Congressman G. K. Butterfield Newsletter


Heard It First: Combating the Opioid Epidemic, fighting against discrimination, advocating for improvements in healthcare, and more…
Dear Friend,
 
Last week, I, along with my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, passed comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to combat the growing opioid and heroin epidemic facing our country. 
Unfortunately, while we were able to come together on both sides of the aisle on the opioid crisis, my Republican colleagues have yet to fulfill their basic, fundamental duty of bringing a budget to the floor that benefits hardworking American families. 
In North Carolina, Governor McCrory continues to set our great state on the wrong path by refusing to repeal the discriminatory, House Bill 2. In response, U.S. Departments of Education and Justice issued joint guidance last week to help educators properly accommodate transgender students. H.B. 2 has already cost the state hundreds of jobs and is projected to cost the state $560 million in private sector activity by 2018. I joined my colleagues and fellow North Carolinians, Representatives Alma Adams and David Price in writing a letter to the Governor urging him to repeal this bill. I will continue to demand the repeal of H.B. 2 and advocate for all citizens to maintain their rights and dignity. 
As always, it is my great honor to serve you in Washington. 
Thank you very much.

Very truly yours,  

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 Inside This Issue
 
 
UpcomingEvent

UPCOMING EVENT: 
STATE OF THE DISTRICT 
Upcoming Event
Join me for my State of the District meeting in Greenville on June 2 to discuss current issues facing Congress and the first district. Hear updates from state and local elected officials, as well as live music from local performers.     A reception will follow the event. 
ArtCompetitionART COMPETITION WINNER ANNOUNCED
“Graffart” by Rene Chavez Lopez
Congratulations to our 2016 Congressional Art Competition winner, Rene Chavez Lopez of 
Hillside High School (Durham), for his work “Graffart!”
As the winner, Rene received a $3,000 scholarship from Savannah College of Art and Design. His piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
Read more on Rene’s prize-winning piece here.
opioidepidemic

COMBATING THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC 
Last week, the House took critical steps to combat the national opioid epidemic with the passage of 17 bipartisan opioid-related bills. Included in the measures was H. R. 4063, the PROMISE Act, which aims to cut the risk of opioid addiction among veterans managing chronic pain. It requires Department of Veterans Affairs to expand opioid safety measures including implementation of pain management teams and training in pain management and safe opioid prescribing practices for employees that prescribe opioid drugs to treat veterans. 
        

Congressman Butterfield Speaks in Support of the PROMISE Act on the House Floor
Click on the image above to watch Congressman Butterfield’s May 10 remarks on the House Floor in support of the PROMISE Act.
fightingforyouthFIGHTING FOR OUR YOUTH 
I met with River City YouthBuild’s Executive Director Lenora Jarvis-Mackey and Program Manager Angie Wills. We discussed how River City YouthBuild, which is based in Elizabeth City, is working to help young people build the skills necessary to become leaders in the community.
Read more about the work that YouthBuild does here.
healthcareADVOCATING FOR 21ST CENTURY HEALTHCARE
I met with members of the Emergency Nurses Association to discuss the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act, which I sponsored with my colleague, Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-08).  The bill clarifies existing law to allow emergency medical responders to administer controlled substances, such as pain narcotics and anti-seizure medications, under the 
supervision of a physician.
Read more about the bill here.
bishopcurryFIGHTING FOR OUR VALUES
I had the pleasure of meeting with Bishop Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, to discuss current issues facing the church and legislation to strengthen our communities. 
SERVING MY CONSTITUENTS