March 2009 Archives

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George holds town meetings in Benicia, Martinez

George recently held two town hall meetings in Benicia and Martinez to discuss Congressional efforts to create jobs, modernize our crumbling schools, improve transportation, reform health care, and prevent crime.

Between discussing more serious matters, George takes a minute to talk about working with President Obama.
Thank you to Vallejo Community Access Television for filming the Benicia meeting.

Read more about the town hall in the Contra Costa Times.

Read more about the Benicia town meeting in the Vallejo Times Herald.

Posted by Peake, Amy at 08:51PM | Comments () | TrackBack (0)

$44 billion in Education money to be released by mid-April

$44 billion in stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be available to states in the next 45 days.

This first round of funding will help avert teacher layoffs in schools and school districts while driving crucial education improvements, reforms, and results for students.

Over the next two years the 7th district will receive $10.9 million in Title I funding and $22.9 million in IDEA funding. The goal is for this money to be spent immediately, responsibly and transparently. Schools and students shouldn’t lose ground on progress they’re making in the face of state budget cuts and a suffering economy.

George's staff recently held a conference call with local education officials and federal Department of Education officials to explain new aid for education. It is up to school districts to show the public how recovery funds are being spent and how these funds are benefit our community.

Posted by Peake, Amy at 11:29PM | Comments () | TrackBack (0)

George introduces Employee Free Choice Legislation

Today George, along with Sen. Kennedy and Sen. Harking, introduced the Employee Free Choice Act to help enable workers bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions by restoring their rights to form unions.

The legislation gives workers the choice of whether to form a union either through majority signup or a NLRB election. The bill would also strengthen penalties for violations against workers who are trying to organize or negotiate a first contract, and ensure all parties negotiate a first contract in good faith.

Read more about the Employee Free Choice Act or watch Rachel Maddow's interview with SEIU Director Andy Stern.

Posted by Peake, Amy at 11:08PM | Comments () | TrackBack (0)