THANKING THE CONGRESSMAN-Celina Mayor Buddy Thompson (right) and UCHRA Executive Director Phyllis Bennett recently participated in the presentation of the “Delivering Hope Award” to Congressman Bart Gordon in Washington, D. C. (Photo submitted)

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Congressman Bart Gordon was recently recognized by the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) for his help in securing $12 million in additional funding for the agency.  

During a recent visit with Congressman Gordon at the Rayburn Office Building, Mike Foster, DeKalb County  executive and chairman of the UCHRA board of directors, made the presentation on behalf of the agency, a UCHRA news release issued Monday said. 

“During a meeting in Washington, the UCHRA arranged scheduled visits with the members of Congress,” said Celina mayor Buddy Thompson. “The purpose of the visits with the Tennessee Congressional delegation is to stress the needs of the Upper Cumberland Area and Congressman Gordon is always anxious to hear what is happening in the communities across the Upper Cumberland.   

“He responds to the needs of residents in the area, taking action on many of the recommendations made by the group,” Thompson said. “Congressman Gordon’s assistance has delivered hope to the entire Upper Cumberland and specifically to Clay County. As the representative of the 6th Congressional District of Tennessee, Congressman Gordon is focused on ways to impact the lives of the residents of the Upper Cumberland in a positive manner.”  

“The agency made the presentation as a small token of appreciation for the past support the Congressman has given the Upper Cumberland area and for the economic stimulus package that will be coming to us in a few weeks,” said  Phyllis Bennett, UCHRA executive director.  

“The recently passed stimulus package will provide more than $12 million in additional funding to aid individuals and programs in the Upper Cumberland Area.  This funding will mean jobs and training, assistance with transportation, weatherization to homes, etc.   Buddy Thompson, Mayor of Celina and a UCHRA Board member, has played a major role in obtaining this funding for the residents of the Upper Cumberland and Clay County,” Bennett said in the news release. 

Gordon addressed the importance of hearing from the leadership in the Upper Cumberland, saying “the visits to the Capitol provide valuable information about our local communities which assist the Congressional delegation as they make decisions impacting what is happening back home.”