EC from DC - August 24, 2012

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GLADSTONE LEADERS THANK CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER FOR ‘HAVING THE CITY’S BACK’

It was a moving experience this week to stand with new homeowner Stephanie Johnson, and her family, as they got the keys to her first home. This came during a ribbon cutting ceremony in Gladstone, where I was joined by Gladstone Mayor Carol Suter, Greater Kansas City Homebuilder Association’s Tom Woods, Michael Snodgrass from the Builders Development Corporation and many from the Gladstone community.

We were celebrating the reconstruction of a home that replaces what used to be a dilapidated, dangerous house. It was an eyesore and an economic drag on the neighborhood. With the use of critical federal dollars and the hard work of hundreds who came together in Gladstone, the neighborhood now has new beauty – and new hope.

Through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, these funds are making a difference in a number of communities in Missouri’s Fifth District. I have already attended events, just like this one, in Sugar Creek, Raytown and Grandview. This ceremony marked the completion of the first new home in Gladstone to be built by the Builders Development Corporation. It is a geothermal, Energy Star 3.0 Rated house. In other words, it is top of the line in energy efficiency.

There are positive things happening and big changes being made. To be sure, there is much work to be done, but events like this one are a good reminder that we are moving forward in our work to get this economy back on track.

For this homeowner, and so many like her throughout the Fifth District, this is a way up and a way out. What was a house before she received the keys, has now become a home. Her family, and the neighborhood surrounding the home, will all benefit greatly.

GREEN IMPACT ZONE JOB TRAINING GETS BIG RESULTS

My primary focus is finding, creating and sustaining jobs. We must get this economy moving again. One of the ways to do that is to support the unemployed and underemployed through job training. I have been honored to secure funds for such training, and earlier this week, I attended a heartwarming ceremony to mark the end of training for more than 300 residents of Missouri’s Fifth District. Many of those residents came from the Green Impact Zone.

The Sustainability Center project is a job training and social services initiative. I joined with representatives from Metropolitan Community College, the Green Impact Zone and the Full Employment Council, as well as local businesses and organizations, to recognize these hardworking people.

Several of those who have completed the program and are now employed, expressed great appreciation for the opportunity to better themselves and their lives.

MCC continues to assess all of the numbers, but reports a job placement rate of close to 70% at this point in the process.

The project was developed through various partnerships, including the one between MCC, the Green Impact Zone and the Full Employment Council. Other organizations involved include MARC, Green Works, Mattie Rhodes Center and Prep-KC. Local employers were also closely consulted and advised on job training needs. Those businesses include Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, UPS, Harvesters, and Apria Healthcare.

For more on the event please visit:
http://cleaver.house.gov/
https://www.facebook.com/emanuelcleaverii

MASSIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT GATHERING

I am a big supporter of the quality of law enforcement we have in Missouri’s Fifth District and recently got to extend a personal welcome and thanks to the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association at the 67th Annual Summer Training Conference.

Jackson County Sheriff Mike Sharp hosted law enforcement officials from 114 counties throughout our state. The mission of the conference is to stay updated on legal trends, changes in the law, and the latest practices and procedures in their field.

It was a wonderful opportunity to show my appreciation for all they do.

CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER CALLS TEACHERS ‘THE LIGHT’

There are few things I enjoy more than getting to spend time with children and teachers. Recently, I was invited to speak to the staff in the Hickman Mills School District. I am passionate about education and the great jobs that our area teachers are doing. It was a pleasure to see so many eager and excited faces getting ready to start a new school year.

For more on the Congressman’s speech please visit:
http://cleaver.house.gov/
https://www.facebook.com/emanuelcleaverii

CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER HEADS TO THE FOOD PANTRY

This week I joined with area faith leaders and volunteers to tour St. Paul’s Episcopal Church food pantry and to meet with many in line, waiting for groceries to feed their families.

Although this is not the first time I have visited the pantry, it is always a moving experience. The good work they do there and the hundreds they serve every week is a reminder of the work that remains to be done.

Leaders also wanted to discuss the passage of a Farm Bill, something I have continued to push for, and have for many months. Their concern mirrors mine: that the effort to feed the hungry could be greatly impacted if a comprehensive and complete Farm Bill is not passed soon.

I agree and will continue working toward this end. It will serve both rural and urban areas.

St. Paul’s pantry serves hundreds of people every week, including children and the elderly. Their ability, as well as that of many other local organizations, to provide secondary food assistance is heavily dependent on resources provided by state and federal food programs. These programs, in turn, depend on components of the Farm Bill.

The current Farm Bill expires on September 30th.