David Scott

Can you tell us what we need to do to correct that problem and make sure we are getting that money out to our cities and municipalities?

I got inundated with calls, and still am, because there is a failure of the State working effectively with our cities.

So, Mr. Anthony, I want you to comment on how important it is.

We put a package together that would get, I think initially, I forgot the figure now, but right now, that figure is at $25 billion for rental assistance.

Let me just sort of get right to the point here.

Representative David Scott, of course, who will be chair, has really shown a strong level of support for our institutions by helping to establish the 1890 Scholars Program.

This commitment was evident when looking back to the 2018 Farm Bill... we were able to pass a strong bipartisan farm bill.

In a year that has been marked by a surge of support for racial justice... the mission of the 1890 land-grant system is more important than ever.

I am grateful for your strong leadership, Chair Plaskett, of the Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Subcommittee.

In my State of Georgia's legislature, Georgia's Speaker of the House, David Ralston, who is a Republican, and a good friend of mine, sent a letter to Congress in August, just a few weeks ago.

Energy is a particular concern for farmers and ranchers, as approximately 15 percent of production costs for U.S. farms is tied up in energy costs.

As the economy continues to struggle with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Americans in towns large and small are keeping an eye not only on their health, but also on their financial bottom line.

We have to start on that right now.

We are going to make sure that our farmers are getting the financial respect that they need and deserve.

We need to be the ones that lift up our farmers, given this pandemic.

Thousands and thousands and thousands of jobs will be created. Industries will grow, and there will be an incredible amount of manufacturing.

We need to help with the capital investment, ITC is something that is investment of the government.

Today's topic touches on both of those things, because we're talking about on-farm energy.

There should be a focus on bolstering entrepreneurship and increasing employment opportunities in communities of color.

If, in fact, we were putting capital into some of these Black and Brown communities and businesses, that would make a difference.

We will never close the wealth gap with just minimum-wage jobs.

I think that what you need to look at is, some people who have not returned to work, have not returned because they were making more money sitting at home, but it is because they are afraid of their health concerns.

Nobody has suffered more. Since the advent of slavery, we have been trying to close this wealth gap.

I just wanted to say, you touch upon another point that what you are saying results in.

While this hearing is about access to capital during the pandemic, this subcommittee must also focus on permanent regulatory reforms to lift and strengthen minority- and women-owned businesses beyond the pandemic.