Every 11 Minutes

How often gun violence rattles communities. But it doesn't have to be this way. Problems viewing this email? [View it in your browser]( [Center for American Progress]( InProgress from the Center for American Progress The Front Lines of America's Gun Violence Crisis [Person lighting candles at a memorial]( In America, gunshots rattle communities [every 11 minutes](. Only in America are families and children affected daily by this devastating yet preventable epidemic that claims more than 40,000 lives each year. Amid this tragedy, [community violence intervention (CVI) programs]( harness the strength and resilience of communities to stop cycles of violence. CVI programs curb the spread of gun violence by empowering individuals with lived experience related to gun violence and channeling resources back into the community to improve access to employment, housing, health care, and other solutions to address root causes of violence. In a nation grappling with the daily occurrence of gun violence, CVI programs are a tool to take back our communities and futures. CVI workers are the heroes on the front lines, charting a path to combat America's gun violence crisis and build a safer future. “[Only in America]( a new series from the Center for American Progress, highlights the strengths of CVI programs and stories from the front lines of America’s gun violence epidemic. [Learn More]( Tell Congress: Violence Has No Place in Our Community Gun violence is not normal, and we do not need to accept it as such. This week, the Biden administration [announced]( the first-ever federal office of gun violence prevention, taking an important step in the right direction to combat the gun violence epidemic. In addition to this work, activists on the front lines of this crisis know that communities have the tools, strategies, and people to address the root causes of gun violence. That's why we need the [Break the Cycle of Violence Act]( which would allocate billions of dollars in federal grants for CVI programs and workforce initiatives that are proven to reduce gun violence. These programs make communities safer by investing directly in the people and communities most affected to stop gun violence before it happens. Tell Congress to pass the Break the Cycle of Violence Act now. [Take Action]( CVI Programs Change Lives [Community violence intervention means to me: stepping in and changing the narrative of the youth in your community.]( [Share THIS]( Progress in Action: The Push Toward Zero-Emissions Transit [Commuters use Walmart shopping carts as a makeshift seat while waiting for a bus]( Public transit is an equity issue. In Philadelphia, for example, residents of color spend an average of 12 extra minutes commuting compared with their white counterparts. To confront systemic racial disparities, tackle economic crises, and combat climate change, [we must prioritize substantial investments in public transportation](. This is why the Biden administration is investing millions of dollars from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to [improve bus stops and replace diesel buses]( with zero-emissions vehicles in the Philadelphia region. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the nation’s sixth-largest public transportation system, transporting people within Philadelphia as well as the surrounding counties. Approximately $23 million in funding will help to improve bus stops and support SEPTA’s transition to a fleet of entirely zero-emissions vehicles. The result will be less air and noise pollution from public transportation—two issues that disproportionately affect communities of color. These critical improvements mean more people can rely on sustainable public transit to get to work, school, doctor's appointments, and more. Plus, this funding will help [create jobs within SEPTA](. This project is an investment in the community, sustainability, and the local economy. [Read more]( [Banner reading "Biden Administration Investment Tracker"]( CAP Experts on the Hill This week, [Bobby Kogan]( our Senior Director of Federal Budget Policy, testified before lawmakers on Capitol Hill on the importance of federal investments made by President Joe Biden to our country’s economic recovery in the subcommittee hearing “[Bidenomics: A Perfect Storm of Spending, Debt, and Inflation.]( He also touched on proposed budget cuts and the impending government shutdown. In his words, “The cuts proposed by the House Appropriations Committee Republicans would harm America by underfunding critical programs.” Bobby also notes, “The government is supposed to work for the American people—and neither cutting programs that people rely on, nor shutting down the government, serves that purpose.” [Share the Video]( The JOBS Tour [JOBS: featuring Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act, Chips and Science Act]( The Biden administration’s all-american investments are creating jobs across the United States and strengthening the middle class. [Check out what investments are coming to your town.]( [Share this]( Event: How the Supreme Court’s Decision in CFPB v. CFSA Could Harm Consumers [People in a crowd holding signs that say "#Defend CFPB"]( Since opening its doors 12 years ago, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been a formidable advocate for everyday Americans, holding financial institutions accountable for poor practices and returning $17.5 billion to wronged customers. CFPB critics have long sought to limit the agency’s autonomy and, by extension, its capacity to promote a fairer financial marketplace. On October 3, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in CFPB v. Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA) regarding the constitutionality of the agency’s independent funding structure. On Thursday, September 28, please join the Center for American Progress and keynote speaker Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) for a discussion on the ongoing importance of a strong and independent CFPB and its track record of success. The panel will also analyze the potential wide-ranging threats to consumers if the Supreme Court finds the CFPB’s funding mechanism unconstitutional, as well as the possible spillover effects to other, similarly funded federal agencies. [More information and registration]( Follow us on [Follow us on Twitter]( [Follow us on Facebook]( [Follow us on YouTube]( [Follow us on Instagram]( [Support CAP]( [Manage Email Preferences or Unsubscribe]( [Privacy Policy]( [Center for American Progress]( Center for American Progress 1333 H Street NW Washington, D.C. 20005 [supporter]