Looking back on 2023.

2023 was a milestone year for my office. 
 
I’m proud to deliver for hardworking, middle-class American families. Thanks to legislation Democrats passed last Congress and with President Biden’s leadership, we’re making real progress. 
 
In the next year, I’ll continue keeping you informed on developments that are relevant to you and that are making a real impact in our community. Here are just a few more highlights from 2023: 
 
-In August, I joined Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Mayor Joe Hogsett to announce a new, $25 million grant to help convert downtown Indianapolis streets from one-way directional traffic to two-way. Midwestern cities have reported significant success restoring two-way traffic on one-way streets for motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrian safety. With this project, we’re making our roads easier to use and safer for everyone, whether you’re traveling by car, bike, or foot. In total, Indiana has received over $4 billion towards infrastructure projects thanks to the monumental Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and counting – stay tuned in 2024 for even more project announcements. 
 
-In 2023, I responded to over 70,000 of your messages. You wrote to me about issues like healthcare, environmental issues, animal rights, defending Social Security and Medicare, and more. Hearing from Indianapolis residents continues to drive policy decisions, and I look forward to continue having these important conversations. 
 
-My office put $1.5 MILLION back in the pockets of Indianapolis residents in 2023. Throughout the year, you’ve heard success stories from residents who have contacted our office with issues ranging from help with delayed Social Security benefits, securing healthcare for Veterans, and tax returns. We’ll continue advocating for the benefits you deserve and that you’ve earned, and make navigating federal agencies a little bit easier. 
 
-I introduced the Emerging Businesses Encouragement Act, which would strengthen and improve small businesses. Emerging businesses face unique challenges in their first few years of operation, and my bill will ensure these businesses are able to compete for federal contracts and gain access to critical small business loans. For folks in our country to have the right foundation for long-term success, they must have access to financial literacy programs. My Young American Financial Literacy Act establishes a grant program to develop and implement financial literacy programs for young people ages 8-24. The goal of both these bills is to ensure everyone has the chance to success – no matter what background you come from.   
 
-My annual Job & Resource Fair and my Youth Opportunities Fair connected hundreds of Indianapolis residents to jobs and opportunities. The job market is strong – over 14 million new jobs have been created since President Biden came into office, and we’re experiencing a resurgence of manufacturing as well as the clean energy jobs of the future. But I want to make sure those opportunities are accessible, which is why my Job Fair is so important. We connected Indianapolis residents to good-paying, meaningful jobs as well as other tools you need to succeed, like resume help, interview prep, and more. 
 
-This year, the PACT Act resulted in the largest health care and benefit expansion in veteran history. Thanks to this bill, veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxics during their service can now receive millions of dollars in lifesaving benefits. That includes individuals suffering from brain cancer, pancreatic cancer, asthma that was diagnosed after service, chronic bronchitis, and breast cancer. This year, over 35,000 Indianapolis veterans became eligible for new benefits, and I’ll keep working to ensure everyone has access to the benefits they earned.

And there’s more to come into the new year. Thank you for the honor of serving as your Congressman – I’ll never stop working to make life better for you and your family. 
 
 

Team Carson is Here to Serve You:

Need assistance navigating a federal agency, accessing benefits, or helping a community member recognize a milestone? We can help! Get in touch with our district office at 317-283-6516. 

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Your Friend,

André