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Week of July 20th
HEALTH CARE REFORM: As the Senate and House begin consideration of legislation to overhaul the American health care system, I will hold a Town Hall meeting on Monday, July 20 at Prince George's Community College to discuss the various options being considered and to listen to Prince George's County residents about what reforms they would like included. Among the issues I expect to discuss are: a public option, how to fund health care reform, and to achieve universal coverage. Health care reform is essential to the future stability of our nation and our families. I am eager to hear from Marylanders at this event.
SOTOMAYOR CONFIRMATION: Last week I had the privilege to participate in the Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be an Associate Justice to the Supreme Court. I was very impressed with how she answered my questions on voting rights and environmental rights. She made a clear and important statement recognizing that voting was a 'fundamental right' of all Americans. Her forthright responses throughout the hearing have solidified my confidence that she will follow the law to preserve the protections found in our Constitution.
GREEN JOBS: On Monday I will be joining Congressman Elijah Cummings and Mayor Sheila Dixon in Baltimore to announce $1.1 million in federal funding for Youth Works, the city's summer youth employment program. Its goal is to introduce young people to green jobs and to give them a head start on the career opportunities that this emerging industry will offer in the future. On Tuesday, I plan to participate in hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on "Clean Energy Jobs, Climate-Related Policies and Economic Growth," with an emphasis on state and local views. I look forward to hearing from a number of governors and mayors from around the country to gain their perspectives on the green jobs of the future.
DRUG TREATMENT/PREVENTION: On Monday, I plan to join Congressman Elijah Cummings and the newly appointed Drug Czar, Gil Kerlikowski, in Baltimore to discuss the effectiveness of drug treatment for incarcerated individuals. Addressing substance abuse at all points of the criminal justice systems -- beginning with law enforcement, into correctional facilities and back into communities through the re-entry process -- is imperative to breaking the cycle of substance abuse and associated health and public safety consequences. Drug treatment works, and we need to put more money into treatment and prevention to keep young people out of jail and productive.
UPCOMING MEDIA: If you live in or around the Baltimore area, on Friday, July 24, I'll be live with Ron Smith on WBAL (AM 1090) at 5:00 pm for your drive home to discuss topics that are in the news and may be on your mind. If you have a question for me, please call 410-467-WBAL or 800-767-WBAL.
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