Showing posts with label Auchincloss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auchincloss. Show all posts

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Nov 21 to Dec 9


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LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW
NOVEMBER 21 - DECEMBER 9

I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. 


On the Hill

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Respect for Marriage Act: Last Thursday, I was excited to join my colleagues in voting to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, which President Biden signed into law. I celebrated this historic vote on the House floor with my trailblazing predecessor, Barney Frank. This critical law ensures that all Americans have the right to marry whom they love by making marriage equality and interracial marriage the law of the land.

Protecting Offshore Wind: Last week, my continued advocacy helped ensure a win for offshore wind development in Massachusetts and across the country. The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was intended to include a well-intentioned, but poorly considered, provision that would have prevented the U.S. offshore wind industry from reaching President Biden's goal of 30 gigawatts by 2030. Over the course of the last year, I led 30 of my colleagues in advocacy to remove the provision, which officially succeeded this week.

The southern part of our district holds massive potential for offshore wind energy and economic development. I will continue to fight for the clean energy and green jobs that offshore wind promotes.

Gun Violence Prevention: I, along with fellow members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, met with the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of the Justice Department. We discussed his enforcement of regulations we passed in the bipartisan gun safety bill we passed earlier this year as well as the concerning rise of ghost guns. Ghost guns are assembled by consumers after purchasing different components of the gun from different vendors.

I am committed to ensuring illegal guns, whether assembled commercially or individually, stay off the streets and out of the hands of dangerous individuals.

Make your voice heard → The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act passed the House last week. I was the only Democratic veteran to vote against it. The bill currently totals $857 billion, representing an $80 billion increase over the previous year. I am a proud supporter of a strong and growing U.S. military, but the spending needs to be reined in. The Pentagon is the biggest bureaucracy in the world, and it can do 10% more with 10% less — but Congress needs to force the issue.


What do you think?

Do you support reducing the defense budget?

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Around the Fourth

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Small Business Saturday: I celebrated Small Business Saturday by stopping by some local businesses with Teddy. We went holiday shopping for Toys for Tots at Henry's Bear Park in Newtonville. I also visited Viva Fall River and met Executive Director Patti Rego, who won the 2022 Gateway Cities Innovation Award. This award recognizes Patti's exceptional contributions to one of the state's Gateway Cities - Fall River. Small businesses need our support, and while I'm working to support them in Congress, I urge you to support them this holiday season by shopping local.

EPA Funding Announcement: On Friday, I joined EPA Regional Director David Cash, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Mayor Paul Coogan, State Senator Mike Rodrigues, and State Representative Carole Fiola in Fall River to announce $14 million in federal funding for Fall River. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is also investing over $7 million. These funds will help de-lead Fall River's drinking water and purchase electric school buses. As I said in my remarks to Fall River students: this is government at work, for you.

The mayor's remarks were especially poignant. The days of Fall River being left behind or counted out, he said, are over.

Onwards,

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Jake

 
   

WASHINGTON
15 Independence Avenue SE
1524 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5931

NEWTON
29 Crafts Street
Suite 375
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO
8 North Main Steet
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110




Thursday, November 24, 2022

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Oct 31 to Nov 18



Congressman Jake Auchincloss

LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW
OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 18

I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed.

First — Happy Thanksgiving!


On the Hill

Congressman Jake Auchincloss


The New Republic: Recently, I joined the New Republic for the Run-Up Live, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at Congress. In regards to their question about Republican control of the House, I said that with the gavel comes the initiative: if the GOP wants to focus on lower costs and clean energy, then Democrats will engage and debate in good faith. But if it's going to be political theater designed only to weaken the president, then House Democrats will hit back hard. You can watch the full discussion here.

Speaker Pelosi: Last week, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that she would not seek re-election as the House Democratic Leader. I am thankful for her fearless leadership, especially during the Trump administration. I agree with her sentiment that "we must move boldly into the future, grounded by the principles that have propelled us this far and open to fresh possibility for the future." You can watch my comments about the next wave of Democratic leadership here.

Make your voice heard → A recent controversial discussion at COP27 — the climate conference hosted by the United Nations — revolved around "loss and damage." A loss and damage fund will send monies from developed nations to mitigate climate harm suffered by poorer nations. One big question is, what about China? It's simultaneously the world's biggest carbon emitter (much bigger than the USA) but also, still, a developing nation.

Do you support wealthier countries, like the U.S., providing loss and damage payments to poorer countries? Let me know below if you support this proposal.

Do you support a Loss and Damage system in response to extreme weather events?

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Around the Fourth

Lakeville Fire Department


Lakeville Fire Department: Recently, I visited the Lakeville Fire Department to learn about their new equipment. Local, state, and federal officials came together to better equip the Lakeville Fire Department to fight both structural and forest fires. Better gear doesn't just make for better firefighters — it means longer careers and healthier retirements.

Veterans Day: I celebrated Veterans Day at the Veterans Day Parade in Seekonk. I spoke at the parade to honor fellow veterans who have sacrificed for our country. The call for a nationwide moment of silence in President Biden's Veterans Day Proclamation is an important marker of respect. I was proud to further the efforts of Former Representatives Barney Frank and Joe Kennedy, and current Representative Steve Lynch, to recognize this moment of silence in all future Veterans Day presidential proclamations. I encourage all Americans to participate in the coming years.

Climate and Housing Conferences: Two weeks ago, I hosted conferences on affordable housing and clean energy.

The affordable housing conference highlighted that the cost of housing is the single biggest challenge facing the Commonwealth. We were joined by Juana Matias, the HUD regional administrator, and spoke with housing officials and developers across the district about the programs and funding available for affordable housing development. I also reiterated my commitment to policies, from zoning reform to Low Income Housing Tax Credit expansion, that surge production of affordable housing units. You can watch my floor speech highlighting the affordable housing conference here.

At the climate and clean energy summit, we covered policy, clean tech, and international affairs. I left this event optimistic because of the growing political will, abundant talent and innovation, and increasing global cooperation around the imperative of a clean energy transition. We are going to achieve a future of clean air, clean water, and clean energy that is too cheap to meter.

Sincerely,

Jake Auchincloss

Jake


WASHINGTON
15 Independence Avenue SE
1524 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5931

NEWTON
29 Crafts Street
Suite 375
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO
8 North Main Steet
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110


Contact


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Friday, November 4, 2022

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Oct 17 - Oct 28


Jake Auchincloss: An Update

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW
OCTOBER 17 - OCTOBER 28

I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed.


On the Hill

Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Oct 17 - Oct 28


Ukraine: Recently, I criticized a letter sent by a group of progressive Democrats that encouraged President Biden to shift his strategy in Ukraine and negotiate directly with Vladimir Putin. The letter is an olive branch to a war criminal who's losing his war. President Biden's current three-pronged strategy in Ukraine is effective, and we should not blink nor pull back. The first initiative has been focused on sanctioning Russia's central bank, industrial base, and oil exports; the second has been military and economic support for Ukraine; and the final initiative has been strengthening and unifying international alliances, particularly in Europe and East Asia. We must sustain bipartisan support for the people of Ukraine as they fight on the front lines of the free world.

Make your voice heard → I am working in Congress to sustain bipartisan support for the strategic defeat of Russia in Ukraine. Let me know below if you support this approach.

Do you trust President Biden's strategy in Ukraine?

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Around the Fourth

Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Oct 17 - Oct 28


Affordable Housing Forum: I am hosting an Affordable Housing Forum on November 9th from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM. The forum will feature special guest Juana B. Matias, HUD New England Regional Administrator, who will moderate two panels about current programs and initiatives to foster the creation and preservation of affordable housing in the district.

The first panel will highlight federal HUD programs and the second panel will feature state organizations CHAPA and MassHousing, along with non-profit developer 2Life Communities. Our panelists will present topics on community development, public & multifamily housing, building pro-housing community coalitions, the CommonWealth Builder Program, and examples of successful development of affordable housing.

Please RSVP by November 5 if you plan to attend. My staff will follow up with details, including the name and address of the venue, prior to the event. You will be added to a waitlist if we reach venue capacity. Please feel free to share this event with your family and friends, as it is also free and open to the public.

Climate Summit: As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I am hosting a climate summit in Needham to discuss climate change and the clean energy transition on November 10th. This is your reminder to RSVP by November 5 if you plan to attend. You will be added to a waitlist if we reach venue capacity. This event is free and open to the public, so feel free to share this invitation with your family and friends.

The Climate Summit will feature three panels of experts that address, respectively, climate policy in Massachusetts; clean energy science & technology; and climate diplomacy.

          When: Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
          Where: Needham, MA (address will be sent a few days in advance to those who RSVP)

Supporting the Life Sciences: Recently, I spoke at Mansfield Bio-Incubator's annual open house. Life science talent is everywhere across the state of Massachusetts, but access to the life science ecosystem is not equally distributed. The Mansfield Bio-Incubator is proof that expanding access across the state is critical to continuing our success as the most innovative state in life sciences. The Mansfield Bio-Incubator will continue to play an important role in leveling the life science playing field by providing affordable first-class lab space and a supportive, inclusive culture of innovation.

Bellingham High School: I visited Bellingham High School's STEM Week showcase and it was so motivating to see the students' projects. My message to the students was two-fold: first, Congress is committed to funding science, with expanded investments in basic research and STEM workforce development. And second, regardless of what vocation they choose, they should apply the essence of science by bringing a mindset of intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning.

Ensuring High-Quality USPS Service: Last week, I met with the Boston Postmaster to discuss constituent concerns about local mail service. In this meeting, I discussed the service delays that some of our district has experienced and brainstormed with the Postmaster on ways to spread the word about employment opportunities in the Postal Service. I am committed to continuing to advocate for high-quality postal service. In Congress, I have consistently supported efforts to improve mail delivery service, including opposing the privatization of the USPS, objecting to proposed slowdowns and rate increases, and calling for the maintenance of six-day mail service and door delivery. I also joined my colleagues in passing the Postal Service Reform Act, which helps ensure the long-term financial stability of the USPS.

Sincerely,

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Jake

 

WASHINGTON
15 Independence Avenue SE
1524 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5931

NEWTON
29 Crafts Street
Suite 375
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO
8 North Main Steet
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110



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Saturday, October 15, 2022

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Oct 3 to Oct 14


Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Oct 3 to Oct 14

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW
OCTOBER 3 - OCTOBER 14

I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed.


On the Hill

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Energy Prices: Last weekend, I discussed rising energy prices and the need to transition to clean energy independence on Fox News. Instead of relying on oil from Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Venezuela, we need domestic clean energy to provide energy security and a healthier planet for future generations. I also highlighted the bipartisan initiative I have led in Congress to support the G7's price cap on Russian oil, to reduce prices for American consumers and to deprive the Kremlin of hard currency for its illegal war.

Further, I am keenly aware that our district is struggling with increased costs to heat our homes this winter, with some households facing as much as a $500 increase over last winter. To mitigate these high energy costs, I have continuously supported funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program assists eligible low-income households with their heating energy costs and provides bill payment assistance. You can learn more about applying for LIHEAP assistance here.


I am also supporting the release of home heating oil reserves in New England.

Ukraine: Earlier this week, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling on countries not to recognize the four regions of Ukraine that Russia has claimed. The resolution also demands that Moscow reverse course on its "attempted illegal annexation". The resolution passed by a vote of 143 to 5, with 35 countries abstaining.

This vote tally is a thunderous diplomatic win for Ukraine, the United States, and the free world. It also represents a searing defeat for Russia. The U.S. will continue to stand with Ukraine during a long, cold winter. We will stay with Ukraine as long as it takes.

Make your voice heard → I am working in Congress to establish American clean energy independence and, in turn, lower energy prices for American families. Let me know below if you are concerned with the price of electricity and home heating oil ahead of winter.

Are you concerned with high energy prices for this winter?

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Around the Fourth

Congressman Jake Auchincloss


Climate Summit: On November 10th, I am hosting a climate summit in Needham to discuss climate change and the clean energy transition. You are invited to attend. The summit will bring together climate stakeholders from the Massachusetts 4th and beyond to hear directly from leaders in academia, industry, and public policy about their efforts to curb climate change, and how Massachusetts can lead the nation in the transition to clean energy.

Featuring opening remarks by Olin College of Engineering President Gilda A. Barabino, Ph.D., and Former Congressman and Current Citizens Energy Managing Director Joe Kennedy III, the Climate Summit will present three panels that each highlight a different group of climate & clean tech professionals and their leadership in the public and private sectors. Please share this event with your family and friends. Please RSVP by November 1 if you plan to attend. You will be added to a waitlist if we reach venue capacity.

          When: Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
          Where: Needham, MA (address will be sent a few days in advance to those who RSVP)

Wellesley College STEM Panel: Last week, I celebrated the opening of Wellesley College's new Science Complex. I spoke on a panel titled "Changing the Face of STEM," which focused on the importance of having more women, including women of color, in the science and technology fields. As the son of a trailblazing woman scientist, I am a committed champion of diversity in STEM to narrow the gender pay gap, ensure a diverse and talented STEM workforce, and to prevent biases in these fields and the products and services they produce. You can watch the full panel here.

Sincerely,

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Jake

   

WASHINGTON
15 Independence Avenue SE
1524 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-593
1

NEWTON
29 Crafts Street
Suite 375
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO
8 North Main Steet
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110



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Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Sep 12 through Sep 30


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LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW
SEPTEMBER 12 - SEPTEMBER 30

I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed.


On the Hill

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Sep 12 through Sep 30


The Clean Energy Transition: I wrote in the Washington Times that the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy need not be along party lines. Republicans must combat science deniers within their ranks and join Democrats in making progress on clean energy innovation. And Democrats should be open to collaboration on the market-based solutions that Republicans tend to favor. 

There are common values on which to build: members of both parties should want to leave a healthier environment for their children while creating a stronger economy that is free from Middle Eastern oil. Writing about clean energy in a conservative publication is part of my go-everywhere, talk-to-everyone approach to delivering results on the critical issues of our time.

Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act: Prior to voting in favor of the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act, I spoke on the House floor about the importance of this legislation. The bill will strengthen protections for federal employees who expose wrongdoing. Federal whistleblowers who put their livelihoods on the line to expose bad actors deserve their day in court if they face retaliation. I also passed an amendment to the bill to ensure their cases appear with the urgency they demand.

Wall Street on the Hill: Recently, the CEOs of big U.S. banks testified before the Financial Services Committee. In my questioning, I focused on how Wall Street and Washington can work together to outcompete the Chinese Communist Party as it strains under its draconian zero-Covid policy. Congress and big banks both have tools and resources to expand U.S. productive capacity, particularly by building more housing and increasing labor force participation.

I also asked the CEOs about whether they believed the Fed Chair would maintain inflation-fighting credibility with Wall Street in the year ahead. If markets don't believe the Fed's forward guidance, the central bank's ability to prevent long-term inflation would be undermined. Upon my questioning, these closest Fed-watchers raised their hands in a vote of confidence in the Fed chairman's resolve.

Make your voice heard → I am working in Congress to ensure Americans have access to affordable housing. At the state and local level, building multi-family housing by-right is critical to driving down housing prices. Let me know below if you support building more multi-family homes.

Do you support building multi-family housing to drive down housing prices?

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Around the Fourth

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Sep 12 through Sep 30


New England Council: Recently, I addressed the New England Council to highlight the accomplishments of this Congress while presenting a new, collaborative vision for the future. I've worked with progressive Democrats on curbing climate change, with moderate Democrats on lowering costs for families, and with Republicans to support the people of Ukraine. My core message: I will continue to work left, right, and center to deliver results for working families.

Sincerely,

Image

Jake



 

WASHINGTON
15 Independence Avenue SE
1524 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5931

NEWTON
29 Crafts Street
Suite 375
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO
8 North Main Steet
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110





Saturday, September 17, 2022

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Aug 29 - Sep 11


Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Aug 29 - Sep 11

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW
AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 11

I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed.


Remembering 9/11

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Anniversary of September 11th: On Sunday, we commemorated 21 years since our way of life came under assault, in an attack so horrifying that the images and sounds are forever seared in our collective memory. In solidarity, I spoke at the Newton Fire Department in honor of the lives lost on September 11th, 2001. As a country, we commit ourselves to freedom and democracy, in their memory.


On the Hill

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MBTA: I met with Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) General Manager Steve Poftak and other MBTA officials on the shutdown of the Orange Line and other service restrictions caused by maintenance and safety concerns. The federal government has provided sufficient funding to the MBTA, but now the MBTA needs to properly use the funding for increasing staffing and performing maintenance. Specifically, they need to hire at least 2,000 people over the next two years.

I do not believe that the Federal Transit Administration should impose receivership on the MBTA. The FTA has demonstrated its value in enforcing safety upgrades and should stay in close oversight of the MBTA, but as a former local official, I strongly believe that state and local officials are best equipped to run the MBTA.

Supporting Ukraine: Ukrainian forces recently retook over 1,000 square miles in northeastern Ukraine from Russian troops. Ukraine's counteroffensive is the most significant development in the war since Russia's retreat from Kyiv and is further evidence that Russia can be defeated. I am continuing to work to maintain strong bipartisan support in Congress for Russia's strategic defeat. We must continue providing economic, military, and humanitarian aid to Ukrainian forces to ensure their victory on the front lines of the free world.

Make your voice heard → I am working in Congress to provide widespread access to public transit. Let me know below if you have access to reliable, public transportation.

Have you been impacted by recent public transit service restrictions?

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Around the Fourth

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Investing in Health: I joined Governor Baker in speaking at the opening ceremony for a new Blackstone life sciences location in our state. Blackstone is investing in new cures, good jobs, and better care for Massachusetts residents. And, increasingly, the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem is extending to southeastern Massachusetts, where, for example, Thermo Fisher Scientific recently opened a biomanufacturing facility in Plainville.

Meet-Ups Across the Fourth: Throughout the month of August, I hosted a series of meet-ups at coffee shops and restaurants throughout the district. I enjoyed hearing from constituents on a variety of topics, from Congress's recent action on climate change to providing support to Ukraine to continuing our work to lower health care costs. I will take all of this information with me back to Washington and keep it in mind as relevant legislation arises.

Sincerely,

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Jake

WASHINGTON
15 Independence Avenue SE
1524 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5931

NEWTON
29 Crafts Street
Suite 375
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO
8 North Main Steet
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110



Friday, September 2, 2022

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Aug 15 through Aug 26, 2022


Congressman Jake Auchincloss

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW
AUGUST 15 - AUGUST 26

I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed.


On the Hill

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Afghanistan Withdrawal Anniversary: Last week marked the one year anniversary of our withdrawal from Afghanistan. The United States is in a stronger strategic position because of President Biden's tough call. I spoke on Boston Public Radio about how the U.S. can form a mutually beneficial relationship with Afghanistan. The U.S. should invest in Afghan-led mining, with strict conditions, to support the Afghan people, strengthen our supply chains for clean-energy inputs, and out-compete China.

The American people owe humanitarian support to the Afghan people as we work to stabilize the region. I strongly support efforts to improve food security, welcome Afghan allies to the United States, and protect women and girls. Our greatest long-term gift, though, will not be assistance, but economic empowerment.

Make your voice heard → President Biden recently strengthened the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. His new regulation codifies the program, which currently offers work permits and protection from deportation to more than 600,000 undocumented immigrants. Following the new regulation, the President called on Congress to pass legislation that takes similar steps. I support making the DACA program permanent to protect undocumented immigrants who were brought into the U.S. as children. Let me know if you agree.

Do you support codifying the DACA program?

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Around the Fourth

New Jobs in Our District


New Jobs in Our District: I was honored to speak at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Thermo Fisher Scientific's new location in Plainville. Massachusetts is the world capital of life sciences, and this state-of-the-art facility will further establish the Commonwealth as not just the leader in medical R&D, but also in bio-manufacturing. I look forward to working closely with Thermo Fisher as they continue to create good jobs and innovate in viral vector manufacturing.

Coffee Meet-Ups Across the District


Coffee Meet-Ups Across the District:
Over the past few weeks, I've hosted a series of meet-ups at coffee shops and restaurants throughout the district. It has been great meeting constituents across the Fourth and hearing what's on their mind. I still have six meet-ups remaining this summer and I'd love to see you there. To RSVP, or to find out more information, please head to this link: Coffee With Your Congressman.

 

Sincerely,

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Jake



 

WASHINGTON
15 Independence Avenue SE
1524 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5931

NEWTON
29 Crafts Street
Suite 375
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO
8 North Main Steet
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110




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