April 30, 2014 - Marc's Memo

Statement

Dear Friends,

This week, Congress is back in session after a District Work Period and I have returned to Washington with unique insights from the 33rd Congressional district.

As your representative in Congress, I have the opportunity to engage in valuable legislative activity when in Washington -- but this is not the only thing listed in my job description. During the April District Work Period I returned to the 33rd District to work alongside my constituents.

I believe it is essential for me to maintain one foot in the district at all times in order to better understand how my work impacts you and your family. That is why I spend my time clocking-in during my "Marc Means Business" work days, hosting Congress on Your Corner visits throughout the district, touring Dallas-Fort Worth area businesses, giving legislative updates at local events, and hosting one-on-one, task force and town hall meetings with constituents.

Your voice is important to me and is what drives me to push for legislation that improves the 33rd Congressional District, our families, and nation.

As always, I invite you to connect with me through my official website, Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter account to stay informed of what I am working on in the District and in Washington, D.C.

MARC MEANS BUSINESS

Last month, I launched a creative way to get to know my constituents: spending a day in their shoes, doing their jobs.

My "Marc Means Business" Work Day initiative helps me understand the challenges that constituents face in their jobs and daily lives.

This month, I donned the staple brown United Parcel Services (UPS) uniform and worked with UPS driver, Anthony Reid, on his routine delivery route around Fort Worth, TX.

Reid, a former Navy service member, has served as a UPS driver with distinction for more than 25 years, earning the prized brown leather jacket for exemplary service. His job with UPS gives him the financial stability to support his family and allows him to be the sole bread winner for his household.

I saw first-hand the business model all companies should strive to achieve. A well-paying middle class job ensures that businesses and employees can make it in America. When businesses provide pay and a career growth opportunity like UPS does, this improves company reputation, increases worker productivity and customer satisfaction, and boosts the local economy.

I will continue to clock-in at a variety of well-known and lesser-known local businesses and organizations across the Metroplex. Email me to suggest jobs for future 'Marc Means Business' workdays.

Stay updated on future 'Marc Means Business' work days and other events by following me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

CD33: MAKING IT IN AMERICA

This April I also had the opportunity to meet with local businesses, tour manufacturing facilities, visit workforce development centers, and focus on strengthening partnerships between local businesses and community colleges in order to ensure students are being trained in the skills they will need to enter the workforce.

I kicked off my tour of the 33rd Congressional District at Lasko Metal Products manufacturing facility in Fort Worth with Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, MD-5, as part of the "Make it in America" initiative to increase domestic manufacturing and keep manufacturing jobs in DFW.

These businesses in Texas demonstrate their desire to compete in the global economy and I am committed to ensuring that they have the resources and support to do so. Because when we "Make it in America," America can compete and succeed.

DEADLINE EXTENDED! HOUSE STEM APP CHALLENGE

Guess what high school app designers? Your response to the House App Challenge has been so overwhelming that we're officially extending the submission deadline to this Friday, May 2nd!

High school students who live or attend a high school in the 33rd Congressional District, can enter in a nationwide competition in which you create and showcase an original software application, or "app," for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of your choice.

The winning app will be featured in a new science and tech display in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. and on the U.S. House of Representative's website.

The House Student App Challenge is open to all high school students who live in or are eligible to attend schools located in my Congressional District.

Remember, the deadline to enter is this Friday, May 2, 2014. More details on submitting a contest entry, the rules of the competition, and helpful programming resources can be found on my website.

Good Luck!

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