The DeSaulnier Digest: Join Our Virtual Education Town Hall
The Trump Administration's policies targeting public education threaten students with disabilities, student loan programs, and civil rights protections. I've been fighting these attacks in Congress as a senior member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce and will be hosting a virtual Education Town Hall on Wednesday, May 28th from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. to share an update on these efforts to protect students and teachers.
I will be joined by special guests Lynn Mackey, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools, and Allegra Fischer, Senior Policy Attorney at Disability Rights California to discuss the work being done at the local, state, and federal levels to safeguard public education and protections for vulnerable students.
RSVP by clicking here or on the flyer below to receive a Zoom link.
I hope to see many of you virtually next week.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
ON THE FLOOR
Congressman DeSaulnier Speaks in Support of Small Businesses
Since taking office, President Trump has erratically levied tariffs that are inflicting harm and uncertainty on small business owners nationwide. As a former small business owner himself, Mark spoke on the floor to recognize the challenges that many small businesses are facing, including increased overhead costs, called for an end to the President’s ill-advised tariffs, and urged him to focus on economic policies that would uplift small businesses across America. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
House Republicans Attack Public Safety During “Police Week”
Recently, President Trump released his official budget request, which contains deep cuts to programs and agencies that fight international drug smuggling, prevent terrorism, and support local police departments in reducing violent crime. Rather than oppose these irresponsible cuts, last week Republicans in the House advanced two bills that go even further to threaten public safety. One, the LEOSA Reform Act (H.R. 2243), would allow retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed weapon into school zones, playgrounds, and government buildings. Another, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act (H.R. 2255), could allow any retired federal officers to purchase assault weapons directly from the government without a background check, even if they were convicted of a crime. Despite Mark’s strong opposition, H.R. 2243 and H.R. 2255 passed the House and now await further consideration in the U.S. Senate.
IN COMMITTEE
Mark Advocates for Support for Air Traffic Controllers
Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act, which Mark proudly supported, was signed into law and provided funding and policy reforms to increase hiring and retention of air traffic controllers. Air traffic controllers play a vital role in aviation safety, and Congressman DeSaulnier has been a strong advocate for fair pay and education programs that encourage young people to enter the field. Having recently visited SFO’s air traffic control tower, Mark reiterated the concerns of burnout, understaffing, and insufficient salary in high cost of living areas and will continue to advocate for air traffic controllers as the FAA reauthorization is implemented. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Contra Costa County Commemorates AANHPI Month
Our team joined the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors at its 3rd annual Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration. Centered around the theme "Roots of Resilience," the event featured live performances from AANHPI cultures including taiko from Japan, the haka from the Māori people of New Zealand, and a dragon dance from China.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
