The Duckworth Diary - May 24th, 2013

Statement

Dear Neighbors,

I had some great events back in the district this weekend. Saturday, I had the honor of celebrating our talented high school art students at our Congressional Art Competition reception in Arlington Heights. The art work, which focused on the theme "Nature in the Modern World," was outstanding and it was wonderful to meet with the students, as well as their parents and teachers. Congratulations to first place winner Alyssa Froehling, a Palatine High School senior, whose work will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for the next year.

On Sunday, I visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu place of worship in Bartlett, to visit with constituents. It was great to tour the building's remarkable architecture and to meet with community leaders to discuss how I can best represent their needs.

Back in DC, Senator Tim Kaine and I spoke to American Legion members about our bipartisan bill, the Troop Talent Act. This legislation would help Veterans transition to the private sector by making it easier for service members to earn the licenses and credentials they need. The current level of unemployment among Veterans is unacceptable. Our Veterans guarantee the quality of their work with their life and civilian employers are in need of that level of dedication and expertise.

Finally, I was pleased to see the House approve several bills to help Vets this week, including Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2013, the Helping Heroes Fly Act, and a resolution to grant the Congressional Gold Medal to the First Special Service Force, in recognition of its superior service during World War II. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, it's a great time for us all to be thinking about ways we can serve the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for us.

Best,

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth

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