EC From DC - May 25, 2012

			Congressman Cleaver tells crowd about job creation project

Jobs continue to be my primary focus. This week we celebrated the creation of more than 120 jobs, along with the completion of the I-435 and Front Street highway interchange. There are so many important things about this project. The first is the fact that so many local employees found work in an economy that continues to improve, but still needs much work.

This project is revolutionary. It is the first diverging diamond highway interchange that was designed for the Western Hemisphere. I believe there is a place for the federal government and this is a perfect example. The more than $8M contract was funded at 80% with federal funds. The diverging diamond design works far better than a much bigger, more expensive interchange.

Congressman Cleaver explains the community cooperation that made this project possible

The innovative new design allows more traffic to navigate in a safer and more efficient pattern. This project, in large part, would not have been possible without the cooperation and input of area business owners and employees. They helped make sure consumers and products could still reach their locations without congestion or delay.

Construction took less than half the time that a major interchange replacement normally takes – and at about a third of the cost.

I was pleased to join Lafarge employees in Sugar Creek this week to update myself on the very latest at the plant. Lafarge employs more than 250 local residents who manufacture cement and concrete for KC area construction, infrastructure and transportation projects. I was asked to join the Congressional Cement Caucus – and was proud to do so.

The Lafarge Sugar Creek cement plant is a leader in the use of alternative fuels. As you know, this is something that is very important to me. The company has replaced more than 50% of fossil fuels required to fire their kiln with landfill gas, and shredded non-hazardous by-products. What this means to us is that local emissions and truck traffic are reduced – which is a win-win for the community and for the company.

Lafarge is leading the way in many areas – including testing and research. One area of current importance concerns the testing of oil well cement. The mix of this cement is very complex. It has to be able to travel through a well, often horizontally, and then set quickly at the designated point of arrival. This is very important as the demand for domestic energy increases, along with the hope that the demand for this type of concrete grows in the years to come.

My Mobile Office is designed specifically to serve constituents. It is handicapped accessible, wireless and environmentally friendly. Missouri's Fifth District is very large and many people can't get to a brick and mortar building. Some don't have transportation, some don't have good health and some simply don't have the time. That is why I take the Mobile Office into different communities each week. My hope is to reach anyone who has questions, needs help or wants to visit about other issues. It is a more cost-efficient way to operate than leasing additional office space, staffing and upkeep. For more information about where you can find the Mobile Office in the weeks to come – please visit: /.

It is always a lively discussion when we join KCUR's Steve Kraske to talk about the latest issues, hot topics and our opinions. This week I joined my colleague, Rep. Kevin Yoder (R, KS-3), to answer questions from callers, Mr. Kraske and to discuss ongoing efforts in our districts. This week we focused on many issues including the economy, jobs, and funding for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. If you'd like to hear the interview: https://kcur.org/post/us-representatives-emanuel-cleaver-kevin-yoder.

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner and millions of Americans will be gearing up for barbecues, travel, and family functions. While the long weekend is a good time for rest and relaxation, it is important that we remember the true significance of this holiday.

First enacted in 1868 to honor the soldiers who lost their lives in the Civil War, Memorial Day has since been expanded to commemorate all U.S. men and women who have died in military service. To those who answered their nation's call, who served with strength, honor, and courage, we owe an impossible debt of gratitude. We take this day to honor our friends, family, and neighbors in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

There are many ways to show your appreciation for our nation's military and honor the spirit of the holiday, whether it is writing letters to injured soldiers in the hospital, sending care packages to troops overseas, or volunteering in our community.

Not sure where to start? The U.S. government has many resources available on how you can help:

• Check out Joining Forces, Michelle Obama and Jill Biden's inititive to mobilize volunteers and give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned.

• Use the US Post Office's guidelines on sending items to our troops stationed overseas.

• Find service member support organizations by clicking here and here.

No matter how much time you have, or on what scale you can show your appreciation, I urge you to take some time this Memorial Day to give thanks to veterans, members now in uniform, and their families. I will be observing Memorial Day at the Liberty Memorial, with many of you. As you know I continue to work for national and international recognition of the Liberty Memorial, and all of the World War I veterans it honors.

Emanuel Cleaver, II Member of Congress