Today's National Debt: $9,195,581,599,278.07
Your Share: $30,323.19
Dear Friends,
This week we remember and celebrate the life and lessons taught to us by one of America’s greatest pioneers and champions of civil rights - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Though Dr. King is no longer with us to see the legacy his dream created, his spirit continues to inspire generations in this country and throughout the world.
Dr. King spent a lifetime of relentless perseverance to achieve his ultimate goal - equality among all races – and he pursued his quest through an unyielding dedication to non-violence. Dr. King inspired the world and he led by example. He lived his life daring to dream that we could all live in a land free of segregation, and blind to the color of a person’s skin.
We have much to learn from Dr. King. He taught us that no matter who we are or where we come from, we are all capable of achieving great things, even when faced with overwhelming obstacles. One of his most notable quotations that he will forever be remembered for is that, ‘life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”.’
Our nation has improved for the better because of Dr. King’s commitment and legacy to ending poverty and providing equality for all people. I believe Dr. King would have been proud that Congress passed legislation last year to raise the federal minimum wage to $7.25 which benefits approximately 113,000 hard working Arkansans. I also believe he would have supported legislation Congress passed to make college more affordable and accessible for millions of Americans. This historic investment to help our students and families pay for college is a critical step towards growing and strengthening our working families. We have an obligation and a moral duty to ensure that our hard working families are earning a living wage and that our students have access to a quality education. These initiatives which I voted for will help extend prosperity in this nation and help create a brighter future for millions.
As we commemorate Dr. King’s legacy we must also carry out his dream. I urge all of us to take the time and reflect on Dr. King’s dream and continue to be a part of keeping that dream alive. It is with tremendous respect and admiration that I salute Dr. King for all he stood for and all he did to forever change America for the better.
Sincerely,
Mike Ross
Please remember that if you have issues related to the federal government such as Social Security, Medicare and veterans benefits, you can visit with staff from my office in a community near you. My office will host community office hours at the following locations, dates and times:
Foreman - January 23rd at 9:00 a.m., at the Foreman City Hall located at 200 Schuman St.;
Ashdown - January 23rd at 11:00a.m., at the Little River County Courthouse located at 351 N. 2nd St.;
Texarkana - January 23rd at 2:00 p.m., at the Miller County Courthouse located at 400 Laurel St.
Mike speaks about his legislative priorities at a Regional NAACP Meeting held at the Unviersity of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
*** As a Member of the United States House of Representatives, I take pride in keeping residents up-to-date on the issues facing our nation. This is why I believe it is vital for me to regularly send out email newsletters to help keep you informed on my work in Congress. These newsletters cover all topics including: our nation's energy crisis, education, agriculture, veteran’s affairs, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I am writing to inform you that due to rules within the U.S. House of Representatives concerning communication during an election year there will be a blackout period in which I will be limited in the ways that I can communicate with you.
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For more information, please feel free to visit my web site at ross.house.gov or call my office at (800) 223-2220.
