Political Quotes

“recognizing the fact that serious disparities continue to exist for African Americans in practically all aspects of life, the Congressional Black Caucus has focused much of its attention this session on closing these gaps and reducing those disparities. Unfortunately, this budget, this appropriation in many ways dashed the hopes of those who had thought and hoped that maybe it would provide some help. Instead, it cuts at the heart of many of these programs and areas of concentration, which are absolutely essential if we are to reduce these gaps. This budget cuts job training, job development programs, health services, education. We reduce educational opportunities and cut funds for prisoner reentry and successful reintegration of these individuals back into normal life as self-sufficient and contributing members of society. I would hope, I would urge, I would implore, I would importune conferees that as you go to conference, please look seriously at putting money back into reentry programs so that these individuals, both juveniles and adults, can lead happy, productive, contributing lives; and let the 630,000 individuals who come home from prison each year have some help to become productive citizens.”