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Florida Congresswoman Kathy Castor Calls on USPS to Address Lack of Air Conditioning for Tampa Area Fleet

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Florida Congresswoman Kathy Castor Calls on USPS to Address Lack of Air Conditioning for Tampa Area Fleet

U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14) urged Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and local Postmasters to address the lack of air conditioning in mail delivery trucks by swiftly updating the mail delivery fleet with modern electric vehicles while making desperately needed fixes to its current fleet to ensure the health and safety of Letter Carriers as climate pollution exacerbates extreme, record-breaking heatwaves. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed one year ago, is funding the modernization of the mail delivery fleet and Castor is pressing for prioritization to the Tampa Bay region.

Castor’s letter follows numerous reports of failing delivery vehicles with broken air conditioning as the Tampa Bay region experiences its hottest summer on record.

The letter can be found here and below:

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy                   

475 L’Enfant Plaza SW

Washington DC 20260-0010

RE: Urgent need to update USPS delivery vehicles in Tampa Bay region

Dear Postmaster General DeJoy,

I write to you and local Postmasters on behalf of the more than 3,000 Letter Carriers employed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) who serve in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay region. It has been brought to my attention that many Letter Carriers operate outdated delivery trucks without functioning air conditioning. The Tampa Bay region and its residents just lived through the hottest July on record and have already experienced multiple heat advisories in August with no end in sight. The heat index regularly exceeds 100 degrees due to oppressive humidity. I am very concerned with the impact of heat stress on my neighbors who work outside including our Letter Carriers. Every corner of our community relies on consistent delivery from the USPS, and we must provide safe working environments, including air-conditioned vehicles, for Letter Carriers. 

The devastating health and economic consequences of the climate crisis continue to grow, and the Tampa Bay region is particularly at risk for extreme heat and worsening air quality on hot, humid days. We need to take swift action and use every tool at our disposal to strengthen communities’ — and workers’ — resilience against such extreme heat and weather events. You may be aware of the recent Teamsters-UPS North American contract negotiations where the Teamsters collectively bargained for fair wages, safe working conditions, affordable health care and increased retirement benefits. The tentative agreement would mandate equipping the company’s fleet of vehicles with air conditioning, new heat shields, and additional fans. These terms should be extended to all delivery service employees.

Moreover, USPS must expedite its key role to mitigate greenhouse gas pollution and avoid higher costs driven by the climate crisis. I am pleased that the landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included $3 billion to electrify the USPS delivery fleet. This investment will help USPS adopt a modernization plan to roll out 66,000 electric delivery vehicles and tens of thousands of charging stations through 2028, with a target of acquiring only EVs after 2026. USPS has announced its priority to provide carriers and communities with safer, more efficient vehicles that feature air-conditioning and advanced safety technology more suited to modern day operations. I urge you to speed these modern vehicles to the Tampa Bay region.

USPS Letter Carriers play an essential role every day in delivering critical products across the country and keeping the American economy afloat. Letter Carriers and postal workers labored throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to move an invaluable amount of goods that kept American families safe, connected, healthy, and fed. Electrifying the USPS delivery fleet will help strengthen our postal network, support our postal workers, create new good-paying jobs, expand lower cost clean energy, and preserve the reliable, nationwide mail service that Tampa Bay families and small businesses rely on. I encourage you to move swiftly implement a plan to electrify the Tampa Bay mail delivery fleet, and in the interim guarantee the health and safety of Letter Carriers during the months of extreme heat.

Greg Murphy & North Carolina Republicans Champion NC First Responders’ Retirement Plans

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This week, Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), with the support of all House Republicans in North Carolina, introduced legislation to provide greater access to pension plans for North Carolina first responders. This bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code to include full-time nonprofit firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) workers in governmental pension plans. Currently, full-time nonprofit emergency providers are not eligible to participate in North Carolina’s pension plan due to federal law.

“North Carolinians depend on the selfless service of first responders every single day,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.”It is only fitting that these dedicated individuals should be able to depend on the government to provide them with a reliable retirement plan. This bill will be critical in ensuring our brave first responders are taken care of when their call to service comes to an end.”

“I am proud to continue my support for this legislation that provides fire and EMS personnel serving at non-profit departments the same benefits as their state-employed counterparts,” said Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry.”These brave men and women work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and deserve our support.”

“North Carolinians can sleep safer at night knowing that there are dedicated firefighters and EMS personnel standing ready to keep our communities safe,” said Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx.”It’s only fair that these heroes are able to access the same state sponsored retirement benefits available to governmental employees. I’m proud to join this legislation and support our first responders for their important contributions.”

“Firefighters and EMS workers keep our community safe and deserve our support,” said Congressman Richard Hudson.”I am proud to join Rep. Murphy to introduce this legislation that would allow these nonprofit first responders to access the North Carolina state pension fund. I look forward to working with my NC colleagues to advance this commonsense bill in Congress.”

“Our first responders work around the clock and risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” said Congressman David Rouzer.”I’m pleased to join my colleagues from North Carolina in introducing a bill to ensure volunteer firefighters and EMS workers can join a state or local retirement system and earn the benefits they deserve for so nobly serving the public.”

“Our volunteer firefighters and EMS workers put their lives on the line every day to keep us all safe,” said Congressman Dan Bishop.”Their service should be commended, and they deserve access to the same retirement funds as their counterparts employed by the state. I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation and thank our first responders for their continued service and sacrifice.”

“North Carolina’s firefighters and EMS heroes who are employed full-time by non-profit departments put their lives on the line every single day for our communities,”s aid Congressman Chuck Edwards.”It is past time for these brave men and women to be able to access secure retirement benefits through the state pension system.”

“I thank Representatives Murphy, McHenry, Foxx, Hudson, Rouzer, Bishop, and Edwards for introducing this legislation,” said Chief Donna Black, the President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.”This legislation will ensure that our members of the North Carolina fire and emergency services are recognized for their commitment to their communities. As volunteer fire departments adapt to a changing environment, it is important that we recognize and look after the career firefighters who work alongside them and allow the sustainability of our volunteer service.”

“I commend Rep. Murphy for his leadership in introducing this important legislation to allow paid firefighters and EMS personnel in non-profit departments to receive the retirement benefits they’ve earned through serving their communities,” said Steve Hirsch, Chair of the National Volunteer Fire Council.

BACKGROUND:
The current tax code prevents full-time nonprofit firefighters and EMS workers from joining the state retirement system. In North Carolina, 74% of fire departments are non-profit and employ 5,527 paid personnel who could be affected.

This legislation would provide clarity by stating these volunteers and EMS personnel can join their state/local retirement system and was previously introduced in the 117th Congress by Rep. Patrick McHenry (NC-10).

You can read the bill here.

Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter leads bipartisan push to modernize federal passport services

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Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter leads bipartisan push to modernize federal passport services

Below is a press release from Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter.

In response to unprecedented passport processing delays at the Department of State, Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced the bipartisan Passport Modernization Act, a bill to make the passport application process easier and more efficient.


The State Department is experiencing a post-pandemic travel surge, with a nearly 40% increase in passport application requests since 2022. This boom is overwhelming both State Department and congressional resources, causing unworkable and frustrating delays for travelers. The Passport Modernization Act will enable the State Department to better serve the American people by increasing staff, updating the online passport system, and increasing congressional oversight.


“Despite their best efforts, the State Department is failing to meet the American people’s passport needs. After a series of meetings, congressional hearings, and oversight letters, it is clear that fundamental reform is necessary to ensure that passport applicants have the communication, certainty, and timeliness they deserve. This bill accomplishes this goal by giving the State Department necessary resources and strengthening oversight of this vital responsibility,” said Rep. Carter.


Specifically, this bill will:

  • Provide Special Hiring Authority to the Secretary of State to hire exclusively Passport and Visa Examining Series (GSA Code 0967) for three years.
  • Require the Secretary to provide quarterly reports on processing times, delays and methods that are being used to eradicate the backlog.
  • Require the Department of State to modernize the online passport filing system. 
  • Require the GAO to conduct a report on National Passport Information Center operations.

Co-sponsors include: Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA), Cory Mills (R-FL), Max Miller (R-OH), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Seth Moulton (D-MA), and Susie Lee (D-NV).

Read the full bill text here.

Missouri Governor Announces Five Judicial Appointments

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Missouri Governor Announces Five Judicial Appointments

Below is a press release from the office of Missouri Governor Mike Parson.

JEFFERSON CITY — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the 3rd, 11th, 31st, and 39th Judicial Circuits.

Carrie Lamm-Clark, of Jefferson City, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Grundy County in the 3rd Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Lamm-Clark is currently a judge advocate general for the Missouri National Guard. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of Kansas and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri. She will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Steven Hudson as Circuit Judge.

Vincent Johnson, of O’Fallon, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Johnson is currently a partner at The Johnson Law Firm, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton. He will fill the newly-established position in the circuit.

Derek Ankrom, of Springfield, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 31st Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Ankrom is currently a partner at Spencer Fane LLP. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Michael J. Cordonnier.

Nathan Taylor, of Strafford, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 31st Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Taylor is currently a partner at Taylor, Stafford, Clithero and Harris, LLP. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business finance from Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Kaiti Greenwade as Circuit Judge.

The Honorable Alan Blankenship, of Galena, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 39th Judicial Circuit.

Judge Blankenship currently serves as an associate circuit judge in Stone County. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Missouri Southern State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri. He will fill the newly-established position in the circuit.

VIDEO: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp speaks at conservative conference in Atlanta

Ben Burnett
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VIDEO: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp speaks at conservative conference in Atlanta

Georgia Can’t Change State’s 5-Year Pardon Wait for Trump Unless State Democrats Assist

Matt OHern
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Georgia Can’t Change State’s 5-Year Pardon Wait for Trump Unless State Democrats Assist

Advisors to some of Georgia’s most powerful Republican politicians dampened prospects of any reforms that would give Gov. Brian Kemp (R) direct authority to pardon those convicted of crimes, including former President Donald Trump.

Earlier this week, I explained why Trump won’t be eligible for a pardon in Georgia for five years if he’s found guilty of the charges brought by District Attorney Fanni Willis. Under Georgia’s constitution, Gov. Brian Kemp doesn’t have the authority to pardon the former president. Georgia’s legal system is structured with an independent board that grants or denies requests for pardons.

After hearing about Georgia’s unique system for pardons, Trump’s defenders began pressing the most powerful Republicans in the state to initiate reforms for Trump to be pardoned. Reforming Georgia’s pardon system in place would require a constitutional amendment, which can only happen with a two-thirds vote in the General Assembly and support from a majority of voters in a referendum. It can’t pass without significant Democratic support, which means that there is no hope for such a change to be made to accommodate Trump and his supporters.

In an excerpt from the Atlanta Journal Constitution (Georgia’s largest newspaper, not a legal document) Kemp adviser Cody Hall compared the conspiracy theories that dominated pro-Trump circles in the last presidential election to the pressure campaign now to overhaul the pardon process.

“Where have I heard special session, changing decades-old law, and overturning constitutional precedent before?” Hall asked. “Oh right, prior to Republicans losing two Senate runoffs in January of 2021.”

He added: “What are people hoping to learn in the second kick of the election-losing mule?”

A top deputy to House Speaker Jon Burns also dismissed the idea.

“Given the political makeup of the General Assembly,” Burns spokesman Kaleb McMichen said, “such an amendment is not feasible and thus would not merit consideration.”

Virginia Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton Highlights Inflation Reduction Act on One Year Anniversary

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Virginia Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton Highlights Inflation Reduction Act on One Year Anniversary

Below is a press release from Virginia Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton.

U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) celebrated the one year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act being signed into law, highlighting the many ways the transformative law is lowering costs for Virginians, investing in clean energy and jobs, and building an economy that benefits working families.

“I’m proud to have voted to pass the groundbreaking Inflation Reduction Act which is bringing down costs, investing in a healthy planet for our future, and fixing our tax system by making the ultra-wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “Virginians are feeling the impacts of this transformative law from saving money on prescription drug costs and health care premiums to taking advantage of new clean energy and energy efficiency tax credits. I look forward to building on this important work to continue growing an economy that supports middle class families and creates good-paying jobs for the future.”

Just a year after being signed into law, the Inflation Reduction Act is having a major impact on the everyday lives of Virginians and the economy by:

  • Taking on Big Pharma and following through on the promise to rein in skyrocketing prescription drug costs, which is saving more than 2,600 seniors on Medicare in Virginia-10 an average of $490 a year thanks to the new $35/month cap on out-of-pocket insulin costs.
  • Putting money back in the pockets of families by lowering health care premiums, saving more than 38,000 Virginia-10 residents insured through the Affordable Care Act an average of $800 a year on health care costs.
  • Delivering the largest investment in climate action in history, boosting American clean energy manufacturing to lay the groundwork necessary to reduce carbon pollution by 40% by 2030.  Meanwhile, families are saving money on their energy costs thanks to all-new tax credits and rebates.
  • Taking long-overdue action to modernize our tax system, improving IRS services and cutting average wait times from 27 minutes to 4 minutes. The law also cuts the deficit by cracking down on ultra-wealthy tax cheats and making big corporations pay their fair share – without raising a penny in taxes on families making less than $400,000 a year.

Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna to File Holman Rule Against Army Corps for Neglect of Pinellas County Beaches

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Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna to File Holman Rule Against Army Corps for Neglect of Pinellas County Beaches

If you are one of my constituents, it is likely you have been closely following our long fight with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get them to do their job and protect our beaches in Pinellas County. Instead, the Army Corps has stonewalled us every step of the way and refused to address the threat of shore erosion while we continue to watch our beaches disappear before our eyes.

This week, I met with the beach mayors of Pinellas County. As a group, we mutually decided that we are done playing games with the Army Corps and have had enough. Therefore, we have decided to file a Holman Rule targeting the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.

The Holman Rule would eliminate the salary of a specific federal employee, effectively terminating them. This rule is one of the important tools that individual Members of Congress can use as an accountability mechanism to force unelected leaders to actually do the right thing.

We will be filing a Holman Rule amendment against the Assistant Secretary in line with this Fall’s appropriations timeline to once and for all pursue justice for the Corps’ shameful neglect of Floridians and get to work on restoring our beaches.

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