 | | | | | | | BUILDING A STRONGER ECONOMY AND A BETTER UNDERSTANDING | Congressman Cleaver tours the watershed project on John Hanford's land just North of Odessa |
I had a glorious day recently in Higginsville, Odessa, and Wellington. The sun was shining and the company was tremendous. I spent the day visiting with constituents throughout the area to ensure I was hearing concerns and answering any questions. And there are so many questions these days about what Congress is doing. Or, should I more correctly say, what Congress is not doing? While the bickering and partisan politics continue in our nation's Capitol, there is still much work that needs to be done. Our economy is rebounding, yet still very fragile. Hardworking families are working even harder, and still struggling to pay the basic bills. Farmers, ranchers, and producers in Missouri's Fifth District desperately want – and need – certainty and direction from Washington, in order to make sound business decisions and compassionate choices at home.
| A scenic photo of a watershed site in Lafayette County |
Mr. John Hanford was kind enough to show me around his watershed site and share his experiences surrounding the challenges and general upkeep. The watersheds were originally built with federal assistance, but federal funding has been discontinued in recent years. Large and expensive repairs will be beyond the capability of local watershed districts to pay for, and some of the dams that protect homes and infrastructure, like roads and railways, could be in jeopardy if the dams fail. Discussing possible avenues for funding to help finance potential repairs to drain pipes and others parts of the dam, if necessary, were an important part of our discussions.
| Congressman Cleaver answers a question during the Lafayette County Farm Bureau dinner in Higginsville |
I also visited with many area residents during the 93rd Annual Meeting of the Lafayette County Farm Bureau. We discussed issues facing farmers, including economic security, increasing opportunities for organic farmers and creating better communications and cooperation between the different areas of agriculture. One of the things I pledged to assist with is continuing education about the origin of the food we eat and the symbiotic relationship between rural, suburban, and urban parts of Missouri's Fifth District. This is such a critical part of moving forward together. We all depend on each other, and benefit from the roles we play and the services we provide. It is through working together, better understanding one another, and respecting all people, that we strengthen our vibrant communities – and leave our cities and towns better for our children.
PROGRESS CONTINUES IN GREEN IMPACT ZONE
| Employees of the Green Impact Zone and the Bancroft School project take a moment to pause for a photo |
Work continues on the repurposing of the Bancroft School in Kansas City. The project, which involves Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation, will provide some 50 LEED Platinum apartments and should be completed in the next few months. One of the focuses continues to be the creation and retention of jobs in the urban core. Several of the graduates of the Green Impact Zone's Essential Employability Skills Training are now employed and working on the school. I am excited about the Bancroft School initiative and all that is going on within the Green Impact Zone – and will continue to keep you updated on developments.
MAKING OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE – PROJECT RISE
| Congressman Cleaver poses for a picture with Mrs. Deni Loving (left) who was named Kansas City Adult Education and Literacy Teacher of the Year in 2012 |
Education is one of the most important foundations for children – and for adults. And certainly, the ability to read and comprehend is a critical and necessary component at any age. I was honored to meet with Mrs. Deni Loving recently and congratulate her on being named Kansas City Adult Education and Literacy Teacher of the Year (KCAEL). Mrs. Loving is a teacher in the Full Employment Council's Project RISE program. She and her students have achieved incredible results together. Not only does she improve their lives by improving their academics, she is well-known for the love and compassion she brings to the job.
| Congressman Cleaver listens to an update on Project RISE from FEC President & CEO, Clyde McQueen, and Manager of Social Innovation Fund-Project RISE, Kirk Proctor |
I also took the opportunity to tour the Project RISE program itself. It's a four-year program for low-income, young adults, between the ages of 18 and 24. The participants don't have a high school diploma or a GED, don't have long term employment, and generally read at the 6th grade level or higher. That is when they begin. But at the conclusion, the goal is to greatly improve those reading skills, remove barriers to economic achievement, and prepare for a productive career.
CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER HONORED FOR
BUILDING BRIDGES – LITERALLY
| Missouri Public Transit Association President Tom Mogelnicki (left) with Congressman Cleaver's Chief of Staff, Geoff Jolley |
I was saddened to be out of town recently and miss accepting the "Friends of Transit" Award from the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) for 2013. My Chief of Staff, Geoff Jolley, attended in my place. A safe and sound infrastructure is something I believe is vital to our country's security and economy, and is a primary focus of work in Washington DC. This country, and specifically Missouri's Fifth District, has a desperate need for improvements in and repairs of, our infrastructure. MPTA President Tom Mogelnicki cited my work in Washington in presenting this award. My hope is to building bridges, even across the political divide, on behalf of transportation needs in our state and our region.
Emanuel Cleaver, II
Member of Congress
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| Kansas City Office
101 W 31st St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816-842-4545
Fax: 816-471-5215 | Independence Office
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Fax: 816-833-2991 | Washington Office
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Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-4535
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