Congresswoman Gloria Negrete McLeod's E-Newsletter: July 11, 2013
Statement
REP. NEGRETE MCLEOD INTRODUCES STUDENT LOAN DEBT RELIEF LEGISLATION
Many of America's college graduates will get hit with their first student loan payment before they have managed to secure their place in the workforce. The Get Relief from Academic Debt (GRAD) Act of 2013, would extend the grace period of Federal Stafford Loans from six months to an entire year.
CONGRESSWOMAN GLORIA NEGRETE MCLEOD MEETS WITH SECRETARY OF EDUCATION ARNE DUNCAN TO DISCUSS EDUCATION ISSUES.
"College graduates face a tough job market and are given only six months before they are obligated to begin paying off their student loans," said Negrete McLeod. "By extending the grace period we are seeking a realistic, common sense resolution that gives recent graduates a fighting chance to get a well-paying job and make good on their loans."
Of the 37 million borrowers, 5.4 million have at least one past due student loan account. A Rutgers University report found that nearly 30% of recent college graduates took more than seven months towards finding a job. The report also stated that about half of all jobs obtained by recent college grads were not full-time.
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REP. NEGRETE MCLEOD INTRODUCES BILL TO INCREASE BUS SAFETY
HR 2505, the Motorcoach Safety, Accountability, and Technology Act of 2013, would update safety standards for newly manufactured motorcoach vehicles while giving more authority to local law enforcement to inspect passenger buses.
"Local law enforcement is currently prohibited from inspecting passenger buses known to have a documented history of poor vehicle maintenance," said Negrete McLeod. "Most safety requirements are carried out by self-enforcement, leaving local law enforcement officers unable to adequately police negligent companies on the road. My bill would remedy this issue while creating safety standards aimed at better protecting consumers."
A recent February 3rd bus crash on Highway 38 killed eight people near San Bernardino, California as a result of brake failure despite the company's known record of poor vehicle maintenance. This legislation was developed in consultation with the National Transportation Safety Board, the federal agency leading the investigation of the San Bernardino bus crash, and has been endorsed by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.
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HONORING STUDENT ARTIST AT ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY IN WASHINGTON, DC
Congresswoman Gloria Negrete McLeod was joined by Pomona constituent and winner for California's 35th Congressional District Art Competition, Gabi Reynoso, at the Washington, DC office.
Various images of California's 35th Congressional Art Competition winner Gabi Reynoso's trip to Washington, DC.
"It is a privilege to recognize Ms. Gabi Reynoso's artwork here at the nation's capital," said Negrete McLeod. "The purpose of this nationwide high school art competition is to recognize and encourage artistic talents of young people in each congressional district. I was very impressed by all the artwork submitted this year."
High school students from across the Inland Empire were invited to submit their artwork for the annual competition sponsored by the Congressional Institute. A total of 23 high school artists submitted their work to Rep. Negrete McLeod's office for consideration. Gabi was accompanied by her father, Mr. Gerardo Reynoso, on a two-day trip to Washington, DC for an awards ceremony honoring winners from all 50 states. Her artwork will hang on display for one year in the main corridor between the U.S. Capitol and House Office Buildings.
For more information, visit the Art Competition Online Gallery.
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IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN VETERANS ENDORSE CONGRESSWOMAN NEGRETE MCLEOD'S LEGISLATION ADDRESSING CLAIMS BACKLOG
On June 28, 2013, two major veteran service organizations testified before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs in support of Congresswoman Gloria Negrete McLeod's legislation, HR 1623, the Veterans Administration (VA) Claims Efficiency Through Information Act of 2013.
CONGRESSWOMAN GLORIA NEGRETE MCLEOD LISTENS AS VERNA JONES, DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN LEGION'S VETERAN AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION COMMISSION TESTIFIES WHY HR 1623 IS IMPORTANT FOR ENDING VA CLAIMS BACKGLOG
"In order to have a veteran fully prepared for the claims process, VA should be providing as much crucially important information as possible, and this bill seeks to make sure that happens," said Tom Tarantino, Chief Policy Officer for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
"Increasing transparency and access to the data necessary to make informed decisions about their claims is vital to continuing the improvement process in the overall claims system," said Verna Jones, Director of the American Legion's Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission during today's testimony.
This legislation would require VA to include the number of completed claims by region and by medical condition for the current and preceding month and year. Presenting the bill during a legislative hearing, Congresswoman Negrete McLeod argued that more transparency would put more pressure on the VA to end the claims backlog while also ensuring Congress is better informed.
"The lack of public information about the claims backlog does both VA and veterans a disservice," said Negrete McLeod. "Each month, veterans suffer economic hardship from delays in their disability benefits. If we knew how many claims were completed from month to month and which offices are struggling to process particular medical conditions, the VA could quickly direct resources to address the problem."
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