Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the decision by the Corporation for National and Community Service, or CNCS, to close all State and territorial offices and replace them with eight regional offices. If this plan is implemented, just by way of example, the office in my home State of Rhode Island will close. If this happens, we will lose the local experts who understand the histories and cultures of the communities they serve, and with them, the years-long relationships that they have built up in our communities. The closures will particularly harm smaller organizations that rely on CNCS, like New Urban Arts, the Rhode Island Free Clinic, Federal Hill House, and Riverzedge Arts. That is why I have joined my colleagues in sending a letter to CEO Barbara Stewart opposing the plan, and why I am cosponsoring Representative McCollum's Keep Community Service Local Act. At a time when Americans, particularly our young people, report feeling evermore disconnected from their government, programs like national service and civics education are crucial in helping to repair the fabric of our democracy. Let's not let this decision stand. Let's see it turned around. Keep these offices open. ____________________”