E-Newsletter

Traversing Southwest Virginia

From an event at the Tri-Cities Regional Airport to meetings in Covington, I made several stops across the 9th Congressional District this week. In Abingdon, I toured the Southwest Virginia Food Bank to see the good work they are doing in the community. I also participated in a roundtable discussion with the Mountain Health Alliance and heard about the concerns facing health care providers in the region. In Marion and Lebanon, I met with town officials to discuss local issues.

On the way to Covington for Satellite Office Hours, my staff and I stopped to speak with the Class of 2011 at Craig County High School. I spoke with the students about the Continuing Resolution the House passed last week which would fund the federal government through September 30 and the importance of fiscal responsibility in Washington. The House passed Continuing Resolution would cut $100 billion from the President’s requested budget for Fiscal Year 2011, which is less than 7 percent of the projected $1.6 trillion deficit for the year. We also discussed how Congress has to make tough decisions regarding spending cuts. Later, I had the opportunity to take several questions from the students regarding a variety of issues before Congress. It was good to have a conversation with these young people. The decisions Congress now makes will directly affect their future.

While at Craig County High, I learned that the Principal Dan Bowman’s wife swam on a swim team I used to help coach. Jim Stephens, a member of the Craig County School Board, was also in attendance. Jim served as in intern in my law office after he graduated from Craig County High.

My mother was a schoolteacher for over 30 years, and I want students to know that they have access to their representative in Congress. Hearing their perspectives is important. Getting them engaged in civic matters is essential. I look forward to continuing to interact with high school students and their teachers on a regular basis. If you think your high school would like to have me visit, please have your Principal contact my scheduler, Mary Stafford, at (202) 225-3861.

My travels also took me to Radford for meetings with constituents and a tour of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant. The Radford Arsenal has been operating in Pulaski and Montgomery Counties since 1941 and serves as a fixture of the community. When I delivered newspapers as a young boy, several of the folks on my delivery route worked at the Arsenal.

Many people don’t realize this, but the Radford Arsenal is the largest producer of smokeless propellant in the world. During my tour, I learned that part of the reason why the Arsenal was established in the 9th District is the access and availability of natural resources, including coal, water, and wood. They actually use coal to generate a significant amount of their own energy.

I look forward to being back in the 9th District throughout the month of March. If you wish to contact my office regarding issues before Congress, I invite you to visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.govor call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405.