With Gas Prices Skyrocketing, Hoyer Discusses the Importance of Telecommuting
With Gas Prices Skyrocketing, Hoyer Discusses the Importance of Telecommuting
Visits Bowie State University Telework Center
With the average cost of a gallon of gas now over $3.00, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) today visited the Bowie State University Telework Center to meet with federal and private teleworkers from Maryland.
"One of my proudest achievements in Congress has been leading the charge to make telecommuting the official policy of the federal government," Hoyer said. "As we enter an era in which energy conservation will be more important than at any other time in our nation's history, teleworking is central to a smart energy independence program."
In 1993, Hoyer joined with Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) to steer the Treasury-Postal Appropriations Act through Congress which included $5 million in funding for three telework centers in the Washington Metropolitan area.
The Bowie State University Telework Center is one of fourteen GSA telework centers in the region. The centers serve over 570 federal and private sector employees. Other Maryland centers are located in Frederick, Hagerstown, Laurel, Prince Frederick and Waldorf.
Joyce Larrick, director of the Bowie State University Telework Center, said Hoyer is the single biggest reason there is a telecommuting center in Bowie today. "We are grateful to Congressman Hoyer for his career long dedication to teleworkers and their families," she said.
Hoyer said telework reduces traffic congestion, promotes conservation and reduces America's dependence on foreign oil, improves the environment, increases productivity, enhances the security of government, and most importantly, strengthens families by reducing commuting times.
"Telecommuting answers the challenge of today's fast-paced workplace while allowing employees to work much closer to home," Hoyer said. "As Marylanders continue to face pain at the pump, I will continue to promote this viable and successful alternative."
http://www.hoyer.house.gov/Newsroom/index.asp?ID=691