Blog: Marc's Memo - Celebrate Women's History Month, District Wide ACA Enrollment Events, Share Your Stories!
Statement
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
As we mark Women's History Month, in March, I am grateful to the women who have strengthened our nation to ensure that Americans, of all backgrounds, have every opportunity they deserve.
As civic leaders, professionals, mothers, daughters and wives, women have a great deal of influence in our country.
We must take this opportunity to protect the gains women have made and break down the gender barriers that still exist. As history has shown us: When women succeed, we all succeed.
DEADLINE TO ENROLL INTO AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE IS MARCH 31st
Since January 1st Americans have been able to purchase health coverage that was once unattainable, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). But time is running out to enroll this year. Don't miss out on the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits available under ACA.
And you are not alone when it comes to enrolling. Health care plans can be complicated, but learning about your new options under the ACA doesn't have to be. Trained professionals and experts are in every community and available to help you find a plan that meets your financial and medical needs.
All Americans should be able to realize the full benefits of the law and deserve to have their health care needs met. Make sure you and your loved ones get covered by March 31st.
WHAT WOULD AN INCREASE IN MINIMUM WAGE MEAN FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY?
Economists know that the minimum wage would help workers make ends meet, boost the economy, and create jobs. Growing the economy, creating jobs, and rebuilding the middle class continue to be my top priorities.
However, House Republicans continue to block efforts to bring H.R. 1010 to the floor for a vote. By gradually raising the minimum wage, H.R. 1010 would lift almost one million Americans out of poverty and increase the pay of low-income workers by $31 billion.
URGING A VOTE ON UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
Since December 28, 2013 more than 105,000 Texans have been cut off from federal unemployment insurance and an additional 4,000 stand to lose this critical lifeline every week.
According to a recently released Gallup poll, Americans believe unemployment is now the #1 problem in America. We need action now.
That is why, this week, my House Democratic colleagues and I signed onto a discharge petition to force a vote on H.R.3546, legislation that will extend emergency unemployment benefits for millions of Americans.
It is my hope that House Republicans listen to the plea of their own constituents and join me in reauthorizing emergency unemployment insurance.
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP CONTINUES TO BLOCK IMMIGRATION EFFORTS
This week, the House Republican Leadership once again took aim against the most vulnerable individuals in our community: immigrant youth. Instead of addressing our broken immigration system, House Republican Leadership attacked DREAMers who only want an opportunity to work and go to college without fear of deportation.
House Republican Leadership allowed a vote on two politically charged bills, the ENFORCE Act and the Faithful Execution of the Law Act, that unjustly attack the President for utilizing his legitimate executive authority to help DREAMers.
House Republican Leadership has one more opportunity to do the right thing before they further alienate the Hispanic electorate. It is time to bring H.R. 15 to the floor for a vote and pass common sense immigration reform.
The time is now!
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