Two big scores for Senator Jack Reed (D. RI). First on the environment:
http://www.warwickonline.com/...
On Saturday, the U.S. Senate voted to maintain the requested $900 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a decision Environment Rhode Island believes Rhode Islanders should celebrate.
“Lovers of Rhode Island’s coast should be thrilled that the Senate voted to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a landmark program that keeps development and pollution away from our best natural heritage,” said Channing Jones, program associate at Environment Rhode Island, in a statement.
The LWCF was formed in 1964 to protect, improve and expand public lands. It is partially funded by offshore drilling royalties. According to the program’s website, it “provides matching grants to states and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation facilities.”
Jones explained that states receive funds from the LWCF that are proportional to their population. While historically Rhode Island has received anywhere from tens of thousands to a couple of million, their proportional share of the $900 million is roughly $3 million.
The Senate also rejected amendments that would block the cleanup of global warming and mercury pollution. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse both supported the funding and voted down the amendments.
“When it came to defending our progress cleaning up harmful mercury and global warming pollution from dirty power plants, Senators Reed and Whitehouse chose the environment and our health over polluters’ interests,” said Jones. - Warwick Beacon, 3/26/13
The second big score was for housing for the homeless:
http://www.wpri.com/...
U.S. Senator Jack Reed made a big announcement at the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless Annual Awards Luncheon on Monday afternoon.
Senator Reed announced at the luncheon that the state would be investing more than $4.79 million in federal funding to support programs working to reduce homelessness in Rhode Island. The grant, called the federal Continuum of Care grant, will support 43 local housing assistance programs that help, among others, homeless veterans, the mentally ill and single men, women and children.
The grant may potentially help the state thwart recent increases in statewide homelessness and over-crowding in many of the state's shelters. - WPRI, 3/25/13
And with Senate Banking Chairman, Senator Tim Johnson (D. SD) announcing his retirement today, Reed might be in line for a promotion:
http://www.cutimes.com/...
Trade association representatives on Capitol Hill say senior leadership on the Senate Banking Committee, poised to replace Chairman Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) who recently announced he will retire at the end of the current congressional session, is credit union friendly.
Should Democrats retain Senate majority following the 2014 mid-term elections, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) would be next in line to chair the committee. Last congress, Reed was an original co-sponsor of S. 2231, the Small Business Lending Enhancement Act, which would have raised the member business lending cap to 27.5% of assets.
“He’s been supportive of credit unions and their members, and would do a great job as chairman,” Katie Marisic, NAFCU director of political affairs, said of Reed. - Credit Union Times, 3/26/13
Even though he's safe for re-election, how about donating to Reed's re-election campaign as way of saying thanks and to keep up the good work:
https://secure.actblue.com/...