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Rep DeSaulnier in hearing

Congressman DeSaulnier Wins Democracy Award for Exemplary Public Service

May 30, 2019

Washington, DC -The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) today announced that Representative Mark DeSaulnier is a winner for the 2019 Democracy Awards, CMF's honors program recognizing non-legislative achievement in operations and constituent service by congressional offices and Members of Congress. Rep. DeSaulnier is recognized for excellence in Transparency, Accountability, and Innovation. This category recognizes offices that employ unique or innovative methods to continuously enhance their constituent interactions and provide clear and relevant information on their work and performance, as well as publicly acknowledge metrics for that performance.

"As a Democracy Award winner, Rep. DeSaulnier's office is one of the best in Congress," said Bradford Fitch, President and CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation. "This designation demonstrates that Rep. DeSaulnier has made a significant commitment to being the best public servant for his constituents in California. Rep. DeSaulnier and his staff are to be congratulated for not only being a model for colleagues in Congress, but for helping to restore trust and faith that our democratic institutions can work," he said.

Rep. DeSaulnier's office holds itself accountable by adhering to specific and targeted performance standards. These standards are publicized to constituents on their website, at town halls, via email, and with physical mailings. Additionally, in the past four years, Rep. DeSaulnier has hosted 83 town halls and mobile district office hours in every corner of the district and across a variety of platforms. During every town hall, the Congressman has his constituents write their questions on cards and he answers as many as he can. Staff respond in writing to all questions he did not answer, ensuring that each and every question submitted receives a response. All town halls are livestreamed on the Member's social media channels to ensure that residents who are unable to attend in person can engage online.

CMF has created a detailed process to identify and recognize the best congressional offices in three categories: 1) Constituent Service; 2) Transparency, Accountability, and Innovation; and 3) "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment. House and Senate personal offices self-nominated in late 2018 using an online questionnaire. In early 2019, CMF followed up with offices to gather documentation and assess the office's adherence to the established criteria to determine a list of finalists, which was announced on March 19, 2019.

Next, selection committees comprised primarily of former Members of Congress and former congressional staffers selected two winners (one Democrat and one Republican) for each category. To create even greater objectivity in selecting winners, all identifying information regarding the Member office was redacted, so the selection committee reviewed only the accomplishments of each finalist.

The finalists and winners of the Democracy Awards will be honored at a ceremony at 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM, June 20, 2019 at the Reserve Officers Association, One Constitution Ave. NE, Washington, DC. The winner of the Staff Lifetime Achievement Democracy Award will be announced at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The Founding Partner for the Democracy Awards is the Bridge Alliance, which provided a generous grant to launch the program. Bridge Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than 80 organizations committed to revitalizing democratic practice in America.

The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit whose mission is to build trust and effectiveness in Congress. Since 1977, CMF has worked internally with Member, committee, leadership, and institutional offices in the House and Senate to identify and disseminate best practices for management, workplace environment, communications, and constituent services. CMF also is the leading researcher and trainer on citizen engagement, educating thousands of individuals and facilitating better relationships with Congress. For more information, please visit www.CongressFoundation.org.

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