Gerry Connolly Tributes; Report: 18.3 Million Children Set to Lose School Meals: Trump Wants Investigation of Celebs Who Backed VP Kamala Harris
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A Day of Tributes to Rep. Gerry Connolly
Twenty three days after his April 28 announcement that he would not be running for re-election, it was announced on the morning of May 21 that Congressman 🌹 Gerry Connolly died after a battle with esophageal cancer at age 75. After the news, which was not unexpected but still jolting, the tributes arrived in rapid succession.
“It is with immense sadness that we share that our devoted and loving father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, passed away peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family,” read a statement by Connolly’s office.
“It was with immense sadness that I learned of @GerryConnolly’s passing. He was a relentless advocate for his constituents and a true public servant who loved America, the Commonwealth of Virginia and his hometown of Fairfax. I will miss our friendship and his infectious energy and humor. This is a true loss for Virginia and our entire nation. I am praying for his family, his staff and his other loved ones at this time,” wrote Rep. Bobby Scott.
Above: Many friends, associates and organizations posted memories of Rep. Connolly.
“From local office to the halls of Congress, Gerry Connolly served Virginians with a true spirit of public service. We are all incredibly saddened by this news,” wrote State Senator L. Louise Lucas.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Connolly. I can only imagine the grief that his family is experiencing and will endure in the months to come. I hope that even as they grieve they will also soothe each other with a story of “Remember the time when…” and then they laugh through their tears. May God be with his family,” wrote Lt. Governor Winsome Sears.
“Gerry put his faith in action as a servant leader. He loved his neighbors and this fragile government by, of and for the people. He passionately provided a voice for the voiceless as he sought to ease any suffering he saw. No matter the challenges facing him or his constituents, he never lost his sense of humor or the twinkle of joy in his eyes. Throughout my time in elected office, Gerry has been a defining and passionate voice in Virginia politics,” wrote Rep. Jennifer McClellan.
Below: Rep. Connolly with Rep. Scott and Sen. Tim Kaine on election night in Tysons in 2013.
“Today, we mourn the loss of Congressman Gerry Connolly, a devoted public servant whose commitment to his constituents and our nation will never be forgotten. From Fairfax County to Capitol Hill, he dedicated his life to uplifting the voiceless and fighting for what’s right. Jennifer and I send our condolences to the Connolly family in this difficult time,” wrote State Senator Aaron Rouse, who is running for Lt. Governor.
Will post funeral details when available.
GOP Tax Bill Will Add $2.3 Trillion to the Deficit, CBO Says
Members of Congress have been battling it over the billions in cuts in the budget by House Republicans. The Congressional Budget Office announced that Medicaid will take a big hit and the GOP budget adds to the deficit.
Below: Rp. Jennifer McClellan speaks at the Rules Committee this evening.
NEW PODCAST - EP52 🎙️ Reps. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Jasmine Crockett (D-TX): Democrats Talk Media Strategy in the Fight to Save Health Care
Urban Institute: 18.3 Million Children Could Lose Free School Meals If Republican Budget Passes
On May 20, the Urban Institute released a new report detailing the impact of the Republican/Trump budget reconciliation proposal set to pass the House this week. According to the report, the budget could end free school meals for 18.3 million children. The policy change could occur, “either through individual certification or through their school or state’s participation in universal school meal programs,” according to Rep. Bobby Scott who released a statement on the issue yesterday. Rep. Scott is the lead Democrat on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
“Republicans’ proposal denies low-income students access to free school meals and the ability to reach their full potential. For some students, the food served at school may be the only nutritious meal they receive that day. When children are fed healthy, nutritious food, not only does attendance go up, but so do academic outcomes,” Rep. Scott said in a statement on May 20.
Below: A chart reflecting Congressional Budge Office numbers shows the impact on SNAP
Trump Demands Probe of Celebs Who Supported Kamala Harris
By Stacy Brown for Black Press USA. In a series of overnight social media posts filled with capital letters and accusations, Trump called for a federal investigation into pop and cultural icons Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Bruce Springsteen, and Bono.
President Donald Trump’s latest tirade marks a new chapter in what critics call one of modern history’s angriest and most vengeful post-election victory laps. Despite reclaiming the White House, Trump and his inner circle continue to lash out—not at rivals in government, but at celebrities who backed his 2024 opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. In a series of overnight social media posts filled with capital letters and accusations, Trump called for a federal investigation into pop and cultural icons Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Bruce Springsteen, and Bono.
The reason: their support for Harris during the campaign. Trump baselessly accused them of being “illegally compensated” under the guise of performance or production contracts, calling the endorsements “a desperate effort to artificially build up her sparse crowds.” “Candidates aren’t allowed to pay for ENDORSEMENTS,” Trump wrote. “This was a very expensive and desperate effort… IT’S NOT LEGAL!” Read entire at Black Press USA
Podcast 50 🎙️ John Reid, History… and Blackmail? With attorney and former Gov. L. Doug Wilder’s campaign manager Paul Goldman
Podcast 48 🎙️ Fergie Reid Jr., on the State of Play of Virginia House Races
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