Tom Harkin

Thank you very much, Mr. Perez.

In Olmstead, the court held that the unnecessary institutionalization of individuals with disabilities constitutes discrimination.

The Olmstead decision was a critical step forward for our Nation, articulating one of the most fundamental rights for all Americans with disabilities--having the choice to live independently.

Simply stated, this means a setting which enables individuals with disabilities to interact with nondisabled persons to the fullest extent possible.

Every time I bring it up--I say, 'Look, if Medicaid money is going out there and a person can get that Medicaid support if they go in the nursing home, shouldn't they be able to get at least that same amount of money if they decide to go…

In the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, we described the isolation and segregation of individuals with disabilities as a serious and pervasive form of discrimination.

I think the most frustrating thing in my job here has been how long it's taken to do that.

We've got to do away with that. We've got to break that whole system down.

Misclassification is also costing the Federal and State governments billions of dollars in unpaid revenues.

Misclassified workers simply do not receive the same protections under our laws.

We are here today to talk about worker misclassification, an issue of critical importance to millions of working men and women across our country.

When these companies play games with workers' rights, everyone loses: the workers, the taxpayers, and responsible businesses that play by the rules.

Millions of Americans are now living paycheck to paycheck.

I convened this bipartisan hearing today, with Senator Enzi, to examine the impacts of the Gulf oil spill on the public's health and how the Government is responding to the crisis.

I urge Congress to pass the Qualified Partition proposal this year.

Thank you very much, Senator Casey.

There's no question that retirement security's been under siege in this country for years.

I urge Congress to enact the 'qualified partition' proposal this year.

Workers bear the risk that they could misjudge the amount they need to save.

Chairman Harkin, Ranking Member Enzi and other distinguished members of the committee

This has left U.S. workers shouldering more and more retirement risk.

That's why I think it's important we do everything in our power to ensure that every American has access to a safe and secure pension.

ESEA reauthorization offers an important opportunity to help States and school districts ensure that more young children are prepared to succeed in school.

A solid initial investment in young children will save us billions in future spending on remedial education, criminal justice, health, and welfare programs.

By the time most children from low-income families reach kindergarten, their achievement levels are an average of 60 percent behind those of their peers from more affluent backgrounds.