Weekly Update
The Rice Report
Jan 09 2022
Announcing Quarter 4 Federal Grants
The 7th District is always improving thanks to the work and dedication of organizations and individuals in our community. I’m pleased to announce the 7th District received 40 federal grant awards in Quarter 4 from October - December 2021. Read more about these ongoing projects below.
One recipient, The Advantage Academy in Florence 1 Schools, received a grant award from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Program. Florence was one of just two public school districts in the country selected to receive this funding.
"The Advantage Academy in Florence 1 Schools is offering flight training as a portion of their aviation program. Aviation programs are not uncommon but flight training in public schools, especially at the high school level, is unheard of. This gives our students the chance to turn a dream of being a pilot into a reality. The goal for our aviation students is that they will graduate with a private pilot's license and have a competitive edge going into an aviation career. Our aviation program directly answers the pilot shortage seen globally and is one of the reasons we were awarded the $339,000 Aviation Workforce Development Grant from the FAA. A huge thanks goes out to Congressman Tom Rice and his staff for supporting our program and helping us build a better workforce for the future,” said Cameron Shepard, FSD1 Business Ed. Coordinator.
Read the full list of Grants coming to the 7th District here.
ICYMI: 7th District Year in Review
2021 was yet another busy year in Congress! From securing $388 million in federal grants to helping more than 1,600 constituents with cases, I’m so proud of all we’ve been able to accomplish for the 7th District, including:
2021 By The Numbers
Authored 2 bills signed into law
Co-sponsored 4 bills signed into law
Introduced 25 bills
Co-sponsored 204 bills
Helped 1,613 constituents with federal agency cases
Responded to 45,452 pieces of constituent mail
Secured $388 million federal grant dollars for the 7th District
Held 58 mobile office hours all across the District
Hosted 16 Town Halls to hear directly from folks in the District
Read the 7th District Year in Review here.
Commemorating January 6th
Thursday, we commemorated the one-year anniversary of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.
January 6, 2021 continues to live in American history as the day we nearly lost the country our Founders fought for and left for us to preserve. Despite the terrible events of the day and all the suffering it has caused, it shouldn’t be lost on us that our free and fair elections, our peaceful transition of power, and our Constitution survived. America is resilient. We are often tested, but we will overcome even the most onerous challenges. We all must do our part to unite, not divide, and ensure something like January 6th never happens again in this great country.
7th District Veteran Spotlight
This week, I had the pleasure of visiting 7th District veteran, Mr. John Woodbury. He is a 97 year old World War II Navy Seaman who was helped by my office in securing his VA benefits. Because of his benefits, he was able to move from a shelter into a retirement community in Florence. Mr. Woodbury is a true example of service and sacrifice for our country, and I'll always make sure our 7th District Veterans are well cared for.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with a VA case, please don't hesitate to reach out to my Grand Strand Office at (843) 445-6459.
Mobile Office Hours
As we start 2022, I'm announcing the first Mobile Office Hours of the year. One of the most important parts of my job is assisting you. I hope you'll take advantage of my office's upcoming in-person Mobile Office Hours to help with federal issue matters. My staff will be at the following locations to reduce travel and conveniently assist you:
Wednesday, January 12: Georgetown
Wednesday, January 26: Conway, Bennettsville & Dillon
Thursday, January 27: Lake View
Please click HERE to view all Mobile Office times and locations.
COVID-19 Vaccine Announcements
On January 3, 2022, The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approved emergency use authorization for booster shots to include all aged 12+ who received a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
The CDC continues to recommend booster shots for adults 18+ who received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Click here for information from the CDC about boosters.
Vaccines continue to be readily available across South Carolina. Click here to view my vaccine newsletter with the latest information.
MOBILE