Political Quotes

“I am proud to cosponsor the amendment that Senators Leahy, Coleman, Sarbanes, Graham and Reed have offered to protect funding for three programs critical to working families and low-income communities: the Community Development Block Grant, the Section 8 Voucher Program, and the Public Housing Operating and Capital Funds. These programs expand opportunities to home ownership for working class families and help communities across the country pursue growth that develops poor communities without pushing out the poor themselves. Let me talk about how each of these programs supports communities of hope and opportunity. The Community Development Block Grant, CDBG, program makes it possible for our communities to improve their infrastructure, develop new businesses, provide important social services, and rehabilitate homes--all of which translates into expanded opportunity for people. This year, Illinois will receive more than $196 million in CDBG funds. The State-level CDBG program alone has invested more than $33 million in projects around the State. As a result, 66,000 of my constituents received improved water, sanitary and storm water systems; small businesses were assisted in creating or retaining more than 1,000 jobs; and 313 homes in 27 communities were rehabilitated to address health and safety issues.…”