The Week in Washington from Senator Martinez

The Week in Washington

Wednesday, Senator Martinez addressed the Mortgage Bankers Association. The senator was introduced by Mr. Kieran Quinn, the incoming chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Thursday, Senator Martinez called efforts to tie emergency troop funding to a precipitous withdrawal from Iraq a dangerous effort. "This bill means we turn our back on our national security," said Martinez. "Our national security demands we let the generals on the ground tell us the best strategy going forward - not politicians in Washington." Click here to view a clip of the Senator's floor speech.

Senator Martinez praised the Senate's passage of the America COMPETES Act, a bill to improve educational opportunities for students! in the areas of math, science, technology, and engineering. "America has been the global leader in innovative technology, and we must ensure that we continue to hold that position in our competitive global market," said Martinez. Read more …

State Events

Senator Martinez announced that the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita will continue to receive housing assistance for an additional 18 months. Senator Martinez was notified of the joint decision by the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Thursday, Senator Martinez announced that Del-Jen, Inc. will receive more than $16 million in funds for their operation of the Gainesville Job Corps Center. "These funds will help prepare Florida's students to successfully join America's workforce," said Martinez. "! The Job Corps program provides an opportunity to those who might not otherwise have access to these services in preparing for their future." Read more …


Reminder: Northwest Florida Community Office Hours

Senator Martinez announced Community Office Hours will be held in Northwest Florida this month. Caseworkers from Senator Martinez’s Office will be available to assist with issues related to Medicare, Veterans benefits, Social Security payments, and other matters involving federal agencies.

Northwest Florida Community Office Hours will be held in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, and Bay counties on Thursday, May 3rd, and Friday, May 4th.

Casework Corner

*A town mayor in Florida was working with the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program office for several years to resolve a situation regarding a COPS grant that the town received in 1996. The federal department conducted an audit and believed that the town supplanted the grant funds in excess of $600,000. The mayor contacted the Office of the Senator in order to have help in getting these allegations of supplanting funds dropped.

A caseworker contacted the DOJ for assistance; the Department reviewed their previous decision and found evidence that the town provided substantial documentation on how the grant was to be used for policing services. Consequently, the DOJ reversed their decision and the town will not be required to return the COPS grant funds.

If you have questions about a federal agency, please contact the Orlando Regional Office by calling (407) 254-2573 to speak with a member of the Casework Department. The toll-free number for Florida residents is (866) 630-7106. To find out more about how my Office can help you, go to http://martinez.senate.gov or stop by one of our scheduled Community Office Hours in your area.

*Casework Corner is a real account of assistance provided to constituents. The names of those involved are changed to protect the privacy of the constituent.