You know, some of the academics call it the middle class squeeze. This is real. People who -- you can't save -- you know what I'm saying. You can't save any money. It takes every dime you make just to pay your bills.

I'm running for president. I'm a Democrat running for president.

Part of it, Mr. Chairman, is driven by the fact that the city is here, living, co-existing in a way with the Federal Government.

What is very notable about this is that these earnings were not taxed earnings, but earnings earned in the city using city services.

I think that there are many opportunities still available for the school system to become more efficient, more responsive, more inclusive, stronger, within its current budget constraints.

But, Mr. Chairman, this could happen again, and when it happens again it will not happen suddenly.

I am looking forward, Mr. Chairman, to working with you to explore the options that are before us for the benefits of the residents.

There is still a structural imbalance.

I think that with safeguards going in and understanding what is going to be needed is important.

I fight very hard for more generous match for Louisiana, because I have a high percentage...

this city is the number one target for terrorists

I do want to say to Mayor Williams and to our Council, that the progress the District has made is indisputable.

I think it is clear to most that no matter how efficient the District is, no matter how competent the leadership of the city is--and I think we have very competent leadership--that there is still a difference between the capacity of the…

I really do want to thank all of you for what you are doing.

I just want to say a general thank you for the extraordinary work that each of you has done against great odds.

It is just not moving quickly enough for all of us, and so part of this meeting today is to grasp what is working.

How many are on that list? Does anybody know?

Well, I would say the question for the community is, having been shown success which you all are showing against the odds, extraordinary success, how do we as a community reward your success.