SE Valley Times

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On May 19, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress announced the relaunch of the Congressional Caucus of Former Local Elected Officials for the 118th Congress. This caucus, first formed in 2021 in coordination with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National League of Cities (NLC), brings together Members of Congress with prior service in local government to improve our nation’s intergovernmental partnership, provide up-to-date information about mutual policy interests to Members of Congress and their staffs, and ensure the local government voice is heard in federal decision-making. 

The Caucus is co-chaired by Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Kay Granger (R-TX), and Marc Molinaro (R-NY).

“Recovering local elected officials have a unique approach to governing, rooted in problem-solving. Over the last few years, we’ve proven that when we put partisanship aside and work together, we can deliver results,” said Rep. Greg Stanton, former Mayor of Phoenix, AZ. “This caucus will continue to prioritize the issues that matter most to communities back home—like affordable housing, infrastructure, public safety and creating good jobs—and make sure local needs are being met.” 

“The voices of America’s local leaders have never been more important,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly, former Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. “For years, former local officials in Congress have committed to uplifting local priorities and needs to our peers in Congress, and I’m thrilled to see that mission continue today with the relaunch of our Caucus in the 118th Congress.” 

"Local elected officials have a unique perspective. They see the challenges Americans face every day because they’re living and working alongside them,” said Rep. Marc Molinaro, former County Executive, State Legislator, and Mayor. “I am honored to join with Republicans and Democrats who have served their communities on the local level to advocate for policies that empower local governments and the people they serve.” 

“As the pandemic underscored, having a close partnership between the federal government and our nation’s local governments is essential,” said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities. “This bipartisan caucus is an invaluable partner for ensuring that local leaders have the federal support they need to meet the needs of their residents on the ground. We look forward to working with Representatives Granger, Stanton, Connolly, and Molinaro as they lead this caucus in the 118th Congress and thank them for being champions of local government.”

“Former local elected officials serving in Congress have unique perspectives on the impact of federal policies on the ground,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “We look forward to working with the bipartisan Congressional Caucus of Former Local Elected Officials and ultimately strengthening the intergovernmental partnership necessary to achieve results for our shared constituencies.”

In addition to Connolly, Granger, Stanton, and Molinaro, the full list of Caucus members for the 118th Congress is as follows: Mark Pocan (D-WI), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Jerry Carl (R-AL), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-CA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Brian Higgins (D-NY), Norma Torres (D-CA), Steve Womack (R-AR), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Troy Carter (D-LA), and David Joyce (R-OH).

Original source can be found here.