Opposing Nutrition Cuts, Juneteenth, and Honoring Fatherhood -- June 17, 2011
Dear Friend,
Thank you for reading the Carson Courier! For additional information, please visit my website at https://www.carson.house.gov.
In this week's Carson Courier:
- Opposing Child and Senior Nutrition Cuts
- Celebrating Juneteenth
- Honoring Fatherhood on Father's Day
Opposing Child and Senior Nutrition Cuts
This week, I voted against the Republican-backed Agriculture Appropriations bill because it cuts $680 million from food and nutrition programs that assist millions of low-and middle-income families. One might think that, given rising food prices, if there is any issue that should garner bi-partisan support, it would be ensuring that children and seniors get proper nutrition.
Regrettably, only 19 Republicans joined me and the other House Democrats in opposing these cuts. Republicans chose to sever the lifeline to essential food for up to 350,000 low-income women and children (some 6,600 of whom are Hoosiers) and cut $30 million from senior food assistance programs next year. Yet, they remain unapologetic about overwhelmingly voting in favor of extending tax breaks to millionaires and subsidies to oil companies already earning record profits.
As long as I am in Congress, I will fight to ensure our most vulnerable citizens do not go hungry.
For more information click here.
Celebrating Juneteenth
Every June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest, nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers brought news to slaves in Galveston, Texas that the Civil War was over and that they were now free. Juneteenth is a meaningful occasion for African-Americans to reflect on the monumental figures who brought about freedom, as well as the equally-inspiring pioneers who have combated the lingering injustices thereafter. I wish you all a joyous celebration with friends.
Honoring Fatherhood on Father's Day
Being your representative in Congress is an incredible honor, but no job is as satisfying or essential as my job as a father. Studies have shown that children whose fathers are uninvolved perform more poorly in school, are more likely to use drugs, and have a greater number of emotional and behavioral problems. Sadly, one in three children in America today lives apart from their biological fathers. If we are to provide greater educational opportunities and put our youth on the path to greater success, we have to promote responsible fatherhood to stop the cycle of mothers going it alone. It is for these reasons that I proudly continue supporting legislation that my grandmother championed while in Congress that would encourage fathers to be more active in raising their children. This legislation, "the Julia Carson Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act," was named inhonor of the Congresswoman.
Thank you for reading the Carson Courier. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts and concerns. For more information, visit my website at https://www.carson.house.gov, my Congressional Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CongressmanAndreCarson and follow me on Twitter @RepAndreCarson. I value your views and your input, which help me better represent the people of Indiana's 7th District.