WATCH: LEADER JEFFRIES SHARES MARY BETH’S STORY – Congressman Hakeem JeffriesSkip to contentSearch SUBMIT Congressman Hakeem JeffriesSearchMenu ToggleAboutContactEmail MeRequest a MeetingInvite Me to SpeakOfficesNewsletter and Text Update SubscriptionReport a Website ProblemServicesCongressional App ChallengeCongressional Art CompetitionCommunity Project FundingCongressional CommendationsFlagsHelp with a Federal AgencyMilitary Academy NominationsTours and Tickets2025 Inauguration TicketsPeople Over PoliticsAffordable InternetDelivering for Those Who ServedLower Prescription Drug CostsTackling the Student Loan Debt CrisisLegislationCommittees and CaucusesSponsored LegislationVoting RecordMedia CenterPress ReleasesVideosEventsResourcesCOVID-19 Information and ResourcesFree Tax Preparation & FilingFor BusinessFor InternshipsFor Military PersonnelFor VeteransFor Senior CitizensFor StudentsAdditional Services and ResourcesAboutContactEmail MeRequest a MeetingInvite Me to SpeakOfficesNewsletter and Text Update SubscriptionReport a Website ProblemServicesAppropriations RequestsCommunity Project FundingCongressional App ChallengeCongressional Art CompetitionCongressional CommendationsFlagsHelp with a Federal AgencyMilitary Academy NominationsTours and Tickets2025 Inauguration TicketsPeople Over PoliticsAffordable InternetBringing Manufacturing Jobs to AmericaDelivering for Those Who ServedLow Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Lower Prescription Drug CostsSocial Security and MedicareTackling the Student Loan Debt CrisisProtecting Reproductive RightsCongressman Hakeem JeffriesLegislationSponsored LegislationVoting RecordCommittees and CaucusesMedia CenterPress ReleasesVideosEventsResourcesCOVID-19 Information and ResourcesFederal GrantsFree Tax Preparation & FilingFor BusinessFor InternshipsFor Military PersonnelFor VeteransFor Senior CitizensFor StudentsAdditional Services and ResourcesSearch WATCH: LEADER JEFFRIES SHARES MARY BETH’S STORY FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube February 25th, 2025 | Press Release WATCH: LEADER JEFFRIES SHARES MARY BETH’S STORY Washington, D.C. – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Democrats held a press event to push back against the reckless Republican budget. They were joined by Mary Beth Cochran, who shared how she relies on SNAP and Medicaid to take care of her four adopted grandchildren. Mary Beth’s remarks as delivered: Hello. My name is Mary Beth Cochran, and I’m from Canton, North Carolina, where I’m still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene in September.I’m a proud member of MomsRising and a constituent of representative Chuck Edwards.I have custody of four of my grandchildren, ages 10, 12, 15 and 16, as their parents couldn’t care for them due to addiction, domestic violence and homelessness.I’m here today to urge lawmakers to put families over billionaires and reject any cuts to the programs hardworking families like mine rely on.Caring for my grandkids means the world to me, and I would not change it for the world.I work hard to make sure they have everything they need, but I’m on fixed income and it’s never been easy.I work a part-time job making $8 an hour at a coin laundry in my area to supplement my disability. My family is barely making it.At times, I’ve had to skip refilling my prescriptions so my grandkids wouldn’t have to skip meals.This shouldn’t be going on. This is not a Democratic or Republican issue. This is a world issue, a people issue.We should be caring for our children. The children are the future.This is what we need. We don’t need these cuts. Right now, I’m terrified because Republican leaders seem poised to take critical resources away from my family. Our children should be able to get the basic necessities they need.They should be able to go to the dentist, get their teeth cleaned. The simple things.I’ve even heard Head Start is under threat. Head Start helped my grandkids come out of their shells while preparing them for kindergarten.Any cuts to these programs would be devastating. They would mean kids would go hungry and their education would suffer.Our overall economy would be harmed. I don’t understand why any lawmaker would threaten programs that enable families to survive.But it’s appalling to know that Republicans want to slash these programs so they can cut taxes for billionaires and corporations.Instead, I want lawmakers to permanently expand the Child Tax Credit so our nation’s kids can thrive.VIEW LEADER JEFFRIES POST ON X ### Back to News Share: FacebookTwitterNewsletter Sign UpSubscribe to our e-newsletter that provides updates on important issues, my work in the Congress and what's happening in our district.EmailSubmitBill SearchPlease select and optionCurrent LegislationAll LegislationAll Sources--MembersCongressional RecordCommittee ReportsNominationsSearch for a billSubmit QueryOffice LocationsWashington, DC Office 2267 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5936 Hours: M-F 9 am - 5 pm Central Brooklyn District Office 55 Hanson Place Suite 603 Brooklyn, NY 11217 Phone: (718) 237-2211 Hours: M-F 9am - 5pm South Brooklyn District Office 445 Neptune Avenue, 1st Floor Community Room 2C Brooklyn, NY 11224 Phone: (718) 373-0033 Hours: M-F 9am - 5pm ToolsAccessibilityPrivacyCopyright Know Your Immigration RightsIf you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries ×
