Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Starbucks and their new program called the Upstanders series for recognizing Baldwin Community Schools and the Baldwin Promise. The Upstanders series was created by Starbucks to showcase uplifting American stories. I believe that Starbucks found a uniquely inspiring story to tell when they highlighted Baldwin, Michigan. Baldwin Community Schools was designated as a Michigan Promise Zone in 2009, meaning that every child who attended school in Baldwin has a tuition-free path to a college education. Earning this designation took commitment and sacrifice from the entire Baldwin community. In order to be designated, the village of Baldwin had to privately fundraise over $100,000. Baldwin looked within for those donations, even though it is located in Lake County, the 22nd poorest county in the Nation, where more than 24 percent of the residents live below the poverty level. They not only hit their goal, but they exceeded their goal. In fact, they raised more than $160,000 than what the goal had been. The people of Baldwin and their commitment to their community, one another, and, more importantly, future generations truly is exemplified by this story. I would like to thank Starbucks again for what they have done to highlight that. This is really what community in west Michigan is all about. I want to thank them again for creating this series and then recognizing Baldwin and sharing that story with the Nation. ____________________”