Dear Friend,
Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate all that we are blessed with. This year, in addition to my lovely wife Deborah, I am especially grateful for the following:
An Administration that Gets It: I think of all that we have accomplished already this year under the leadership of President Obama – equal compensation for women in the workplace, a recovery package to get our economy back on track, expanded health care coverage for our nation’s children - to name just a few, not to mention the big issues of health care reform and climate change that the Administration has made its top priorities. After many years of legislative attempts at progress coming to a screeching halt at the President’s desk, I am extraordinarily thankful to our current Commander in Chief for setting the right priorities, thereby restoring international respect for our country and making it a stronger, healthier and better place for its citizens.
A Congress Willing to Tackle the Big Problems: Speaking of legislative progress, there has been a great deal of it in the 111th Congress. It is refreshing to work in an environment where the majority of your colleagues agree on one ultimate thing: inaction is not an option. Thanks to this attitude and a willingness to deliberate on the tough issues as long as necessary, we are now closer than ever before to accomplishing sweeping health insurance reform. This is what effective public service looks like. I am thankful to be a part of it.
The Friendship of the People of the 15th District: I love my job, because the hardworking people I serve deserve the very best and it is my passion to fight for you in Washington to make sure you get it. Each time I am home and attending various events, whether I’m in Monroe, Wayne or Washtenaw County, it feels like a breath of fresh air to be with my people - the “real” people who make this country great. So last but certainly not least, I am grateful to be your public servant and friend. Thank you for sticking with me through good times and bad, and for knowing that I’m fighting for you every step of the way.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
