Rep. Lynn Jenkins Weekly Update: Women's History Month, Congress to Kansas, March for Meals, Standard Motor Products Tour

Statement

Breaking Barriers: Honoring Amelia Earhart for Women's History Month:

This month, we celebrate women's history by looking back on past generations of female leaders that helped shape the future for women in our country. Amelia Earhart is one such example, of a real-life female heroine who refused to get caught up in other people's expectations of a woman's proper role in society. She led one of the most compelling lives of the 1920's and 1930's, and became very much a part of American history.

Earhart was a small-town girl, who grew up in the great city of Atchison. She remains a household name after her record-setting flight career ended mysteriously. Yet, behind the popular tales that surround her disappearance, lies a woman who captivated the nation with her bold and daring personality, on and off the ground.

She showed the world that the adage "the greater the risk, the greater the reward" applies to both genders. Her ultimate quest was very simple: she wished to lead a fulfilling, productive life and in doing so, she broke through barriers in a male dominated industry and became a model of individual achievement for the nation.

Looking back to true examples of female courage is important, and reminds us not to fear, not to doubt, and to continue being productive, putting forth our best effort to make this place better for the future. I have tried to show my daughter and other young girls that our female voice is rich and dynamic, and needs to be heard in the public sphere more often.

This month, in the spirit of Amelia Earhart, I want to reiterate the message she embodied in everything she did during her life, and encourage women everywhere to speak up before you are asked, be active, and be bold when you have an opportunity to lead.

Congress to Kansas: Coffee with your Congresswoman in Fredonia, Osage City:

Sitting down to discuss issues and share ideas with folks is where I get my best advice, and helps me better represent Kansans in Washington. I host these coffees around the Second District to have intimate conversations and hear what is on people's minds. I want to thank everyone who came out to join me.

In Fredonia, we had an engaging discussion about the president's healthcare law and what it means for critical access to rural hospitals. It is clear that folks are concerned about the healthcare law's impacts in the community, and want to see local control restored. I assured the group that I am working every day in the House to protect them from the law's harmful provisions, and will continue to introduce and support legislation that will protect and give relief to Kansans.

In Osage City, I had the pleasure of visiting with former State Representative Joe Humerickhouse. We spoke at length about ways in which Kansas is attracting manufacturing firms with a favorable, pro-growth tax environment and less regulation. The Mars Chocolate manufacturing plant is a great example of how Kansas can be competitive and attract major corporations that bring jobs and stimulate the local economy.

"March for Meals" in Independence, Kansas:

This week, I dropped by the Senior Services of Southeast Kansas, Inc. in Independence, to visit with director Elaine Money about all of the great working taking place to help assist seniors. The organization provides meals to seniors in nine counties in Southeast Kansas, either on site or delivered to the home, to make sure that no senior goes hungry. I appreciate Elaine giving me the opportunity to serve with Meals on Wheels for their "March for Meals" program. Thanks to all of the volunteers for their hard work. Their efforts allow seniors to stay healthy, and live independently in their homes.

Around the District: Tour Standard Motor Products in Independence:

On Thursday, I toured Standard Motor Products in Independence. The company is a manufacturing leader in Kansas, with a state-of-the-art facility that produces hundreds of quality auto-parts they distribute to companies like AutoZone,O'Reilly Auto Parts, and the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA). We sat down to discuss existing market barriers for the company, and ways we can work together to ensure they remain competitive in today's global economy. Thanks to the staff for taking time out of their day to educate me about the companyand show me around their facility.

Source