Supporting Early Head Start programs.

With 22 programs and 300 locations in Arizona, 13,000 families rely on Head Start or Early Head Start in the Grand Canyon State alone. The importance of these programs cannot be overstated and I saw that in December when I had the honor of visiting a Head Start school in Tucson. But they are experiencing the same workforce challenges as many other industries across the country. That’s why I introduced the bipartisan HEADWAY Act (H.R. 7467) this week to address childcare workforce shortages while increasing access to Early Head Start programs to students and families in need. Under this bill, Early Head Start classroom teachers would be able to teach while earning their Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials simultaneously.

This is an opportunity to support not only our Head Start and Early Head Start programs and students but our future educators too. These teachers would be able to work towards their credentials and enter into a mentorship program with experienced educational professionals all while earning a paycheck. Read more here.  

Calling all AZ-06 students!

Enter the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for a chance to have your art displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District.

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in Arizona’s Sixth District. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on House.gov's Congressional Art Competition page. The deadline for submissions for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition is Friday, April 12th, 2024 at 5pm. Enter HERE.

AZ-06 in D.C. 

One of the best parts of my job is meeting with families, individuals, or organizations from AZ-06 who are visiting Capitol Hill. From advocacy groups to families touring the Capitol, it was great to see so many Arizonans up in Washington this week.

This week I had the opportunity to visit with members of the Arizona Civil Air Patrol, including Lt. Col. Gordon Helm, Arizona Wing Vice Commander Lt. Col. Mark Schadt, Wing Public Affairs Officer Maj. Margot Myers, and three Wing Cadets. It was great to hear about their operations in Arizona and AZ-06 – thanks for stopping by!

Making Travel Plans? 

Are you or your family in need of a new passport? The Western Passport Center is hosting a Passport Fair on March 9 at Pima Community College's East Campus. The first 70 applicants will be seen on a first-come first served basis. Make sure to have the following information: your DS-11 forms completed with no errors; a check made payable to the U.S. Department of State; your original proof of citizenship (Birth Certificate, Prior U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate); and valid forms of Photo ID. You can find more information below or on the PCC website.

Can’t make it to this event? You are always welcome to reach out to my office regarding passport issues. Just call our Tucson Office at 520-881-3588. 

Did you know?  

DYK that the oldest ranch in Arizona is located right here in AZ-06? The Sierra Bonita Ranch in Willcox was founded in 1872 as Arizona’s first permanent cattle ranch – and still running today! Sitting on 60,000 acres of land, this ranch has been an Arizona staple for generations. Originally founded by Henry Clay Hooker, it is now run by his great-great-great-grandson Jesse Hooker Davis. Jesse is currently raising over 600 cattle on the ranch, including beef cattle, Hereford cattle, Red Angus, and Black Angus bulls. In 1964, it was declared a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. Today it is not only a working ranch but home to a number of historic buildings. Sierra Bonita Ranch is a testament to the resiliency of Arizona’s ranchers and farmers – proud to represent you all in Congress!

Profiles of the American Dream: Jane Strain

She’s from Texas but has called Arizona home since 1995.

She’s a retired Army major and a member of Congressman Ciscomani’s Veterans Advisory Council.

She’s the former first lady of Sierra Vista and has helped select judges as a member of Arizona’s Appellate Court Appointments Commission.

She’s been an elementary school teacher, a college instructor, an advocate for early childhood education and is the longest serving member now on the Cochise Community College Governing Board.

To say that Jane Strain is a deeply involved in her community might be an understatement. Her strong sense of civic involvement highlights Jane’s approach to life – and what it means to live the American Dream.

“The American Dream is to be able to make your own decisions and do what’s right for you,” she says. “It means getting involved. I try to do things that are truly worthwhile, and I try to make a difference.”

Advocating for community colleges is where Jane feels she’s having the most impact.

“To me, the American Dream is defined by community colleges,” she says. “They fill an important need for students of all ages. They’re places where men and women can realize their potential and make life choices. Community colleges are uniquely American. They are the American Dream.”

Share your story.

Our district encompasses so many incredible people and stories that I want to share both with my colleagues in Washington and through the platforms I have as a member of Congress, such as speaking on the House floor. You can visit my website and share your story with me and my team. I look forward to hearing from you! 

As always, my office and I are here to assist you. If you would like to share a comment or tell us your story, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to serving you!

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