BOWIE, MD- With the average cost of a gallon of gas now over $3.00, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) visited the Bowie State University Telework Center on Monday to meet with federal and private teleworkers from Maryland.
"One of my proudest achievements in Congress has been leading the charge to make telecommuting the official policy of the federal government," Hoyer said. "As we enter an era in which energy conservation will be more important than at any other time in our nation's history, teleworking is central to a smart energy independence program."
In 1993, Hoyer joined with Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) to steer the Treasury-Postal Appropriations Act through Congress which included $5 million in funding for three telework centers in the Washington Metropolitan area.
The Bowie State University Telework Center is one of fourteen GSA telework centers in the region. The centers serve over 570 federal and private sector employees. Other Maryland centers are located in Frederick, Hagerstown, Laurel, Prince Frederick and Waldorf. More information on the centers located in southern Maryland can be found at http://www.telecommutesomd.org/.
Joyce Larrick, director of the Bowie State University Telework Center, said Hoyer is the single biggest reason there is a telecommuting center in Bowie today. "We are grateful to Congressman Hoyer for his career long dedication to teleworkers and their families," she said.
Hoyer said telework reduces traffic congestion, promotes conservation and reduces America's dependence on foreign oil, improves the environment, increases productivity, enhances the security of government, and most importantly, strengthens families by reducing commuting times.
"Telecommuting answers the challenge of today's fast-paced workplace while allowing employees to work much closer to home," Hoyer said. "As Marylanders continue to face pain at the pump, I will continue to promote this viable and successful alternative."
Congressman Hoyer is the Federal Representative for the Fifth Congressional District of Maryland. Members of the United States House of Representatives serve two-year terms. Mr. Hoyer also serves as the Minority Whip. The Minority Whip is a member of the minority party in the U.S. House of Representatives who assists the Minority Leader in coordinating the party caucus in its responses to legislation and other matters.
Mr. Hoyer's website is located at http://www.hoyer.house.gov/. His office can be reached at (202) 225-4131. More biographical info on Mr. Hoyer can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steny_Hoyer.