Nydia M. Velazquez: “I rise today in strong support of the alternative budget offered by Congressman Mfume on behalf of the Congressional…”

“I rise today in strong support of the alternative budget offered by Congressman Mfume on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, in coalition with the congressional progressive caucus. Mr. Chairman, this alternative budget is not about outlays. Instead, Mr. Mfume and his colleagues are presenting us with a blueprint for the safest and wisest investment in this country today--an investment in our people. First, this budget allows an additional $2 billion in funds for job training and job creation. We must make this additional investment and make it now. We have been losing the moderate- and high-paying jobs that once allowed many workers in this country to lift themselves and their families up to a better life. Many are being replaced by low-wage, low-benefit, no-future employment. This alternative budget provides additional resources to give our people the skills and training they need to contribute to, and benefit from the economy of the future. Second, the Congressional Black Caucus' substitute it allows additional investments in the education of our children. It would raise the number of disadvantaged students served by compensatory education programs, fund improvements in elementary and secondary schools facilities, and raise the maximum Pell grant awards for low-income college students. Mr. Chairman, our children are our future. More dollars for education means a brighter tomorrow for the Nation.”