & promote justice and accountability. Further information on these four bills is below:
- The Invest to Protect Act (H.R. 6448), which passed the House by a vote of 360-to-64, would support de-escalation and domestic violence response training for law enforcement officers.
- The Mental Health Justice Act (H.R. 8542), which passed the House by a vote of 223-to-206, would create a grant program to help state and local governments create behavioral health crisis response units.
- The Break the Cycle of Violence Act (H.R. 4118), which passed the House by a vote of 250-to-178, would help communities implement evidence-based programs that interrupt cycles of violence.
- The VICTIM Act (H.R. 5768), which passed the House by a vote of 220-to-207, would provide additional resources to support crime victims and help detectives investigate shootings and other crimes.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
