Katherine Clark Speaks.... 5th District of Massachusetts

 

Hi Joseph, There’s lots of good news to go around this July — especially good economic news! While the pandemic hit America hard, all signs point to a strong and steady recovery. Wages are up. Costs are down. Businesses are hiring. Unemployment is at a historic low. This didn’t happen by accident. I’m proud to have voted for policies that invested in America — lowering costs for our communities and creating jobs across the country. We’re growing the economy by growing the middle class. But that's not all.  This month, we've tripled down on our fight for equity and justice for all. We celebrated Disability Pride, expanding access to clean drinking water, and safeguarding our most sacred civil liberties.  I’m eager to update you on this important work, and I hope you’re enjoying a great start to the summer!  Sincerely,     WE'RE ELIMINATING LEAD PIPES Access to safe, clean drinking water is a basic human right. It shouldn't be a question in Massachusetts or anywhere in our country. This month, I was proud to join Senator Elizabeth Warren and EPA officials in Charlestown, MA to announce a new $58 million grant to remove lead pipes from our schools and child care centers. This is a major step in President Biden's commitment to eliminate all lead pipes in the U.S. The funding was made possible by the Infrastructure Law that I was proud to vote for last Congress. It marks another step toward the healthier, safer future our communities deserve. SECURING CLIMATE WINS  Brutal heat. Devastating floods. Raging forest fires. You don't have to look far to see that climate change is the existential threat of our time, and to save our planet we must fight on two fronts.  First, tackling the cause.  Second, bracing our communities for the extreme weather that is unfolding. In partnership with dedicated advocates like the Charles River Watershed Association, we are doing both. This month, I was proud to join them in celebrating the critical $400,000 investment I secured to bolster climate resilience for communities alongside the Charles River. A big win to improve climate readiness in MA-5!  FIGHTING FOR THE FREEDOM TO VOTE As my friend, the late Congressman John Lewis, taught us: the vote is precious. It is our democracy’s most powerful tool. And we cannot allow extremists to undermine it.  From state capitols to Capitol Hill, MAGA Republicans are attempting to suppress the voices and votes of the American people — limiting access to the ballot box for communities of color with a new era of Jim Crow policies.  This month, Democrats reintroduced the Freedom to Vote Act — landmark legislation to strengthen voting protections and safeguard our democracy for generations to come. We understand that power belongs to the people, and we will never stop fighting to defend voting rights for every person, in every zip code.  WELCOME, MAYNARD! Maynard is rich in history and culture. And now, Maynard is a part of our MA-5 family!  This month, I was thrilled to celebrate Maynard's addition to our district with a tour of the Assabet Co-op Market — a newly-opened, community-owned grocery store that is helping ensure every family can access healthy and nutritious food. I also sat down with the town’s incredible team of state and local leaders. See you again soon, Maynard!  DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT For nearly 200 years, Perkins School for the Blind has opened doors of opportunity for  students with a high-quality education and a pathway to independence. I was thrilled to celebrate the start of Disability Pride Month with students and faculty at their Watertown Campus.  I’m honored to call their incredible team my partners in building a more equitable and inclusive America!