Representative Kathy Castor

Dear Friend,

I hope you are staying safe and healthy. In Washington, House Democrats are continuing to press for emergency aid for families who need it, for our small businesses and for our frontline heroes. The House-passed Heroes Act also provides for a comprehensive plan to control the coronavirus including widespread and rapid testing and personal protective equipment for schools, teachers and medical professionals. I strongly oppose the Senate’s “Go Bankrupt” approach and urge them to join us in answering the call to action.

Exciting news for our hometown! Last week, I announced $50M in federal BUILD grants for Tampa and Hillsborough County to expand and connect the Riverwalk to nearby neighborhoods and to improve I-75 at Big Bend Road. These projects will provide many jobs, lift our neighborhoods like West Tampa, and improve safety and connectivity. I rigorously championed this transformational vision for our hometown as it follows other significant federal investments in the Tampa Riverwalk, Encore and surrounding neighborhoods. In fact, our Tampa Riverwalk original phase was completed thanks to $10M in federal funding - and it’s been the linchpin for jobs and redeveloping Tampa’s downtown and waterfront. Read more in the Tampa Bay Times.

Votes This Week

Legislation on the floor this week will lift students and provide an equal opportunity for all children to succeed regardless of ZIP code as we tackle systemic racism. These bills will empower parents and public schools to address racial inequities in public education:

H.R. 2639 – Strength in Diversity Act of 2020: I cosponsored this bill to help fulfill the promise of equity in education by offering support to districts that are developing, implementing, or expanding school diversity initiatives. Ensuring our children that have successful outcomes means removing barriers – especially those based on race - to a quality education, and this legislation will establish federal grant programs to increase opportunities for students.

H.R. 2574 – Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2019: Students and parents deserve the ability to hold schools accountable for discriminatory education policies. This bill would restore that right by amending Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 empowering parents students and communities to challenge any denial of equal access to a quality education.

H.Res. 908 – Condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19: This resolution that I cosponsored would affirm that the House stands against the abhorrent anti-Asian racism and rhetoric that has skyrocketed since the COVID-19 pandemic began. I stand in solidarity with our Asian neighbors in the face of this hatred and prejudice.

H.R. 2694 – Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: This bipartisan legislation that I cosponsored would finally secure strong and clear protections for pregnant workers. No one should have to choose between their paycheck and a healthy pregnancy.

On Saturday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked me to lead a panel during G7 Heads of Parliament meeting on environmental justice and the climate crisis. I briefed the G7 Parliament Leaders on the Solving the Climate Crisis action plan developed by my committee, and we discussed a more sustainable future through working together on equitable climate solutions. You can watch my panel with Dr. Robert Bullard, the ‘father of environmental justice’, and former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy here.

Stay safe and healthy. Know that my office is here to help with any concerns or issues you may have at 813-871-2817.

Sincerely,

Kathy Castor
Member of Congress