Political Quotes

“I rise in strong support of this Congressional Black Caucus/progressive caucus alternative budget. The yearly budget debate focuses our attention on budget choices. Despite a modest economic recovery, millions of Americans continue to be left behind. The Federal budget does not yet come close to meeting the demand for social investment and economic development that could make a significant difference in the lives of many Americans. More than any other budget before us, the CBC alternative budget would do just that. Many communities in America are in crisis. For the third straight year in 1992, poverty rates increased to 14.5 percent--up from 14.2 percent in 1991. This rate of poverty is higher than at any time during the 1970's. It represents the highest number of Americans living in poverty--38.6 million--since 1962. Tragically, poverty among children is the highest of any age group. Child poverty stands at 21.9 percent; 14.6 million children live in poverty. One in every four children under the age of 6 lives in poverty.”