Political Quotes

“I, like many of my colleagues, am very pleased that the President has submitted a budget that pays more than lipservice to the needs of Americans, both poor and not so poor. I applaud his efforts but I must say that the plan that has been reported to the floor of this body has fallen short of the needs of my constituents who have been ignored by past administrations for so long. For that reason, I rise in support of the Congressional Black Caucus alternative budget. The CBC budget increases funding in several important areas such as community development. By providing $650 million for community development banks, banks like Chicago's South Shore Bank and programs like the Women's Sell Employment Project may have more opportunity to show the world that people can provide for themselves if given the opportunity through good lending programs. These initiatives provide self-starting low-income citizens the ability to get capital to start businesses that will create for them a way out of poverty. I can think of no better way to invest in the future of America but to tap the potential that is dormant today among the poor in our communities. The CBC budget puts a premium on education and training.”