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Recent News
Rep. Edwards’ Statement on Government Shutdown
I am outraged and saddened by the events that have unfolded in the House of Representatives. Three times, House Republicans have had the opportunity to take up a bill to fund our government, and three times they have insisted on attaching proposals to shut down the government. Tonight, they got their wish.
Instead of keeping 124,000 Maryland federal employees on the job, Republicans want to put insurance companies back in charge of Americans’ healthcare. Instead of making sure that 443,076 Maryland veterans receive their benefits, Republicans are bowing to the demands of the extreme Tea Party wing of their party.
The impact of a government shutdown to families in Maryland’s 4th Congressional District and the economy in our region cannot be overstated. The time for political games and fiscal brinksmanship is long over. I will continue to fight to make sure House Republicans take up and pass a clean budget bill that funds our government.
Open Enrollment Begins Today and ACA Premiums in Maryland Among Lowest in the Country
As today begins open enrollment in the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, called Maryland Health Connection, I wanted to share some good news regarding premiums. Below are some helpful new facts specifically for the state of Maryland compiled by the White House:
Again, to check on eligibility and enroll beginning today, October 1, 2013, please visit: www.marylandhealthconnection.gov or call (855)642-8572.
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FR-5700-N-17 Assisted Living Conversion Program (ALCP) Department of Housing and Urban Development
Description: The ALCP provides funding for the physical costs of converting some or all of the units of an eligible multifamily development into an ALF or SEH, including unit configuration and related common and service space, and any necessary remodeling, consistent with HUD or the state's statute/regulations (whichever is more stringent), including compliance with all applicable accessibility laws. Typical funding will cover basic physical conversion of existing project units, as well as related common and service space. For ALF conversions, there must be sufficient community space to accommodate a central kitchen or dining facility; if meals are prepared at an off-site location, the preparation area of the facility must be of sufficient size to allow for the installation of a full kitchen. For both ALF and SEH conversions, there must be community space available to all residents of the project. All applicants seeking ALCP funding must provide supportive services for the residents either directly or through a third party. The application must include a firm commitment, letter of support, or a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the supportive services offered within the ALF or SEH. The project may charge assisted living or service-enriched residents for meals and/or service fees. Residents may contract with third party agencies directly for nursing, therapy, or other services not offered by the ALF or SEH. Refer to Section III.C.3.e, for more information about Meals and Supportive Services. Residents must be offered, but cannot be required to accept, any supportive services.
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For more grants, please click here.
Spoke at President Obama’s Event in Prince George’s County to Highlight Benefits of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
On Thursday, I joined President Barack Obama at Prince George’s Community College to highlight benefits the American people will receive thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Speaking before the President took the stage, I shared my personal story about not having health insurance, getting sick, and almost losing my home because of the staggering hospital bills. It was great to see so many young people in the audience, as the President fired up the crowd and laid out why the ACA is so important, what the law is really about, and dispelled many of the myths and scare tactics we’ve heard recently.
Here is a quote from my speech:
“Beginning on January 1, 2014, over 480,000 Marylanders who don't have healthcare will be eligible for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act and all they have to do is to sign up starting next week, October 1. Look, I know firsthand what it’s like to not have healthcare. After graduating law school, I was a single mom with a toddler, working every day to make ends meet. I struggled financially, juggling the mortgage, utilities, day care, and my student loans. Like so many Marylanders, I worked every day, but I didn't have health insurance. I was young and healthy. I thought I wouldn't get sick, but I did. When I got sick the hospital bills were staggering. They overwhelmed me. As a result, I almost lost my home in foreclosure.
But no more! Today is a new day because of what our President did to bring us Obamacare! He knows that no one should end up like I did: in an emergency room, facing financial ruin because I couldn’t afford a doctor’s visit and $20 worth of antibiotics. Thank you, Mr. President.”
Maryland is Ranked Best State for Women in New Report
According to a report released by the Center for American Progress recently, Maryland ranked first in the country for the overall well-being of women. The report titled, “The State of Women in America”, assessed 50 states on three categories related to women’s stability; economic security, leadership opportunities, and health. Maryland received an “A” grade in both economic security and leadership, and a “B” in health.
Maryland was fourth nationally in terms of the total percentage of elected positions held by women of color in Congress, statewide office, and the state legislature. Maryland women were third nationwide in terms of the number of managerial jobs they held. This contributes to the fact that women in our state have one of the lowest wage gaps in the country, earning 85 cents for every dollar earned by a man, and the third-lowest poverty rate across the country. To read the full report, please click here.
I am proud of the progress our state has made to ensure greater economic stability, leadership opportunities, and health security for women, and for being a model for the rest of the nation. Our state is clearly taking the right steps to ensure women play an equal role in our economy, government, and community.
As the Chair of the Democratic Women’s Working Group and Co-chair of the bipartisan Women’s Caucus, I will continue to support these efforts by working to raise the federal minimum wage, promote women in leadership, and ensure families have access to quality and affordable healthcare. These priorities are reflected in a new economic agenda, “When Women Succeed, America Succeeds: An Economic Agenda for Women and Families”, which I helped launch with Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and several of my colleagues in July. The agenda provides an actionable framework we can move forward that addresses the economic challenges facing women and families today, including equal pay, work and family balance, and affordable childcare. To read more about the agenda, please click here.
Roundtable Discussion on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos”
I took part in a roundtable discussion with Rep. Justin Amash, Cokie Roberts, Matthew Dowd, and Paul Gigot, where we discussed Syria, the fights in Congress about funding the federal government, delaying the start of the Affordable Care Act, and raising the debt ceiling.
Click on the image below to watch the clip.
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The office is located at:
877 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard
Ritchie Court Office Building, Unit 101
Severna Park, MD 21146
Map it! |
Rain Doesn’t Dampen Good Time at Anne Arundel County District Office Open House
Despite the storms that rolled through the area, it was wonderful to see so many residents come out and celebrate the opening of the Anne Arundel County District Office. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people, and reconnect with others. If you need assistance or have any questions, you can contact the Anne Arundel District Office at (410) 421-8061.
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Evangel Assembly’s 9th Annual Health and Wellness Expo
On September 14, I visited Evangel Assembly’s 9th Annual Health and Wellness Expo: “Healthy People = Healthy Communities: Aging in America”. This year they had personal One-on-One Physician consultations, interactive health and fitness activities, including mini-seminars, and free health screenings presented by local experts that explored new ways to get and stay healthy. I took the opportunity to have my blood pressure checked, and it was great to see so many people taking advantage of the free health screenings they has onsite.
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*Please note, the coffee conversation scheduled originally for October 5 in Hyattsville has had to be postponed. A new date will be shared once it is rescheduled.
Below is information regarding an event I will be hosting in October. If you have any questions, please call Selena Singleton at (301) 516-7601 or visit www.donnaedwards.house.gov for more future events.
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| What: |
5th Annual College and Career Fair |
| When: |
Saturday, October 19, 2013
8:30 am - 1:00 pm
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| Where: |
Oxon Hill High School
6701 Leyte Drive
Oxon Hill, MD, 20745
Map It!
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| For a list of colleges and universities that are scheduled to attend, as well as, a list of workshops that will be offered, please click here. |
Please feel free to forward this information to your family and friends. To learn more about these efforts, to express your views, or to sign up for email updates, please visit my website. You can also connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.
Sincerely,
Donna
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Washington, D.C. Office
2445 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-8699 main
202-225-8714 fax
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Prince George's County Office
5001 Silver Hill Road, Suite 106
Suitland, Maryland 20746
301-516-7601 main
301-516-7608 fax
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Anne Arundel County Office
877 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard
Ritchie Court Office Building, Unit 101
Severna Park, MD 21146
410-421-8061 main
410-421-8065 fax |
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