Shontel M. Brown

Brown, Olszewski Introduce Refresh Act to Improve Teacher Wellness and Mental Health

Position: The REFRESH Act would establish a federal grant program administered by the Department of Education to fund educator wellness and mental health programs in states, addressing burnout and workforce retention in K-12 schools.

Washington, DC – As the nation recognizes Teacher Appreciation Week, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) and Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) have introduced the REFRESH Act, legislation to create a new federal grant program to support educator wellness and mental health programs. The REFRESH Act would authorize the Department of Education to administer grants to State Educational Agencies to implement educator wellness programs in their states. Mental health, stress, and a lack of wellness support are pushing educators out of the profession. A 2025 survey found that nearly 70% of early-career educators considered leaving teaching due to a lack of support or poor working conditions. Fifty-three percent of K-12 teachers report feelings of burnout. Another survey found that 37% of teachers plan to leave their current school in the next year and 18% plan to leave the profession entirely. “Supporting educators shouldn’t just be a slogan, it should be federal policy. The REFRESH Act makes resources available to help educators thrive and keep doing the job love. Unfortunately, stress, burnout, and mental health issues caused by a lack of support are pushing teachers and educators out of the classroom. It’s bad for teachers, bad for students, and bad for schools. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Congressman Olszewski with the support of leading education advocates. Teaching has never been harder, and it’s time to step up and support educators,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. "As a former public school teacher, I know firsthand that when we support our educators, we support our students and our schools,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). “The REFRESH Act invests in the well-being of school staff, strengthens retention, and helps create the conditions every student needs to succeed. I am proud to lead this important effort with Congresswoman Brown.” REFRESH Act grants may be used to address burnout and workforce strain, improve the well-being and mental health, improve stress management and workplace conditions and more. Grants will be awarded by the Secretary of Education on a competitive basis, prioritizing programs in districts facing workforce challenges and serving high-need student populations. Bill text here. Congresswoman Brown is Mental Health Task Force Chair for the New Democrat Coalition’s Health Care Working Group. Congressman Olszewski is Education Task Force Chair for the New Democrat Coalition’s Workforce & Education Working Group. The REFRESH Act is endorsed by: the American Federation of Teachers, EdTrust, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the National School Boards Association, All4Ed, the National School Board Association’s Council of Urban Boards Education, the Council of Administrators of Special Education, the Center for Black Educator Development, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. "Burnout, stress, and resulting job turnover are significant factors fueling the educator shortages plaguing communities across the country. We commend Congresswoman Brown's leadership in addressing this important issue through the REFRESH ACT, which will provide much needed support to schools as they seek to improve educators' working conditions," said Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D. CEO and President of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher’s Education. "Our educators and school leaders are the heartbeat of our communities, yet they are facing an unprecedented crisis of burnout and workforce instability. We cannot expect our students to thrive if the system supporting them is under constant strain. The REFRESH Act takes a crucial, common-sense step forward by investing directly in the well-being, mental health, and working conditions of our school personnel. By pairing federal support and state leadership with local flexibility, this legislation empowers districts to design tailored solutions that keep talented educators in the classroom and strong leaders at the helm. We are proud to endorse Congresswoman Shontel Brown’s REFRESH Act, which recognizes that supporting our educators is the single best way to ensure the long-term success of our students," said Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs, Executive Director and CEO, National School Boards Association (NSBA). “I’ve been a classroom teacher and a district leader, and I know firsthand what’s at stake when we fail our educators. The REFRESH Act gets it right; it invests in the conditions that make great teaching possible and trusts local communities to design solutions centered on wellness, trust, and respect. Our students thrive and succeed when the adults who serve them are supported, rather than stretched past their breaking point. This legislation is long overdue, and we are proud to stand behind it,” said Dr. Amy Loyd CEO of All4Ed. “School personnel are on the front lines, navigating the complex needs of the young people they serve. The REFRESH Act addresses the growing strain on our educator workforce by prioritizing well-being, retention, and supportive school environments. By investing in evidence-based strategies that reduce burnout and expand access to mental health supports, this legislation recognizes that educator wellness is fundamental to student success. NAMI is proud to support this effort and thanks Rep. Brown for her leadership in strengthening school communities,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). ### Issues:CongressEducation

Vice Ranking Member Brown Votes Against Farm Bill that Cements Cuts to SNAP

Position: Congresswoman Brown opposes the Farm Bill (H.R. 7567) because it locks in $187 billion in cuts to SNAP food assistance, fails to address farm bankruptcies and rising input costs driven by tariffs, and does not include year-round E15 provisions to address high gas prices.

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11), Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture, voted against the partisan Farm Bill (H.R. 7567) considered by the House. The Republican Farm Bill locks in the $187 billion in cuts to food assistance from Trump’s Big Ugly Law, rubberstamps Trump’s illegal and costly tariffs, and does little to help small and family farms thrive. Over 3 million people have lost food assistance nationwide since Trump’s Big Ugly Law was implemented last year. In Cuyahoga County, SNAP enrollment is now at its lowest level in six years, dropping by 11,000 people in months. Brown submitted two amendments to the bill: an amendment to delay the Big Ugly Law’s federal cost shifts and give time for states and counties to plan for how they will be able to absorb these unjust cuts without jeopardizing other important program funding, and an amendment to unfreeze USDA grants that have been illegally held up or canceled by the Trump Administration. Both amendments were blocked by the Republican-controlled Rules Committee. Brown also opposed the Republican side-deal that uncoupled the Farm Bill and provisions allowing for year-round E15. After months of delay and at a time when gas prices in Ohio are nearing $5 per gallon, Republicans again failed to include this commonsense solution. Speaking out against the legislation on the House floor, Brown argued that the current Farm Bill does not address “the crisis actually happening in farm country right now. Farm bankruptcies are up 50 percent nationally – and nearly 75 percent in the Midwest. Input costs keep rising — driven by reckless tariffs and the reckless war in Iran.” VIDEO: Brown’s Remarks During Floor Debate Vice Ranking Member Brown’s Remarks as Delivered: Thank you, Ranking Member Craig. The Farm Bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress works on – it touches every corner of this country, every day. Let me be direct about what this bill does and does not do. It does not address the crisis actually happening in farm country right now. Farm bankruptcies are up 50 percent nationally – and nearly 75 percent in the Midwest. Input costs keep rising — driven by reckless tariffs and the reckless war in Iran. Farmers are being squeezed from every direction, and this bill offers them next to nothing. No farm aid. No solution to rein in fertilizer or diesel prices. No protections against USDA reorganizations or funding freezes. No attempt to end the tariffs destroying export markets, or restore the trade relationships farmers depend on. And false promises again and again on year-round E15. Where is the relief? Where is the urgency? There is a five-alarm fire in farm country, and Republicans are pulling out a garden hose. Working families aren't doing better. Gas, groceries, goods — costs are rising and this bill does nothing to bring them down. Instead, this Farm Bill ratifies the largest cuts to food assistance in American history. Republicans used the Big Ugly Law to slash $187 billion from SNAP — and handed that money straight to the wealthiest Americans. In doing so, they torched the bipartisan coalition that has kept the farm bill together for generations. And now — now — they want Democrats to come in and lock in those very same cuts with a bipartisan farm bill – while they continue to threaten the SNAP program with more partisan cuts. Give me a break. Let me tell you what those SNAP cuts look like on the ground. In my district, eleven thousand people have lost food assistance. And that's before the next round of cuts kicks in. Nationally, 4 million Americans have already been kicked off SNAP entirely. Four million people. Gone. And this Farm Bill would cement those cuts and that cruelty into law. Republican and Democratic Governors alike are warning they cannot pick up the new cost share coming down the pike. That means more cuts. More hunger. More harm. We need a real Farm Bill. One negotiated in good faith. One that can actually pass the Senate. One that confronts the real factors driving crisis in farm country and the affordability crisis at the kitchen table. This partisan bill is not it. I urge my colleagues to oppose it. I yield back. ### Issues:Nutrition and Agriculture

Congresswoman Brown: Supreme Court Turns Back the Clock with Shameful Ruling in Louisiana v. Callais

Position: Congresswoman Brown opposes the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais ruling, which she argues weakened Voting Rights Act protections against racial gerrymandering. She calls for Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore voting rights protections.

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) releases the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais: “The Supreme Court just gutted key protections in the Voting Rights Act that prevented racial gerrymandering and safeguarded fair representation. This is yet another dark day for our country and our democracy. “Piece by piece, the bedrock civil rights protections that generations marched for, bled for, and died for are being chipped away before our eyes. “This ruling turns back the clock, allowing states to again dilute the voices of Black Americans and attempt to wipe out Black and minority representation. This shameful ruling is an open invitation to southern states to whitewash Congress. “Sadly, we will see in real time why the landmark protections of the original Voting Rights Act were and are still necessary. “To protect and preserve our democracy, Congress must pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The fight for voting rights, civil rights, and fair representation is not over.” ### Issues:Civil Rights

Brown, Colleagues Send Letter Calling on REI to “Get Back to the Table” for Negotiations with Workers

Position: The members urge REI to return to collective bargaining negotiations in good faith with unionized workers and refrain from union-busting tactics, as required under the National Labor Relations Act.

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) joined 35 of her House Democratic colleagues in a letter urging REI Co-op to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith, as required by federal law, to reach a fair collective bargaining agreement with unionized workers at stores across the country. The letter to REI was sent by Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and co-led by Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Norcross (NJ-01), Pocan (WI-02), Dingell (MI-06), and Horsford (NV-04). Unionized workers at the REI Cleveland Store in Orange, Ohio, and other locations nationwide are seeking a fair collective bargaining agreement. The letter follows a January letter from Brown and her colleagues urging REI to fulfill its obligations under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and negotiate in good faith. The members wrote, “We are concerned to hear from workers and constituents that more than a year later – and four years since the first union election – both parties appear no closer to reaching an agreement. The first contract offered by REI was voted down by 98.5% of participating voting union workers this past February, and the subsequent “last, best, and final offer” failed to bridge the divide between the parties, leading REI to declare an impasse.” They continued, “REI should refrain from engaging in union-busting tactics that are inconsistent with national policy encouraging collective bargaining and freedom of association under the NLRA.” To read the full letter, see below or click HERE. Chris Carr Chair, Board of Directors REI 1700 45th Street East Sumner, Washington 98390 We, the undersigned members of Congress, write to urge REI to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith, as required by federal law, to reach a fair collective bargaining agreement with unionized workers at stores located in SoHo, New York; Berkeley, California; Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Boston, Massachusetts; Durham, North Carolina; Bellingham, Washington; Maple Grove, Minnesota; Castleton, Indiana; Santa Cruz, California; and Greensboro, North Carolina. In our previous letter dated January 24, 2025, we urged REI to fulfill its obligations under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to negotiate a contract in good faith. We are concerned to hear from workers and constituents that more than a year later – and four years since the first union election – both parties appear no closer to reaching an agreement. The first contract offered by REI was voted down by 98.5% of participating voting union workers this past February, and the subsequent “last, best, and final offer” failed to bridge the divide between the parties, leading REI to declare an impasse. Impending cuts to worker benefits and starting hourly wages as a result of the impasse come at a We also continue to hear concerns regarding previous company restructuring replacing experienced full-time employees with part-time and temporary employees. Lastly, we are troubled by reports that REI members are no longer able to attend annual member meetings, ask questions of the board, or nominate directors for consideration by the broader membership. We reiterate that REI should refrain from engaging in union-busting tactics that are inconsistent with national policy encouraging collective bargaining and freedom of association under the NLRA. Initial negotiations between both parties were productive and produced 25 tentative agreements. As such, we strongly encourage REI to reengage with these workers in good faith, in accordance with requirements under the NLRA, and reach a fair agreement that best serves all parties without further delay. We thank you for your attention to this important issue. ### Issues:Economy and Economic Development

Brown, Booker, Matsui Announce Bill to Accelerate Tree Planting in Underserved Communities

Position: The release advocates for the Neighborhood Tree Act, which would establish a $2 billion federal grant program through the USDA to fund tree-planting initiatives in urban and underserved communities, citing environmental and public health benefits including air quality improvement, heat mitigation, and energy cost reduction.

Washington, DC – On the heels of Earth Day and ahead of Arbor Day, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) announce the Neighborhood Tree Act, legislation to provide federal funds for tree planting programs in urban and underserved communities. The Neighborhood Tree Act would establish the Neighborhood Tree Fund at the United States Department of Agriculture, authorizing $2 billion in federal grants for tree-planting programs nationwide. According to the EPA, trees and vegetation in urban areas can offset heat island effects, reduce energy use, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff and improve quality of life, and 73% of Americans wish their neighborhood had more trees. The bill has five cosponsors in the House and is endorsed by American Forests, Holden Forests & Gardens, the National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation, the Sierra Club, the Trust for Public Land, and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Brown filed the House legislation, and Senator Booker will file companion legislation in the Senate when the chamber returns next week. “In cities like Cleveland, where you live often determines how much tree cover you have, and too many of our neighborhoods are being left behind. Trees do real work: they keep our air clean, lower energy costs, reduce summer heat, and even improve mental well-being. But for too long, people in low-income and Black and Brown neighborhoods haven’t had the same tree cover as the suburbs,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. “It’s time to take a big swing at this big challenge, and that’s why I’m so excited to introduce the Neighborhood Tree Act with Senator Booker and Congresswoman Matsui. This legislation would create a new grant program to close the tree equity gap and invest in healthier, cooler, and more livable neighborhoods.” "During my years as Mayor of Newark, I witnessed how trees can change the trajectory of a neighborhood. Trees clean the air families breathe, reduce flooding on streets, lower energy bills, cool overheated blocks, and support the mental well‑being of entire communities,” said Senator Cory Booker. “The Neighborhood Tree Act highlights these benefits shouldn’t be a privilege. They should reach the neighborhoods that have been overlooked for far too long, helping build healthier, stronger, and more resilient urban communities across the country.” “Sacramento is the City of Trees, and our communities know how much trees can enhance quality of life. They improve air quality, lower temperatures, and make our neighborhoods healthier and more welcoming,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “This is especially important as climate change drives longer and more intense heatwaves, while too many communities are left without vital shade trees. The Neighborhood Tree Act will address this gap by giving local governments the federal support they need to plant and care for trees. It's a simple idea with real impact: when the federal government partners with local communities, we can build healthier neighborhoods and a stronger future for all Americans.” The Neighborhood Tree Act Establishes the Neighborhood Tree Fund and authorizes $2 billion in federal grants The Neighborhood Tree Fund will be administered by the USDA. Eligible grantees are: states, tribal governments, local governments, and local community tree and volunteer organizations The Secretary of Agriculture is to give priority to entities that propose projects that: serve low-income areas or communities with a lower tree canopy percentage and higher temperatures than surrounding areas; projects that support climate mitigation and resilience; and projects that advance community led urban forestry, tree-based local food production, reduce urban heat, and improve public health and environmental outcomes The bill also expands the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council from 15 to 16 members and requires one member of the council be a resident of a low-income community. In addition to Brown and Matsui, the Neighborhood Tree Act is cosponsored in the House by Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Mike Thompson, Rep. Emilia Sykes, and Rep. Dina Titus. Senator Booker’s Senate bill is cosponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Andy Kim, Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Senator Ed Markey. The legislation was introduced last Congress by former Senator Sherrod Brown and Senator Booker. Quotes from Endorsing Organizations “We’re grateful to Rep. Shontel Brown and Rep. Doris Matsui along with Senator Corey Booker for their leadership in reintroducing the Neighborhood Tree Act and continuing to elevate the importance of urban and community forestry at the federal level. Recent historic investments have shown what’s possible when we treat trees as essential infrastructure, reducing extreme heat, improving public health, and strengthening community resilience. The challenge now is sustaining that momentum. This bill helps reinforce a long-term vision for healthy, well-maintained urban tree canopy by supporting not just planting, but the ongoing care, workforce development, and community partnerships required for trees to deliver their full benefits. While more work remains, the Neighborhood Tree Act is an important step toward ensuring every neighborhood can access the economic, environmental, and health benefits that trees provide,” said Joel Pannell, Vice President of Urban Forests Policy at American Forests. “We are grateful to Congresswoman Shontel Brown for her leadership in advancing the Neighborhood Tree Act. Trees are essential infrastructure for healthy communities. Expanding our tree canopy improves air quality, reduces heat, supports public health, and strengthens neighborhoods. Investments like this help ensure that every community can share in the many benefits trees provide,” said Ed Moydell, President and CEO of Holden Forests & Gardens. “Birds have long shown us that healthy communities depend on well-planned green spaces and vibrant tree canopies, whether in quiet residential neighborhoods or busy city streets. The Neighborhood Tree Act of 2026 offers a much-needed investment for our communities to improve the health and natural beauty of our neighborhoods. As we know, healthy tree canopies help cool neighborhoods, improve air and water quality and create vital habitat for birds, providing health and quality of life benefits for all of us. We thank Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11) for her leadership in advancing practical, community-driven solutions, and making our neighborhoods more resilient by better integrating nature into our communities,” said Felice Stadler, Vice President of the National Audubon Society. “Healthy urban forests provide invaluable benefits to city dwellers as they cool our streets and sidewalks, lower our energy bills, intercept stormwater, and give wildlife space to thrive. The Neighborhood Tree Act makes smart investments to help close gaps in tree canopy coverage in communities across the country. The National Wildlife Federation applauds Senator Booker and Congresswoman Brown for reintroducing this important legislation," said Ross Griffin, Associate Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Wildlife Federation. “Planting trees in urban areas can help offset the effects of climate change, heat islands, and the nature equity gap in our most underserved communities. The Neighborhood Tree Act is essential to keep our communities cool, healthy, and resilient to extreme weather, while providing more opportunities for residents to experience green space. Sierra Club applauds the reintroduction of this important bill and the investments in communities it represents,” said Anna Medema, Associate Director for Legislative and Administrative Advocacy, Forests and Public Lands at Sierra Club. “Trust for Public Land applauds Representative Shontel Brown and Senator Cory Booker for their leadership in introducing the Neighborhood Tree Act. This legislation would represent a critical in the health and resilience of communities that have long faced the impacts of extreme heat, poor air quality and underinvestment. By prioritizing tree canopy in historically underserved neighborhoods, this bill will help cool our cities, improve public health, and bolster community resilience. We’re proud to support this effort to bring the benefits of trees to the people and places that need them most,” said Jessica Montoya, Senior Director for Park Federal Relations, Trust for Public Land. “Western Reserve Land Conservancy is proud to endorse The Neighborhood Tree Act as a meaningful investment in our communities. Trees are essential infrastructure – they improve air quality, reduce urban heat, manage stormwater, and enhance the quality of life for residents. This legislation recognizes the critical role that equitable tree canopy plays in strengthening neighborhoods across our nation. We commend the leadership behind this effort and stand ready to support its implementation for the benefit of current and future generations,” said Matt Zone, Chief Advocacy Officer, Western Reserve Land Conservancy. ### Issues:Energy and Environment

Brown Announces Federal Funding for Agricultural Learning Program in Garfield Heights

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) is proud to announce that the “Garfield Heights Grows” project has been awarded federal funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Trust for Public Land has been awarded a $344,257 Farm to School Grant from USDA for the program, which will connect local schools in Garfield Heights with community partners to expand hands-on learning opportunities, increase access to fresh, locally sourced foods, and build long-term connections between students and the food they eat. The Trust for Public Land will partner with Garfield Heights City Schools, RidAll Green Partnership, and The Ohio State University for the project, which will create new learning opportunities for middle school and high school students. The project will include a greenhouse, raised garden beds, aquaponics and hydroponics, all producing fresh produce and tilapia. Farm to School Grants are competitive and Congresswoman Brown urged USDA to select the project in a letter of support in December. “This investment is a win for Garfield Heights students, families, and the future of urban agriculture in our community. This grant will help create hands-on learning opportunities in our schools, expand access to fresh and healthy food, and open pathways for young people to pursue careers in sustainability and food systems. As a champion of the Farm to School program in Congress, I’m proud to see these federal resources supporting school gardens and nutrition education right here in our district,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. “Being selected for this USDA Farm to School grant underscores the power of connecting students to nature, healthy food, and hands-on learning,” said Sean Terry, Ohio Program Director at Trust for Public Land. “Garfield Heights Grows will transform schoolyards into vibrant spaces where students can learn, grow, and thrive while building lifelong healthy habits.” Designed to increase the availability of local foods in schools, USDA Farm to School grants can help farm to school programs get started or expand existing efforts. Funds support a wide range of activities from training, planning, and developing partnerships to creating new menu items, establishing supply chains, offering taste tests to children, purchasing equipment, planting school gardens, and organizing field trips to agricultural operations. Grantees include schools and districts (large and small, rural and urban), tribal organizations, agricultural producers or groups of agricultural producers, non-profit entities, and state and local agencies. ### Issues:EducationNutrition and Agriculture

Brown Blasts Trump Union-Busting at Department of Defense in Cleveland and Nationwide

Position: Rep. Brown opposes the Defense Secretary's termination of collective bargaining agreements for federal employees and supports passage of the Protect America's Workforce Act to restore and protect federal workers' collective bargaining rights.

Washington, DC – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the Department of Defense (DOD) to terminate all collective bargaining agreements between DOD and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). This brazen attack on workers’ rights and federal workers will impact over 300,000 DOD employees nationwide, including thousands of Defense Finance and Accounting Service workers in the Cleveland-area. Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) strongly condemns this attack on federal workers and will stand shoulder to shoulder with them to restore their rights. Brown is a cosponsor of the Protect America’s Workforce Act (H.R. 2550), legislation to protect collective bargaining rights for federal employees. The House passed the Protect America’s Workforce Act last year, after Brown and House Democrats forced a vote with a discharge petition, but the legislation has been blocked by the Republican-controlled Senate. Congresswoman Brown releases the following statement: “Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth, two unqualified and incompetent hacks who don’t know a thing about public service or hard work, just tore up union contracts at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and across DOD. That reckless move targets thousands of workers in Cleveland who actually keep this country running and keep our servicemen and servicewomen paid, in times of peace and times of war. “This is the same destructive and disgraceful anti-worker playbook they’ve run at the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Transportation Security Administration, and across government. We’ve fought back and we’ve won before, and we will do so again. “There is only one reason why Trump and Hegseth would do this: to undermine workers and attack our federal workforce. “I’m standing with our federal workers today, and I vow to fight this tooth and nail. The Senate needs to pass the Protecting America’s Workforce Act now. We are not going to let these two charlatans spit in the face of workers and unions and attack the working men and women of this country.” ### Issues:Economy and Economic Development