Wow! It's Been a Productive Couple of Weeks!
Here's how I was serving the citizens of the 12th Congressional District
Dear Friends,
I’m here in the district for our work period and first want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to the more than 500 of you who came out on Wednesday for my second annual Carolina Coffee to speak with me and meet the Charlotte staff. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind the past two weeks with two committee meetings — Agriculture, where we heard testimony from Secretary Tom Vilsack, and my Workforce Protections Subcommittee, where I serve as the ranking member of Congress. There we received testimony from U.S. Department of Labor Administrator Jessica Looman to address ways for members of our workforce to thrive.
I also spent time listening to the concerns of constituents and speaking with media on the importance of preserving policy to keep access to food and nutrition from becoming a political ploy and the need to provide equitable health care for mothers in America.
We’ve got lots of information in this issue about community project funding, military academy appointments, scholarships and more so be sure to read through to the end!
Now Accepting Community Project Funding Applications for Fiscal Year 2025
Each year, Congresswoman Adams invites organizations throughout the 12th district to apply for discretionary federal funds that benefit projects in our community.
Congresswoman Adams encourages community partners to fill out the form below to receive more information.
New Rules Taking Effect for NC Voters
North Carolina absentee voters must now ensure that their ballots are received by 7:30 PM on Election Day (March 5).
Two Ways to Return Your Ballot
Mail your ballot:
Include correct postage on your ballot return envelope. Return postage is $1.63. Three Forever stamps (66 cents a piece) would cover this amount, for example.
Your ballot must be received by your county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. (Note: State law previously provided for a grace period if your ballot was postmarked on or before Election Day and received within three days after the election. That is no longer the case.)
Return your ballot in person:
You can return your ballot to your county board of elections office or to an early voting site in your county.
If returning to your county board of elections office on Election Day, it must be received by 7:30 p.m.
You may not return your ballot to a polling place on Election Day.
District 12 Residents May Be Eligible for New Student Debt Relief
I have made student debt cancellation a priority in Congress. That’s why I’m excited to share that the President just announced a major new initiative.
Starting this month, if you took out less than $12,000 in loans and have been in repayment for 10 years, ALL of your debt will be canceled.
That’s right — your loan balance could go down to zero.
To get that relief and other options for major monthly reductions to your loan payments, you need to be enrolled in the Saving on A Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. This is the same plan that ensures no borrower who makes less than $15 an hour will have to make any student loan payments. It will also make sure that interest doesn't pile up and increase your debt amount, and that your spouse's income can't be used to drive up your payment amount.
Sign up for the SAVE Plan today so you get this relief before your next payment is due.
NCDHHS Launches New Mental Health Hotline
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new statewide phone number for people struggling with mental health or substance abuse. This is another resource that we can share for those who may need mental health or substance abuse support. The new peer warmline will work in tandem with the North Carolina 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and give callers the option to speak with a peer support specialist, people who are living in recovery with mental illness or have substance use disorder. Anyone needing assistance can call 1-855-PEERS N.C., 855-733-7762, text 988, or chat at 988Lifeline.org.
Congresswoman Adams Appoints New Cadets to USAF Academy
Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. last week appointed two students to the United States Air Force Academy for the Fall 2024 Semester.
Lily Todd, of Mint Hill, NC, and Jake Couch, of Huntersville, NC, received personal congratulations from Rep. Adams for their prestigious appointments to the nation’s most elite school for the U.S. Air Force. Rep. Adams personally recommended both students after careful consideration of their elite academic and professional achievements.
Jake Couch, a senior, is ranked sixth in his class of 169 students at Pine Lake Preparatory in Mooresville, North Carolina. He is a member of the school’s Robotics team, which went to the world championship in 2022 and state championship in 2023, and he serves as President of the school’s National Honor Society.
Lily Todd is a Mechanical Engineering Major at Duke University. She also served as President of the National Honor Society at Pine Lake Preparatory. Last year, she attended the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) Flight Academy at Purdue University, and obtained her private pilot license.
“Jake Couch represents the combination of academic diligence and technological creativity that the U.S. Air Force most values,” said Rep. Adams. “Lily Todd has clearly shown initiative to get into the skies and demonstrate leadership. Both of these students have made North Carolina proud, and soon they will honor our nation with their service.”
Congresswoman Adams encourages Faith Leaders and Community Members to Take Advantage of DHS Resources
In the wake of last week’s senseless shooting at Lakewood Church in Houston, I wanted to bring all of the offerings of the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships to the attention of faith and community leaders in the 12th Congressional District.
In times like these, we must stay vigilant in protecting ourselves, our communities, and our houses of worship. More information can be found below.
CBC Foundation Scholarship Deadlines Extended!
HHS Grant to fund Cancer Research at UNCC
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte received a nearly $500,000 grant from the Department of Heath and Human Services to fund their cancer research institute. I look forward to seeing the incredible work from these talented researchers!
That’s where I’ll lay my hat for this week. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Alma