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Week of October 5th
HOUSING MARKET: On Monday, I will participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new headquarters of the Maryland Association of REALTORS. The collapse of the housing market was one of the major contributing factors that led to our current economic downturn. Its resurgence will help pull us out of this recession. I am pleased that my proposal for an $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, which became part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, has been an extraordinary success. The IRS reports that more than 1.4 million Americans have already claimed the credit. According to the National Association of Realtors, the tax credit has injected approximately $22 billion into local, state and national economies, causing a ripple effect that translates into job creation and more stable communities. Our economy is still struggling though, so I recently introduced a bill to extend the $8,000 first-time homebuyers tax credit for another six months. This is a fiscally responsible way to continue a positive stimulus for our communities and our national economy while helping hard-working families turn the American dream of homeownership into a reality.
HATE CRIMES: The homeless population, filled with all too many veterans and children, is one of the most vulnerable populations in our society. This week, I will introduce legislation to amend the existing Hate Crimes Statistics Act to expand hate crimes data collection to include crimes against the homeless. Data collection is the first step in understanding the depth of the problem. It is important that policymakers and law enforcement officials know the frequency of crimes that target the homeless so we can better address the issue and protect our citizens. National homeless organizations have tracked crimes against the homeless, but there is no consistent data on the pervasiveness of the problem.
CIVIL RIGHTS: After much delay, on Tuesday the Senate will vote on the nomination of Thomas E. Perez to be Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice. Tom Perez has been an aggressive champion for justice and the public good his entire career. I was proud to chair his confirmation hearing back in April and I look forward, finally, to working with him as he leads the Civil Rights Division and helps restore the credibility and morale of the career staff charged with protecting against discrimination in our society. The Civil Rights Division is our nation's moral conscience and, with Tom's leadership, will again be empowered to take action against those who violate our laws. Perez most recently served as the Secretary of Labor, Licensing & Regulation for the State of Maryland.
WORKPLACE FAIRNESS: On Wednesday, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, I will participate in a hearing on workplace fairness and discrimination. In recent years, the Supreme Court has rewritten civil rights laws, overturning well-established precedents and Congressional intent, making it harder for workers facing discrimination to enforce their rights. To that end, I have become an original co-sponsor of the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act, which will codify previously long-standing protections based on age. Americans are living longer and working longer. Ideally, this should provide more opportunities for older citizens in the workplace, not less.
UPCOMING MEDIA: For those of you on the Eastern Shore, I will be talking with Bill Reddish on WICO (1320AM) Thursday morning (10/8) at 8:10 a.m.
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