Congressman Carson Proposes Bill to Make Child Care Facilities Safer, More Accountable

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson (IN-7) has introduced the Child Care Criminal Background Check Act of 2013, legislation that would require states to administer a comprehensive criminal background check on all licensed child care providers before they can begin working with children.  The bill closes dangerous gaps in both federal and state law that have resulted in child endangerment, negligence of child development best practices, and inadequate training of child care professionals.

More than seven million children under the age of five currently participate in some sort of child care arrangement each week, yet throughout the nation, countless so-called licensed facilities function without common-sense standards and safety precautions in place.  According to a nationwide poll conducted by Child Care Aware, 95 percent of Americans support a background check for child care providers, yet some states hold no such requirement. 

“Child care providers serve a critical role in the safety and development of our young children,” said Congressman Carson. “We have to hold these facilities and their employees to a higher standard; administering background checks and requiring minimum levels of training are not too much to ask, and it ensures our kids are getting the very best service.”

In addition to requiring criminal background checks, Congressman Carson’s bill also requires that child care providers receive a minimum amount of annual training in CPR, first aid, child abuse recognition, basic safety and health, and child development.  The bill also calls for routine facility inspections to ensure children are being cared for in safe environments.

Congressman Carson Offers Plan to Address Military Suicide, End Stigma Associated with Mental Illness in the Armed Forces

Congressman André Carson (D-IN) introduced today two pieces of legislation that directly address increases in military suicide and the stigma associated with pursuing mental health treatment.  The Military Suicide Reduction Act and the Military Mental Health Empowerment Act take steps to ensure deployed service members have access to quality mental health services, as well as comprehensive information about their privacy and how mental health records may be utilized by the armed forces.

In 2012, 349 of our brave men and women in uniform took their own lives, surpassing for the first time the number killed in combat in Afghanistan.  This 15% increase over the year prior illustrates a well known fact—despite efforts at the Department of Defense to increase screening, counseling and awareness, the U.S. military continues to struggle with the stigma associated with mental illness.  As a result, service members consistently resist treatment and hide warning signs, attributing underperformance in combat and difficulty readjusting to civilian life to less serious causes. 

The Military Suicide Reduction Act expands on current pre- and post-deployment mental health screenings by requiring each service member to receive evaluations while deployed in combat zones.  By mandating regular screening during deployment, when injuries and trauma are most likely to occur, the likelihood of early detection and treatment are significantly increased.

“We are quick to diagnose and treat service members who are injured in combat, with medics rushing to those who are struck by enemy IEDs or gunfire,” said Congressman Carson.  “But when it comes to the mental health challenges placed on our service members, we abandon them through months of deployment to deal with post traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicidal thoughts.”

It is well documented that mental health issues, if left untreated, contribute not only to suicide, but to higher rates of domestic violence and substance abuse—especially when combined with financial and relationship difficulties that are common among deploying service members.

Congressman Carson’s second bill, the Military Mental Health Empowerment Act, ensures service members also receive comprehensive information about available mental health services, privacy related to their mental health records, and clarification that simply seeking help will not result in barriers to promotion or future career prospects.

“Seeking help shouldn’t be something our service members have to second guess; they shouldn’t have to fear drawing unwanted attention to themselves or derailing their careers,” Congressman Carson said.  “We have a responsibility to bring this issue into the light and give our service members the support they deserve.”

Congressman Carson went on to say, “The invisible wounds of war are costing us gravely, but it is within our power right now to change that and start saving lives.”

Congressman Carson Now Accepting Submissions for 2013 Congressional Art Competition

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today announced that his office is accepting submissions for the 2013 Congressional Art Competition.  This national visual arts competition, held in conjunction with the Congressional Institute, highlights the artwork of high school students in Indiana’s 7th Congressional District, with the winning piece being displayed at the United States Capitol Building.

“Indiana’s 7th District is filled with incredibly talented young people,” said Congressman Carson. “This competition brings their work to the forefront and offers one of our students an opportunity to display their talents for nearly three million visitors over the next year.”

The Congressional Art Competition is open to local high school students and offers an opportunity to be recognized for outstanding artistic achievement. Students are encouraged to submit original artwork such as paintings, drawings, collages, prints, computer-generated art and photography. Once submitted, a local panel of qualified judges will select one piece of artwork that will be sent to Washington, D.C.  This artwork will represent the 7th Congressional District of Indiana and will hang in the United States Capitol for the entire year.

The first place winner will also be invited to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception honoring artists from congressional districts across the country.

The deadline for submitting artwork is Friday, April 19, 2013 at 5:30pm.  Interested students can find more information at http://www.house.gov/content/educate/art_competition/ or by contacting Andrea Scott at 317-283-6516 or andrea.scott@mail.house.gov.

Congressman Carson Introduces Bill to Strengthen National Financial Literacy

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson (IN-7) has introduced H.R. 891, the Young Americans Financial Literacy Act - a bill that seeks to promote the development of effective financial literacy curricula and educational models for students ages 8-24. 

According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, more than half of American adults rate themselves as either “fair” or “poor” in terms of financial literacy.  Consequently, problems with personal finance and money management are passed on to children by parents who believe students are learning financial literacy in schools.  In reality, only 30% of teachers are incorporating these lifelong skills into their curriculum. 

As both credit card and student loan debt continue to skyrocket, the need to evaluate personal finances and improve financial literacy has become more apparent.  Under the Young Americans Financial Literacy Act, the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would provide grants to partnerships of universities, non-profits, school systems, and financial institutions in order to develop and implement improved financial literacy education programs. 

“We are facing a serious deficit of financial literacy in this country,” said Congressman Carson.  “We need to take smart steps to ensure Americans are empowered with the skills necessary to secure their own economic stability – and that starts with education programs that recognize the importance of responsible personal finance.”

Reaching more young Americans is critical, especially as they begin earning their first paychecks through part-time jobs, considering college loans or buying their first car or apartment.

Congressman Carson went on to say, “We must do a better job of teaching money management skills to young people, from middle school to graduate school. If we can strengthen financial literacy education, and instill these important skills in our kids, we have an opportunity to spur our economic growth and ensure that more Americans have a shot at achieving their financial goals.”

Congressman Carson’s Statement on Passage of the Violence Against Women Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson released today the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Violence Against Women Act: 

Today, the victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and dating violence were granted the support and protection they so rightly deserve.  After months of contention and House G.O.P. attempts to weaken the legislation, cooler heads prevailed, and the strong, bipartisan version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) now makes its way to the President’s desk.

All victims of domestic and sexual violence deserve the protections outlined in the VAWA, regardless of immigration status, race or sexual orientation.  I’m proud to have supported the VAWA and encouraged that – at least in this case – Congress took steps to thwart discrimination in this country. 

HONORING THE LIFE OF REV. BONIFACE HARDIN

On March 24, 2012, Reverend Boniface Hardin, one of the luminaries of the civil rights movement from the 7^th District of Indiana, passed away. His commitment to education, compassion, and brotherly love left an indelible mark on the City of Indianapolis. It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of sadness that I express my condolences to the family and friends of Father Hardin. I want my constituents to know and those that knew Father Hardin that my thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Rev. Hardin became a Benedictine monk in 1953 at the young age of twenty, was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1959, and received a master of divinity degree in 1960. While serving as an associate pastor at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Indianapolis, he soon became a vocal advocate for racial and socio-economic equality during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. 

His spiritual commitment and dedication to self-improvement led to the foundation of the Martin Center in 1969 and later the Indianapolis Sickle Cell Center in 1977.  Under his leadership, the Martin Center College became Martin University, a fully accredited institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees to low-income and minority adult learners.

Rev. Hardin was designated a “Living Legend” in 2002 by the Indiana Historical Society.  The City of Indianapolis is lucky to have had such a caring, giving person in our midst. 

Congratulating the Indiana Blood Center on its 60^th Anniversary

On its sixtieth anniversary, I am proud to honor an organization that has helped save hundreds of thousands of lives through volunteer blood donations and blood component distribution to more than 60 hospitals across the state.

Indiana Blood Center was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in my district in Indianapolis.  This esteemed non-profit community service organization delivers more than 700 components of blood each day and provides other vital assistance to modern medicine through specialized blood typing for organ transplants, viral marker testing, transfusion recipients, and the National Marrow Donor Program.  The Center also serves as a vital link in the state’s life science and healthcare infrastructure in the areas of prostate cancer treatment, pharmaceutical research, stem cell and bone marrow donation.  It is the largest independent blood center in the state and ranks among the top 20 nationally.  Indiana Blood Center is a member of America’s Blood Centers, North America’s largest network of community-based, independent and non-profit blood centers – which, coincidentally, is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year.

Every two seconds, someone, somewhere will need a transfusion and one out of every seven patients entering a hospital will need blood.  Indiana Blood Center depends on the good people of Indiana and the nearly 4,000 organizations that host blood drives annually to meet the constant demand to serve the citizens of Indiana.  I would like to recognize this valuable contribution to our community and congratulate Indiana Blood Center for its 60 years of faithful and dedicated stewardship of Indiana’s blood supply. 

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD

RECOGNIZING GILBERT HOLMES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ACLU OF INDIANA, FOR A LIFE OF PUBLIC SERVICE

On the occasion of his retirement, I would like to congratulate Gilbert Holmes for a lifetime of trailblazing leadership and devoted public service. 

From humble roots growing up in Sparta, Illinois, Gil ascended to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, where he served valiantly for twenty years, including in Vietnam and as aide-de-camp to Major General Frederic Davison.

Upon leaving the service, Gil applied his organizational acumen with venerable Hoosier organizations, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Methodist Hospital, and Lincoln National Corporation.

From 1989 to 1996, Gil rendered distinguished public service as Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and later, as President and CEO of IndyGo.

Gil’s career culminated in his selection as executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, where he served ably for three years as both steward and advocate.

Gil has spent his life combating prejudice, proving skeptics wrong, and empowering those with whom he works to achieve great things. On March 31, 2012, Gil will retire, leaving behind a legacy of lives bettered by his mentorship and leadership. On behalf of the 7^th Congressional District of Indiana, I wish him well in his retirement and extend to him our gratitude for his commitment to the advancement of civil rights for all and to his fellow Hoosiers.

STATEMENT HONORING THE LIFE OF CONGRESSMAN DONALD PAYNE

From my first days in Congress, I always considered Donald Payne to be a mentor and friend.

He took me and others under his wing and showed us what it means to truly be a Member of Congress—not just a politician.

He showed me, like he showed so many in this Chamber, how much more we accomplish through humility and cooperation than through bravado and partisanship. 

He was brilliant and put thought into every word that he said—and because of that, Madam Speaker, his words carried weight on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers.

Most recently, I was privileged to serve under his leadership on the board of the Congressional Black Caucus. 

I was able to see up close how he brought together the diverse personalities and opinions of our caucus to achieve a greater purpose.

Donald Payne made our caucus strong and united and while we will attempt to fill the gap he leaves behind, I know we will never have another leader like him.

Madame Speaker, learning to serve in the House is truly an honor—but it is also a challenge.  As a young member, I am continuing to grow and find my place amongst my distinguished colleagues.

But I feel just a little more confident because I had a mentor and a role model in Donald Payne.

And as long as I am given the privilege to serve in this House, I look forward to carrying the legacy that he started—to fight for the underprivileged, to bring attention to critical issues that don’t make the front page.

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and to his staff, who know, like I do, how great a Member and how great a man he truly was. 

I’m reminded of a passage of a conversation that Jesus had with his disciples in the Book of Matthew, and they were dealing with this notion of leadership.  

And Jesus said very succinctly and very clearly and very wisely, and prophetically to them, when he said: ‘‘He who wishes to be chief among you shall first be your servant.’’

Let us remember and honor Donald Payne, a true public servant.

Mr. Speaker,

In 2010, the Affordable Care Act delivered a $250 check to seniors in my District who were struggling to cover the gap between the cost of their prescription drugs and their Medicare coverage.

In 2011, these same seniors benefitted from an average savings of $648 on their medications.  For my Republican colleagues who say health reform is hurting Medicare beneficiaries, I ask them to imagine spending 2 and 3 times that amount on prescription drugs per month.  For most seniors, $648 is significant savings—and it is just the beginning.

The Affordable Care Act will provide more efficient care by bundling Medicare services, investing in our health care workforce, and focusing on quality.  Replacing Medicare with vouchers would erase the progress we’ve already made toward prescription drug coverage and lead to fewer choices for beneficiaries.

I encourage my colleagues to work with me on solutions that guarantee continued access to health care for our seniors.

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