Hawken`s Amnesty International Student Group Hosts Congresswoman

Congresswoman and former Hawken Trustee Stephanie Tubbs Jones discussed voting and civil rights with the Upper School community on October 17. She was invited to Hawken by the Student Amnesty International Group. In 2002, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones co-sponsored the original Help America Vote Act (HAVA) which requires that states meet uniform and nondiscriminatory election technology and administration requirements applicable to Federal elections and establish funding programs to ensure every American has an equal opportunity to vote. Last month she co-hosted an issue forum on voting rights during the Congressional during the Congressional Black Caucus. As a member of the House Ways and Means committee, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones has introduced a tax relief, incentive bill to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina that would \"give economic stability to the people of the Gulf Coast,\" in the form of a work opportunity tax credit to Katrina victims, temporary housing tax credit, Katrina victims home buyer tax credit, and expanding the low-income housing tax credit to assist Katrina victims attain affordable housing. The congresswoman answered student questions after her address. As a closing, she challenged the Upper School students to get involved early in public service, either by volunteering or running for office. Learn more about Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones here.