Prepared and Ready
Dear Friend,
It was an honor this week to deliver opening remarks at an active shooter emergency response drill at the Major General Emmett J. Bean Federal Center in Indianapolis, the third largest military facility in the United States. The exercise involved more than 30 local, state and federal agencies and was the first of its kind in the nation. It will become a model for other federal facilities in the country to respond to a potential active shooter or terrorist threat.
Obviously, I wish we didn't have to have these drills, but there have been seven active shooter incidents at military facilities in the past five years. We pray these moments never happen. We must be prepared if they do.
As a former law enforcement officer, it was a privilege to speak to those who routinely walk into dangerous situations to protect us from harm.
I have been a strong advocate in Congress that we must do a better job of monitoring the mental health of our men and women in uniform, whose jobs put them under incredible stress and who deserve our full support if they need assistance. We must also make sure that we are fully funding emergency preparedness efforts and the COPS grant program, which places more officers in communities across America.
I am proud that Indianapolis hosted such an important emergency response exercise, but I also hope that we can work together -- military and civilian personnel, elected officials, community leaders, law enforcement, faith leaders and others – toward a goal where the need for drills like the one this week is significantly diminished, if not eliminated altogether.
Sincerely,
André
Inside Scoop
Fighting Hunger in Central Indiana
I recently visited Gleaners Food Bank of Central Indiana to congratulate volunteers there during Volunteer Appreciation Week. Gleaners and its network serve more than 300,000 hungry Hoosiers in a 21-county area. One-third of those are Hoosier children. That outreach depends on a small army of volunteers – 21,000 last year – who give their time and energy to fight food insecurity.
During my visit, I had a chance to speak to more than 200 Duke Realty employees who were lending a hand that day. I want to thank them for their efforts and commend the thousands of volunteers who support Gleaners throughout the year.
Empowering Small Business Owners
Nearly 100 small business owners attended a forum that I co-hosted with U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Regional Administrator Ann P. Kalayil. Attendees learned how to navigate the federal contracting process and what local opportunities will be available in the coming year. If you weren't able to attend, you can click here to watch video from the forum.
Voting: Our Privilege and Responsibility
One of the greatest privileges of being an American citizen is the opportunity to voice your opinion through the electoral process. The 2014 primary election is next month, and you might be wondering where and when you can vote.
Below are important dates for Indiana voters:
Today through 12 pm on May 5, 2014 – Early Voting at Marion County Clerk's Office
May 6, 2014 – Primary Election Day
May 20, 2014 – Voter Registration Begins
October 6, 2014 – Voter Registration Ends
November 4, 2014 – General Election Day