Remembering Those In Need
A Note from Congressman Carson
Dear Friend,
One of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving, is right around the corner. Over the coming week, we will take a few precious days to come together, count our blessings, and share a meal with our loved ones. This time-honored American tradition allows us to reflect on all that we are thankful for—our family and friends, our health and our great nation.
As my family prepares to gather around our dinner table to enjoy meal together, I cannot help but reflect on my fellow Hoosiers who will not be afforded the same opportunity. Over 30% of families in Indianapolis still live in hunger, many of whom rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Currently, the average recipient receives $134 per month, or about $1.50 per meal, to buy healthy and nutritious food. This is a very small amount that makes simply eating difficult, much less celebrating a holiday.
Unfortunately, this program is under attack. My Republican colleagues propose to cut $39 billion from the program which means less nutritious food for families that is so critical to productivity at work and school. In this time of high unemployment and underemployment, we should be increasing funding instead of decreasing.
I know this issue is important to us all. That is why I took to the House floor this past Tuesday to speak about the importance of nutrition programs and the terrible impact that potential cuts to the program would have on our city. To view the video click here.
This Thanksgiving, let's all stand together as we make sure no one in this great country ever goes hungry. SNAP is America's first line of defense against hunger and I will do everything in my power to make sure it does not get cut. If I can help you in anyway please do not hesitate to contact my office. Have a wonderful weekend!
Best,
André
Inside Scoop:
Congratulations to the Lincoln Apartments- Housing for Homeless Veterans
This past Monday we celebrated the opening of the Lincoln Apartments—the city's first supportive housing facility for homeless veterans. Congressman Carson has fought hard to address homelessness in our community. He believes that no one should experience homelessness especially our veterans who have fought and sacrificed for our freedom. We would like to congratulate each organization involved in this project. This will go a long way towards ensuring that our Hoosier veterans are being taken care of once they come home.
Senator Lugar Receives Our Nation's Highest Civilian Honor
Congressman Carson was at the White House on Wednesday to watch our beloved former Mayor of Indianapolis and Senator Richard Lugar bestowed with our nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Senator Lugar was one of 16 Americans given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, an honor reserved for those who have made significant contributions to national security, world peace or cultural developments.
President Obama stated, "In a time of unrelenting partisanship, Dick Lugar's decency, his commitment to bipartisan problem solving, stand as a model of what public service ought to be." Senator Lugar is an amazing man who has dedicated his life to working hard for Indiana and for a more peaceful world. Congressman Carson stands with his fellow Hoosiers to congratulate him on this honor and to thank him for his years of selfless service.