Dear Friend,

This week, I applauded the historic blue wave elections that should restore sanity and credibility to public policy in Washington and hold the Trump administration and family accountable for their corrupt and ill-advised actions. I also received Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital’s first-ever Champion for Children award, announced more than $3.7 million in federal Department of Transportation grants, set a deadline for flag requests, noted that open enrollment for Affordable Care Act health plans is underway, and offered Biden-Harris Inauguration announcements, a Friday Flashback, two Bill Day cartoons and a weekly health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram to see what I am doing as it happens.

Welcoming Tuesday’s Blue Wave Elections

Being Named Le Bonheur’s Champion for Children

Announcing $3.7 Million in Federal Transportation Grants

Setting a Deadline for Making Requests for Flags

Offering Biden-Harris Inauguration Announcements

Noting that Open Enrollment for ACA Plans is Underway

The Friday Flashback

Two Bill Day Cartoons

Weekly Health Tip

Quotes of the Week

Welcoming Tuesday’s Blue Wave Election

For the first time in more than 40 years, I was not on the ballot Tuesday after the Republican-led state legislature gerrymandered our Memphis-based 9^th District in thirds in May to dilute Black voting power. While it was personally disheartening not to be part of it, I certainly welcomed the blue tsunami that took back the House and Senate. Democrats will now work to reverse the harm done to our social safety net programs and scientific research and hold the corrupt and misguided Trump administration and its cronies to account. As a senior member of the House, I will continue working to assure that accountability. 

Being Named Le Bonheur’s Champion for Children

On Wednesday, I was presented with the first annual “Champion for Children” award from Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital for my work on behalf of the hospital and children over my career. It was very gratifying to me as my father practiced pediatrics at Le Bonheur early in his career. That cherished memory from my childhood is reflected in all the work I’ve done for the hospital. We all start out as children. We all love children. Le Bonheur is a great institution and is certainly a jewel in our community.

Announcing $3.7 Million in Federal Transportation Grants

Last Friday, I announced that the University of Memphis and Shelby County government would receive more than $3.7 million in federal Department of Transportation (DOT) grants. See my release here.

Setting a Deadline for Making Requests for Flags

If you would like to order a flag from my office, please make the request by November 15, which is the last day we can accommodate those requests. After that, please contact your senators’ offices. To make the request, use the form on my web site available here.

Offering Biden-Harris Inauguration Announcements

My office has a few hundred Biden-Harris Inauguration announcements that I’d like to put in the hands of those especially appreciative of the landmark event. Please contact my District office at (901) 544-4131 to make your request.

Noting that Open Enrollment for ACA Plans is Underway

Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans is currently underway and ends on January 15. To apply for or renew existing coverage, click here. Most people who apply will be eligible for financial help to lower their premiums. Republicans let the ACA tax credits that lowered premiums expire.

The Friday Flashback

This is me being sworn in as a Shelby County Commissioner in September of 1978. That’s my mother over my right shoulder.

Two Bill Day Cartoons – “Direct Deposit” and “Democracy Saved”

Weekly Health Tip

COVID-19 vaccinations are available in Shelby County to anyone who meets the vaccination criteria, and are provided at no cost. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. For more information on immunizations generally, click here.

Quotes of the Week

“President Trump has spent the past two years trying to subvert American democracy. On Tuesday, voters stood up to him.” – The New York Times editorial “Trump Has Met His Match” on Tuesday night

“Trump suffered a decisive rebuke. The president’s hold on national politics had seemed intact, despite his erratic policies and declining popularity — until Tuesday, when GOP support crumbled in many states and congressional districts where it had surged just two years ago. Trump retains his hardcore MAGA base, but on Tuesday moderate GOP and independent voters who had backed Trump in 2024 abandoned the GOP to either vote for Democrats or stay home.” – Washington Post columnist David Ignatius on Wednesday

I thank all of our veterans as we approach Veterans Day on Wednesday. Thank you for your service and dedication to our country.

As always, I remain

Sincerely,

Steve Cohen
Member of Congress