WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX), the top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, was announced as a finalist for the Democracy Awards by the Congressional Management Foundation, which honors non-legislative performance in congressional offices. Granger was selected for outstanding achievement in the category of Innovation and Modernization – an accolade for originality and creativity in constituent services and office operations.
“I have always seen constituent services as among Congress’ most important responsibilities, and I’m proud my office continues to help so many break through federal bureaucracy and get the help they need, whether it be related to Social Security, Medicare, or veterans' benefits,” Granger stated.
“My staff and I put constituent service ahead of politics. Should there be a someone in another North Texas Congressional office that can provide expertise towards a constituent’s concerns, we are committed to working with that office for the better of our wider community. I’m proud that we have inspired other North Texas offices to unify behind that mission. In fact in 2016 my office created the North Texas Casework Roundtable, a bipartisan small group meeting between local casework staff and federal agency representatives. These semi-annual meetings serve as an important forum to discuss best practices in constituent services and casework and allow elected officials like myself to be even more effective at my number one priority: advocating for the people of Texas 12.
“To ensure that my constituents get the help and information they need quickly and efficiently, my office uses innovated and modern forms of communication – text messaging, photographs, social media, and more. For example, we have addressed delays in constituents’ Department of Veterans Affairs and Social Security paperwork by sending photos and other multimedia to underline the severity of their situation. We also accept privacy forms sent via smart phones to expedite casework.
“My office’s commitment to first-rate service doesn’t stop with my district. When individuals from outside Texas 12 seek help, my staff provides them guidance with casework and forwards important information about their case to their own Representative’s office, saving them time and effort.”
President and CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation Bradford Fitch said, “Now, more than ever, we need examples of our government functioning at its highest level. As a finalist in Innovation & Modernization for a Democracy Award, the office of Representative Kay Granger is clearly one of the best in Congress. This designation demonstrates that Rep. Granger has made a significant commitment to being the best public servant for her constituents. Rep. Granger and her staff are to be congratulated for not only being a model for colleagues in Congress, but for helping to restore trust and faith that our democratic institutions can work.”
Background:
The Congressional Management Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit whose mission is to build trust and effectiveness in Congress, selected twenty-four House and Senate offices as finalists in four categories: Constituent Service; Innovation and Modernization; Transparency and Accountability; and "Life in Congress"-Workplace Environment. An awards ceremony to honor finalists and winners will be held on September 17, 2020.