Making a Difference

Dear Friends,

There’s no sugarcoating that these are tough times in Rhode Island, but entering the holiday season, I am again reminded that the generous, determined people of our state never fail to demonstrate why we can be thankful in the present and hopeful about the future.

Last week, I visited the Rhode Island Family Shelter where I met with Director Patti Macreading (above). Patti chose a second career of long hours and tremendous obstacles as she contends with the dwindling financial resources available to programs like hers that try to get struggling families back on their feet and on a path to independence. You could see from the care provided to the children living in the house that she was changing lives.

That same day I saw Paul Ouellette of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce. He and his colleagues at chambers across the state had enthusiastically joined in their national organization’s effort to hold a Hiring Our Heroes event to increase job opportunities for the brave warriors who have sacrificed so much for us. Due to the hard work of people like Paul, the Warwick Armory was packed with business representatives and veterans ready to get to work.

Then there is Anna Golderese, forced out of work and into long-term unemployment by an injury just as she was trying to put her son through college. Anna wrote to me, not to ask that I assist her, but to help others experiencing tough circumstances learn about the benefits of a free weatherization program that provides significant energy cost savings. She invited me to her home to get that message out.

As I learned from the outpouring of support I received after an accident left me paralyzed in high school, we can overcome the most daunting challenges because we have so many people like Patti, Paul and Anna, who live up to President Kennedy’s famous adage that “one person can make a difference and every person should try.”

Thank you to everyone who is making that difference.

As your representative, I enjoy hearing your thoughts, whether in person or in writing. Please stay in touch via email, Facebook and Twitter to keep the conversation going, and check out my YouTube and Flickr pages.

Sincerely,

Jim Langevin

On the Farm

Our farms are integral to Rhode Island’s economy and it is important that our agricultural community’s interests are met as Congress begins consideration of the 2012 Farm Bill, which will set national guidelines for the subsequent five years. Earlier this week, I hosted a forum to take public input, and I invite you to email me with more suggestions.
Read more about my roundtable discussion ››

Deadline Today for SkillsUSA Nominations

The deadline to submit nominations for Rhode Island’s top career and technical education awards is today, December 1, 2011. I have been proud to partner with SkillsUSA in the effort to recognize the best of our state and hope you will consider getting involved if you know someone who has made a special impact in helping high school students develop their technical skills. More information, including nomination forms, can be found at www.skillsusari.org and by emailing jkleimp AT ccri DOT edu.

Save the date

RHODE ISLAND DEFENSE AND TEXTILE DAY
Showcasing RI’s textile industry and defense-related technologies
December 5 from 8AM-2PM URI’s Memorial Union Ballroom
41 Upper College Road
South Kingstown, RI

Did You Know...?

SHOP SECURELY
The National Cybersecurity Alliance has tips for safe online shopping this holiday season. ››

FAST FACT
In the last Agricultural Census, the number of Rhode Island farms increased by 42%, the second highest rate in the country. ››

In Other News

A MODEL FOR INNOVATION
Rep. Langevin recognized Rick’s Auto Body in Warwick for its 50th anniversary and highlighted their emphasis on conservation and implementing new technology as vital to their success. ››

ENCOURAGING RI JOB CREATION
Praising a new grant program to spur hiring in their industry, Rep. Langevin urged RI’s health care community to take advantage of the opportunity to improve services while boosting the local economy. ››

PRESERVING WEATHERIZATION PROGRAMS
Rep. Langevin is leading the effort to oppose cuts to weatherization assistance, which reduces energy costs for struggling families and provides a positive return on taxpayer dollars. ››

WATER PLANT WEAKNESSES
Appearing on MSNBC, Rep. Langevin warned that owners and operators of utilities are not taking cyber threats seriously enough. ››

RECOGNIZING CAREER & TECH ED EXCELLENCE
Rep. Langevin is helping to recognize outstanding contributions to a critical field by working with the state chapter of SkillsUSA, a national nonprofit that improves technical training of high school and college students. ››

PROTECTING SOUTH COUNTY RIVERS
Rep. Langevin has taken a key step toward making much needed federal restoration and conservation resources available to the Pawcatuck River, as well as other South County streams. ››

SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Rep. Langevin has announced a bipartisan effort to strengthen the program he helped establish to keep those with chronic and disabling conditions in their homes and save our health care system money. ››