Political Quotes

“I think it is really important, and I am glad the ranking member did mention the opportunity zones. One of the key controversies around opportunity zones right now is that out of the hundreds of opportunity zone census tracks that were chosen, five did not qualify under the poverty guidelines requirements for opportunity zones. Reporting like this creates transparency and accountability, Mr. Chair, and that is why it is critically important that we don't make the mistake again to support these kinds of tax breaks and loans and opportunities through the Federal Government without any accountability and follow-through with the United States Congress annually. That is why it is critically important. We are talking about five communities that should not have gotten the opportunity zone designation, including two in the city of Detroit that were promoted by billionaire Dan Gilbert. It should never have been designated. They didn't qualify, Mr. Chair. That is why it is important that we have these kinds of amendments and requirements that the United States Congress can then proceed to create transparency. I fully support, obviously, opportunities for development in communities that deserve it, especially representing the third poorest congressional district in the country. However, we cannot allow those political donors, like the billionaire Dan Gilbert, to pick and choose where those opportunity zones are designated.…”