Consider doing some of the jobs the workers do in the machine shops, small businesses, and factories you visit. Have the employee show you what they do and then try to do it.–Advice for Republicans seeking reelection.  (Follow this link to a pdf copy of the memo.)

How do Representatives use their “district work time?”

Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) writes:

Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA) writes:

I met with representatives from the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems (MABHS) to talk about the legislative outlook in Congress, specifically as it relates to mental health issues. The MABHS is a Massachusetts based trade association that advocates for psychiatric care and treatment for substance abuse. We had a far ranging conversation about the challenges facing mental and behavioral health providers, particularly regarding the surge in opioid use and addiction. I gained a better understanding of the difficulties facing individuals who provide this care.   MABHS asked me to consider co-sponsoring HR 2646, “Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2015.” While the bill is not perfect, I think it represents an important step forward in care for those in need of assistance and I am happy to co-sponsor it.

What a difference: Rep. Capuano explains what he learned, how it relates to legislation, and how he intends to follow up; Rep. Reed, who seldom discusses legislation, has his picture taken sitting in a tractor. What next: pretending to drive an 18 wheel truck or a military vehicle maybe.

Note: Rep. Reed to his credit is a co-sponsor of H.R. 2646; Rep. Capuano is not yet listed as a cosponsor. H.R. 2646, introduced on June 4, 2015, has not yet come up for a vote.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/2646