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Dear Neighbor,

The first month back in Congress has been busy – from the unexpectedly chaotic House Republicans’ Speaker race to hosting our first Town Hall of the 118th Congress and reintroducing. This month is only the beginning and I am excited to represent you. 

My second term in Congress started with my Republican colleagues choosing to create chaos instead of serving the American people by not being able to decide on a Speaker. It was a chaotic few days, but we were sworn in early on the morning of January 7th, which meant it was finally time to get to work to serve our NY-16 community. 

This month myself, Senator Warren, and 50 of our colleagues also sent a letter to the President asking for executive action to protect renters from price gouging rent. Tenants cannot afford their rent, and no one should be unhoused in the wealthiest nation on Earth or have to choose between paying rent and basic needs. Fortunately, President Biden listened to our requests and took the first steps toward reining in a rental market that prioritizes people over profits by releasing his Blueprint for a Renter’s Bill of Rights. This is a start, but I believe that the Administration can go significantly further to help tenants struggling to pay rent.

Back in the district, I had a great meeting with County Executive George Latimer where we discussed the future of Westchester County projects that could use federal funding and ones that have received federal funding. Some of these projects include flood mitigation, watershed studies, and public transportation access. Then I spent Martin Luther King Day with the United Black Clergy in Mount Vernon and the African American Men of Westchester. It was an empowering day that let us recommit our work on the values and future that Dr. King believed in to better serve our communities and our country. My team and I also hosted a Virtual Welcome Town Hall with over 6,000 attendees! We talked about our legislative priorities and provided information on how our office can help you. 

I also had the opportunity to visit and tour SUNY Westchester Community College’s Yonkers campus this month. It was an incredible campus right here in Yonkers that has classes ranging from psychology, to fashion design, to economics. I’m proud that such a phenomenal college exists in our community. Yonkers residents were also thrilled by the announcement that Senator Schumer, myself, and other elected officials made about a push to reconnect Southwest Yonkers with a first-of-its-kind greenway and more. We announced that the federal government finally has the funds to help Southwest Yonkers with this project. Not only will a greenway be created, but this project will also include a rail corridor for biking from Yonkers to the Bronx, increased access to public transportation, and revitalize the South Broadway business district.

This month we also announced nearly $100 million in federal dollars for critical resources in our district. Each of these projects will move us forward as a community: launching workforce development initiatives in Yonkers; providing at risk youth opportunities to reduce youth violence in Westchester; helping New York City support unhoused children, families, and asylum seekers; providing senior programming at NYCHA developments; addressing the need to rehabilitate the Lake Isle Dam and so much more. You can check them out here and below.

As always please do not hesitate to reach out to my office for any help with a federal agency. We have an in person town hall coming up on February 16th at New Rochelle High School at 6:30PM. We will explain how you can take advantage of the tax benefits and incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act RSVP. Check out our mobile constituent services hours, where you can request a Congressional Inquiry on the status of your case with a Federal agency. Stay up-to-date by signing up for our newsletter and following us on all social media platforms @RepBowman, as well by visiting bowman.house.gov. 

Peace and love,

Congressman Jamaal Bowman Ed.D