Dear friend,

Despite the cold temperatures and ice and snow in Raleigh, I was able to travel around Wake County throughout the month of January. I spent time listening to residents and meeting with local leaders who are deeply committed to the strength and well-being of our community.

There’s no question that this is a challenging moment for North Carolina and for our country. That’s why it means so much to be home, speaking directly with my constituents about the issues that matter most to them.

Town Hall in Garner

Thank you to everyone who joined me, Garner Mayor Buddy Gupton, Mayor Pro Tem Demian Dellinger, and Council Member Elmo Vance for an important conversation about the challenges we’re facing and how we can fight back together.

We discussed holding ICE accountable for their abuses against citizens and immigrants, the steps I am taking to lower the high cost of living, and the future of the ACA tax credit extensions. I appreciated having a respectful and productive conversation -- even with those who may not agree with me.

Democracy depends on engaged citizens who show up and speak out. I was grateful to hear directly from you about the issues that impact you. Please be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on social media to receive an update when I host my next town hall.

Grand Opening of the Youth Wing at the YMCA

I had the opportunity to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the Alexander Jones Wright Youth Wing at the Alexander Family YMCA. This new facility is a 10,000 square foot youth center that includes a multipurpose gym for youth sports, afterschool, day camp and teen leadership programs, as well as outdoor areas for recreation.

In 2024, I secured $1 million to help bring this fantastic project to life. I am so thrilled for the children and families who will get to use this wonderful space and experience a safe, enriching environment for children and teens to thrive.

Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend

I was honored to take part in several events honoring Martin Luther King Jr. across Wake County.

In Garner, I participated in their annual MLK celebration, which commemorated Dr. King’s legacy alongside community leaders, clergy, students, and residents. We reflected on Dr. King's belief in the power of collective action to alter the course of history for the better.

I also attended the annual Triangle MLK Interfaith Breakfast and March, where community members from across the region came out and marched in tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I was honored to stand alongside so many leaders to share a message of hope, unity, and justice in Dr. King's honor.

Learning About the Future of Advanced Manufacturing at Wake Tech

I had the pleasure of visiting the Wake Tech’s Southern Wake Campus, where they demonstrated how federal investment is powering the future of advanced manufacturing education.

I spoke with faculty and students and toured classrooms and labs to see firsthand how the college is preparing students for careers in advanced manufacturing, automation and smart technologies.

Wake Tech is a recipient of several National Science Foundation federal grants that help to prepare students for the future of technology and advanced manufacturing. I will always fight for strong federal investments in our community.

Wake County's New Public Health Center Opens its Doors

I was so honored to join the opening celebration for Wake County's New Public Health Center.

In 2022, I secured $2 million in federal funding to help make this project a reality.

This facility is an important step forward in getting accessible and affordable health care to everyone in our community.

Congressional App Challenge Reception

My team and I hosted our annual Congressional App Challenge reception, where middle-school and high-school students showcase app ideas to address real-world issues.

We had a significant number of applicants this year including several schools submitting for the first time. Students submitted a wide range of impressive ideas. This year's winner, Aharshi Bhattacharjee, created an app that would assist those with Parkinson's Disease by providing real-time data to help them with their treatment.

The Walk For Peace Passes Through Raleigh

The venerable Buddhist monks, who have been walking from Texas to Washington D.C. to promote peace and unity, passed through Raleigh in January. It was so moving to see them in-person and to welcome them alongside our community.

Amidst the violence and division we're seeing across the country, I hope they can serve as a reminder that there is so much more that unites us than divides us, as Americans and human beings.

If you have questions about my work in Congress or need help with a federal agency, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office. My team is here to assist. You can send me an email through my website or call my Raleigh office at (919) 334-0840. For updates on my work on behalf of our community, follow me on Facebook, BlueSky, and Instagram.

Very truly yours,

Deborah