Dear Friends,
Today, arbitrary across-the-board cuts, known as sequestration, go into effect for our Defense Department and many other government agencies. These cuts treat our highest priorities the same as our lowest priorities, and the impact on Rhode Island is unacceptable.
The best solution to all of our economic challenges, including the debt, is to pair long term, balanced reductions with investments in priorities that create jobs to strengthen the middle class. Unfortunately, sequestration’s impact on early education could cost more than 60 jobs in our state with hundreds fewer children served. Reducing workforce investment funding would mean more than 1,000 fewer Rhode Islanders getting job training. Many of our defense contractors face negative impacts, support for emergency responders and disaster relief is put at risk, and nutrition assistance for seniors faces cutbacks.
The current policy came about during the 2011 debt ceiling crisis as the only way for enough House Republicans to vote to prevent our country from defaulting on its obligations. I supported that vote knowing the alternative was significantly worse and that Democrats and Republicans must ultimately compromise on a long term budget deal to avoid this poison pill.
We have time to avert the worst consequences of sequestration, but we need a vote on a balanced plan that removes sequestration by combining new revenues with targeted spending cuts.
Unfortunately, Republican leadership continues to follow an ideology that says key investments in areas like education are worth abandoning to protect tax breaks for the wealthiest few and big corporations.
Democrats have put forward a solution that continues to cut spending on top of the $1.4 trillion already enacted in the past two years, while generating revenue from a minimum tax on millionaires, ending tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas, and closing tax subsidies for oil and gas companies making record profits. These measures allow us to avoid cuts that most harm the middle class and our economy. It’s time for a vote.
I invite you to share your thoughts by liking me on Facebook and writing on my wall, tweeting your comments to me or getting in touch via email.
Sincerely,
Giving Americans Affected by Gun Violence a Voice
I proudly led an effort in which Representatives and Senators gave their one guest ticket to the State of the Union address to someone affected by gun violence. The response from my colleagues was overwhelming. Nearly 40 guests who attended the President’s speech sent the most powerful message possible that the time for responsible gun safety legislation has come. I gave my ticket to Jim Tyrell of Warwick, whose sister was murdered in Providence nine years ago. You can read more about our effort and also watch some of the guests speak out at an event that day.
Making Sprinklers Affordable
The tenth anniversary of the tragic Station Nightclub Fire served as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of insufficient fire prevention. As my heart continues to go out to the survivors and families, I have again authored legislation inspired by that horrific event. It allows businesses and property owners to write off, for tax purposes, up to $500,000 of the cost of a sprinkler system. This bill is not a mandate, but simply recognizes that the cost of installation can be seriously prohibitive. Knowing lives are saved by these systems, we must ensure they are affordable.
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HIGH SCHOOL ART COMPETITION
Winning student for RI 2nd Congresisonal District will have his/her artwork displayed in U.S. Capitol
Student Info Forms Due: 3/15/13
Artwork Due: 4/5/13
Did You Know...?
TOUR REQUESTS
If you are planning a trip to Washington, Rep Langevin’s office can help book tours of the White House, U.S. Capitol and other sites. ››
FAST FACT
If sequestration continues, RI stands to lose about $2.4 million in primary and secondary education funding, $2.1 million for educating children with disabilities and college financial aid that supports about 340 students. ››
In Other News
DISMISSING DISTRACTIONS IN PUSH FOR GUN LEGISLATION
Disregarding outlandish criticism from pro-gun extremist Ted Nugent, Rep. Langevin appeared on MSNBC to keep up momentum toward forcing a vote in Congress on strengthening gun laws. ››
SPREADING A RHODE ISLANDER’S EMOTIONAL CALL TO ADDRESS GUNS
Rep. Langevin’s State of the Union guest, Jim Tyrell of Warwick, says he doesn’t want to see another family experience what his did when he lost his sister to gun violence. ››
PRAISING THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
Rep. Langevin applauded President Obama’s proposals to strengthen the economy and fix our gun laws. ››
COMMITTING TO RI RIVER PROTECTION
Rep. Langevin has reintroduced legislation with Senator Jack Reed to preserve and enhance the economic and cultural values of the Wood- Pawcatuck Watershed. The bill passed the House last year but stalled in the Senate. ››
SUPPORTING CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Continuing his push to improve workforce training to create jobs in Rhode Island and nationwide, Rep. Langevin used the occasion of Career and Technical Education month to call for full funding of Perkins Act programs. ››
COMMENDING PRESIDENT OBAMA’S COMMITMENT TO CYBERSECURITY
Amid news reports of escalating cyber threats, Rep. Langevin thanked the President for issuing policies to improve security of the nation’s critical computer networks. ››
RELEASING GUN TASK FORCE PRINCIPLES
Rep. Langevin supported principles issued by the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, of which he is a member, to reduce violence while respecting Second Amendment Rights. ››