President Gregory Floyd was joined by Political Action and Legislation Director Patricia Stryker on a lobbying sweep through Washington, D.C., on Oct. 24 and 25. While on Capitol Hill they met with several representatives and staffers to discuss the budget needs of the New York City Housing Authority and educational opportunities for members.

At the top of Floyd’s agenda was to lobby for a bill proposed by Rep. Nydia Velázquez and Sen. Charles Schumer, both of New York, which would make city and state public housing units eligible for federal funding. This would amount to approximately $100 million for NYCHA, which is almost a third of its budget shortfall.

One of the key meetings Floyd and Stryker had was with the staff of Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), chairman of the House Ways and Means committee, an ally in the push for federalizing New York City’s public housing. They also met with New York representatives Carolyn Maloney, Carolyn McCarthy and Anthony Weiner, all Democrats. In addition, they visited staff in the offices of New York Democratic representatives Joseph Crowley and Nydia M. Velázquez, as well as Rep. John Olver, Democrat of Massachusetts, and Sen. Patty Murray, Democrat of Washington, both of whom serve on their respective Appropriations Committees.

Education for peace officers was another topic on Floyd’s agenda, and he sought support for additional training for maintenance workers and caretaker Ps so they can go into other skilled-trade titles. Rangel assured Floyd in a letter that he has “made education one of the keystones” of his political efforts and will “stay alert” for educational opportunities that might benefit members.