written by Andre Cisco II, November 2009

Since filling the 11^th District Seat of Ohio vacated by the passing of her dear friend, Representative Stephanie Tubbs-Jones, she has been working twofold to ensure that the legacy of her close companion is recognized through her own hard work and dedication.

We recently sat down with Congresswoman Fudge to discuss her role in changing Cleveland for the better, the key issues on the upcoming November ballot and the future direction of our nation.

 

Can you tell us about yourself?

I was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. In fact, I graduated from Shaker Heights High, earned a Business Administration degree from Ohio State University and a law degree from Cleveland State University.

Professionally, I was privileged to work with my friend Stephanie Tubbs Jones as chief administrator while she was Cuyahoga County Prosecutor. When she was elected to Congress I became her Chief of Staff.

After that experience, I served for 9 years as Mayor of Warrensville Heights.

Since November of 2008, I have served as a Member of the United States House of Representatives for the Eleventh Congressional District of Ohio.

What was your childhood like and how did your upbringing allow you to arrive at this point right now?

Throughout my childhood the adults in my life, particularly my mother and aunt, emphasized the importance of civic engagement and social responsibility. Growing up watching them volunteer on campaigns, and rally neighbors reinforced my belief that those actions were synonymous with being a good citizen. As a result, my professional career has been centered on service. I ran for public office to serve and fight for my neighbors.

Talk about some of the transitions you had to make when switching titles from Mayor to Congresswoman?

Adapting to life in Congress was a big transition. I now travel to D.C. weekly to vote and serve thirty times more constituents, who are extremely diverse and require more tailored services.

The Congressional decision making process is entirely different. While serving as city executive, I made decisions quickly and efficiently. Congress is a much larger deliberating body, so consensus building takes longer.

What did it mean to you when you were chosen to replace your close friend the late Stephanie Tubbs Jones as Representative for the 11^th District of Ohio?

I was truly honored when chosen to replace Stephanie because I know that she would have wanted me to do so. I want to ensure that her legacy is rightfully recognized as one that positively impacted the District and its young people.

What were some of your primary goals coming into your term last November and how would you rate your progress in achieving those goals over your first year in office?

I focus on supporting legislation that stimulates job growth, reduces foreclosures, and improves health care. Significant progress has been made during my eleven months in office.

I was proud to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which saved or created jobs in our District’s police forces, schools, weatherization firms and construction businesses. We must do more, but the Recovery Act is a good first step. To address unethical lending practices, I introduced legislation to curb predatory lending and my staff regularly hosts housing seminars.

Congress is currently debating health care reform. I am fighting for affordable insurance for all Americans. Please visit my Health Care Hub at www.fudge.house.gov/healthcarehub

What are some programs that you have implemented thus far that Northeast Ohioans can see in action right now?

My staff provides a number of resources to the community.

We hosted small business seminars to connect owners with resources needed to survive the recession. Small businesses are the cornerstone of the Nation’s economy and we must assist them in maintaining fiscal viability.

In July we held a two-day foreclosure prevention event that was attended by over thirty thousand people from the Great Lakes Region. Given the huge need for foreclosure assistance, my staff regularly coordinates housing seminars.

In August we hosted a community health fair at John Hay High, which was attended by over 500 people. Our fair provided families with the knowledge and power necessary to maintain healthy lives by connecting them with health care experts, dedicated volunteers, and more than 70 area organizations.

What is the toughest obstacle that the City of Cleveland currently faces and what steps do we need to take to overcome that obstacle?

Undoubtedly, poverty, the lack of jobs, and rampant foreclosures are the largest obstacles facing Cleveland at this time. Economic development and job training within expanding industries will overcome these hurdles.

How do you feel about the progress that Cleveland has made in the last four years and which mayoral candidate would lead us in a positive direction for the future?

Over the past four years Cleveland has presented a balanced budget and encouraged development. While more city renewal is needed, Mayor Jackson laid a solid foundation for job creation. Mayor Jackson has my support.

Ohio’s Issue 3 has become one of the most debated subjects on this year’s ballot. Will Issue 3 do more good or bad to our already struggling economy in Ohio?

Issue 3, the Ohio Jobs and Growth Plan, will improve Ohio’s economy. It will create 34,000 jobs, many of which will be permanent positions. Many jobs will be available for a diverse group of minority and underrepresented contractors and workers.

Approximately $651 million will be generated in job growth tax revenues each year. Of that amount, public school districts will receive an estimated $221 million.

As you may know, Dan Gilbert has provided significant resources for this project. He has committed to the progress of Cleveland through his ownership of the Cavaliers and through his firm, which employs over 300 area residents.

What changes can Cleveland residents see right now as a result of the recovery act and what changes can we expect to see in the future?

As a result of the Recovery Act, Cleveland residents have not experienced a disruption in state sponsored services due to budgetary constraints and many jobs have been saved.

Consider that 666,416 Ohioans received $25 per week increase in their unemployment insurance benefits. Many laid off workers are now able to afford COBRA health insurance since the federal government now pays a larger share of the cost.

Congress also provided additional revenue to area food banks and the free and reduced lunch program so that people will not have to do without food during these lean times.

The Recovery Act granted almost $14 million directly to the Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Workforce Investment Board to administer career and technical training. Training funds will be tied to jobs that are actually available as opposed to spending money in industries that are no longer hiring.

Our School Districts have received over $100 million in funding to keep teachers in the classroom and support staff on payroll.

Pell Grants were increased through the Act by $500, for a maximum of $5350 in 2009 and $5550 in 2010, which affects over 205,000 Ohioans. To further help students, Congress increased limits on unsubsidized Stafford loans by $2,000. This will affect over 450, 000 Ohio students.

As more Recovery dollars make their way into our community, we will see a greater economic resurgence.

What are some of the most important issues regarding the healthcare reform debate and how will President Obama’s healthcare plan affect Northeast Ohioans if it is adopted by congress?

The core issue is how to provide affordable and comprehensive health insurance for the 86,000 uninsured individuals in my Congressional district.  America’s Affordable Health Choices Act will provide affordable insurance for 97% of those individuals. The plan will have amazing effects.

Finally, people will not be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Also, if you develop a new illness or condition, you will not be dropped from your plan. Unfortunately, we have documented cases of Americans being denied health insurance for everything from being the victims of domestic violence to diabetes.

There will be no co-pay for preventive care, such as annual preventive care appointments, and physicals.

Your annual medical expenses will be capped. You will no longer worry about whether you can afford that necessary medical procedure.

Seniors will have a stronger, more efficient Medicare program. The House version shores up funding for the program and lowers drug costs by eliminating the Medicare Part D ‘doughnut hole.’

How would you rate the progress of our country as President Obama nears the conclusion of his first year in office and what will be the biggest hurdle that President Obama will have to surmount in the upcoming year?

President Obama has not yet served a year in office. He should be allowed to do so before we offer judgment on his record.

As of now, his largest accomplishment is that he stopped the major hemorrhaging of jobs we faced before passing the Recovery Act.

While I cannot predict what new challenges will confront the President and the Nation, certainly we must continue to address our lagging economy, and America’s missions in Afghanistan and Iraq deserve our full attention.

Should we not talk again for another 12 months – which I hope is not the case – what do you hope will have transpired over this next year for the City of Cleveland and for the State of Ohio?

At this point next year, I hope that all local, state and federal efforts have culminated into making Cleveland a better place to do business and live. Also, I hope 2010 elections return those to office who will work together on progressive agendas to enhance Northeast Ohio